Kids Learn to Share (With an App!)

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Captain McFinn. I received a complimentary subscription to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

Last month, we had a lovely visit with Grandma Diane. She came for four days from California with her sister, Aunt Betty. The kids were so happy to have attention and love bestowed on them from relatives they don’t see as often as we’d like. One thing that Grandma brought with her, was an iPad. On more than one occasion she brought it out, and let my Little Man play games on it. {A good Grandma always has great kid’s games on the iPad, and she did not disappoint.}

So for the first time, my Little Man played on an iPad and loved it. After Grandma left, I added some games to our own iPad and iPad Mini for him. One game we added to our devices was Captain McFinn’s Swim & Play. Imagine my surprise when this preschool app (available only for iPad at this time) was not only loved by my Little Man but also my seven year old daughter! Thankfully, we have two devices so they don’t have to share – they can each play on their own. (Note, you must be connected to Wi-Fi to play this game.)

Sharing is hard for kids isn’t it? Especially younger children. My Little Man honestly dislikes sharing with his sister. This is why I love when apps are not only educational but also teach the importance of group sharing. Both my kids can play this game and learn great social skills and be entertained at the same time.

When did you kids first start enjoying apps on the iPad, your smart phone, or tablet? We like Captain McFinn’s Swim & Play because it is truly personalized game play for the kids. (This game is intended for children ages 3-5). Children sign up with their name and a live Explorer is ready to greet the kids who are logged in (7 am- 7 pm PST) by name. This underwater adventure is interactive – you play with the other kids in the game and you share the live Explorer with everyone. Each child has their own fish avatar and they get to complete daily learning activities. Children will get badges, build sand castles, dress up, and clap for the other players. Within this app, you’ll find full length Captain McFinn episodes and music videos as well. My Princess loved those episodes as well as the educational facts of the underwater life.

My Little Man just likes swimming around underwater and tapping anything he can. When he hears his name, and the praise from the live Explorer, he is pretty excited too.  As a mom, I am thankful that this game is secure and safe for the kids to play. This app is based on the popular storybook character, Captain McFinn who lives in Sand Dusty Reef. In addition to the free play, you can also subscribe to this app for 1 month, 3 month, and 6 month periods. (Visit the app page on iTunes for details.)

[Tweet “Developing good behavior? Learning social skills? Captain McFinn is the kind of app for us!”]

Disclosure: The app complies with all COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) safety standards, so although parents/children can see the host, the host cannot see them. Through proprietary technology, the host reacts to prompts, responses and creations by the child and texts from the
parent (through a secure chat box) to make the interactive experience truly customized.