Kids Marketing Programs Need To Appeal To Moms Too

According to a recent article in the New York times, the F.T.C. estimated that food companies spent $1.6 billion to market their products to children in 2006.

Most of this was on TV advertising, which provides little or no real value to kids... and has consumer watchdog groups on the attack.

In order to market effectively to children, and avoid a consumer backlash, the industry is moving toward kids programs that offer something that parents approve of and kids enjoy.

Even the big guys, McDonalds, Burger King, and Coca-Cola, are changing their strategies, according to a report in Brand Republic.

Burger King has launched its first campaign to explicitly target mothers, while McDonald's is overhauling its Happy Meal toys to push an educational message among parents.

Coca-Cola, too, has recognized the need to develop a relationship with mothers and has shifted its focus to promote healthy, active lifestyles, as its products have been removed from schools and TV ads aimed at children curtailed.

That's why Kidzsmart has developed kids programs that kids enjoy, moms approve, and that can be fun for the whole family.

Based on sound educational principles that encourage literacy and numeracy, Kidzsmart's branded activity books, custom board games, and other promotional materials pass the parent test... and encourage them to play along!

Market Moves...........

Wow, the market for custom branded activity books continues to surprise!! More and more customers are recognising the opportunity to market their brand to children and families through interactive puzzles and games, both in the restaurant market and in our other markets. We recently completed a project with Telus, a large Telco in Canada and we're very excited about assisting them in reaching their family audience.

We are also, at customer requests, working on innovations designed to eliminate the need for plastic toys from China which have typically been used to augment childrens' programs at restaurants. The customers of restaurant chains are looking for environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic toys (not to mention the recent lead-poisoning scare ) and restaurants are responding - therefore so is Kidzsmart. Look for news on an innovative line of environmentally friendly table toys coming soon!