Sunday November 6th, my little family and I headed to the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles to check out the latest and greatest from Nick Jr. I was compensated for attending this event sponsored by Nick Jr. and Mom.me. The thoughts and opinions below are my own.
Since I have a little guy, I was way more well versed in Blaze and the Monster Machines than Shimmer and Shine, but it only took me a few minutes to fall in love with Shimmer & Shine when I watched an episode. I truly thought that Shimmer & Shine and Blaze and the Monster Machines were going to be loved by girls and boys respectively, but I could not have been more wrong. I posted a photo from the event on my Instagram, I was pleasantly shocked at much crossover there was for both genders and shows. Both of the shows are very sweet and good natured. I like that they focus on being solution oriented and that good trumps not-so-good. The shows are easy to follow along for both preschool and kindergarten age kiddos and the themes are also very age appropriate.
Well the privilege of watching TV shows is fun for kids in the moment, but what is even more fun is when the shows come to life outside of designated tech time. At the event, my little guy got to drive one of his heros in life (Blaze can be whatever he desires to be) around. He was able to play with a remote controlled Blaze to his hearts content and dress up as a ??? and play with Blaze on a Speedway. He crafted, ate delicious food and played with friends. When we left there were tears about leaving the flippable Blaze and the speedway and we were SO lucky to be able to bring one home with us. Not only did we get to bring one home, we also received some other amazing gifts. One we have yet to open is the Shimmer & Shine Magic Flying Carpet that zooms around the house. This magic carpet is one of the crucial parts of each episode of the show and therefor a LOT of imaginary play and genie fun can be had with this. I actually really love “play” with toys from a TV show because as a parent you hear your kid(s) act out the different characters, You also hear how much or how little your kiddo understands the characters and the themes of the show. HUGE FAN!
Speaking of cool Shimmer and Shine experiences, my little guy got to meet the voices of Shimmer and Shine as well as the creator Farnaz Esnaashari-Charmatz. He was able to join story time with the “voices” read…how cool is that?!?!
I hardly ever say this, but I think I am enjoying these shows almost as much as my little one. As a mom, it is pretty cool to see a company like NickJr. creating quality educational shows that are still completely fun. The idea that learning is fun is definitely true with Blaze and the Monster Machines and Shimmer and Shine.
Thank you for an awesome afternoon Nick Jr. and Mom.Me!