Established in 1978, The Foundation is the nation’s oldest nonprofit guide to quality children’s media and toys and is trusted by parents for their objectivity, respect, and expertise in child learning and development, helping make informed decision about the right products for their children.

According to the Foundation, Trampolines were not usually recommended however the Springfree™ Trampoline’s unique design has changed history.

Although our judges are not in the habit of awarding trampolines, the Springfree™ Trampoline had so many unique safety features that they couldn’t deny.  Our testers, ranging in age from six to sixty-six, found skills they hadn’t known, confidence that needed reawakening, and a hefty dose of much needed family fun.  If your family has been thinking about a trampoline, this is highly recommended and worth serious consideration.

This Award reflects Springfree™ Trampoline’s commitment to safety and innovation and is a testament of parent’s belief in choosing the safest products for their children. Trampolines provide so many developmental and health benefits but until the Springfree™ Trampoline the benefits were outweighed by the risk.

For more information about The Parents Choice Foundation please visit…http://www.parents-choice.org/aboutpcf.cfm

Erin & Emma meet Alison Braun

 “You need to get out of your comfort zone and jump for joy” says the inspirational Alison Braun.

 The once self confessed overweight mother stole the hearts of the Australian nation in the 2008 Biggest Loser competition.

I had the pleasure of meeting Alison at the Sydney Women’s Expo where she shared her journey of shedding over 50 kilos, and reintegrating to ‘life on the outside’.  So many people praised how fantastic she looked and how much they loved watching her on TV.  Asked how she deals with the attention, her reply, ‘[it’s]…Just Humbling’. 

 Now Alison travels around Australia aiming to inspire women to get fit – and the key according to Alison is the power of the mind. 

 When I heard Alison encouraging people to ‘Jump for joy’, I automatically thought of my experience trying to get mothers to have a jump on the Springfree™ Trampoline.  At the event I offered many mothers the opportunity to have a bounce, but their response was “Oh No… I couldn’t jump I would probably fall apart”. But once they make the decision to get out of their comfort zone, and give it a go, they have an absolute ball!

Alison is proof that your body can do amazing things, when you’ve got your head right.

So I propose a mission to all mothers, women and anybody who hasn’t jumped out of their comfort zone for a while – go crazy!  Try something new, do something different – heck get out to the backyard and jump on the Springfree™ Trampoline if you’re one of those mothers who thinks… Geez that looks fun but I couldn’t do that!!

 I needed to read on to find out what qualifies as a ‘GOOD’ excuse to  leave your waddling partner at home, tired and swollen, to go have a drink with the boys.

Then there was the word EDUCATIONAL… obviously this article was orchestrated by a group of men sitting around the poker table one night in a brainstorming session on how to get away from the hormonal wife…

What they were really talking about is a concept called Beers and Bubs – a 2.5 hour session aimed at men who are too busy to make ante-natal classes or find it hard to speak up in a clinical environment. The group discusses pain relief, birth etiquette and caesareans over a meal, beer or soft drink. 

 How do you feel about his concept?  Good idea or lame idea?  I asked some of the Springfree™ Trampoline mothers what they thought…

 Trudie – Costumer Service & Mother of 4.

 What a joke. If they have time to go to the pub why do they not have time to go to an Anti-Natal class?

 Tanya – Assistant Marketing Manager & Mother of 2

 I know my husband squirmed all the way through antenatal classes.  I found often the men wouldn’t join in the conversations as they didn’t appear to want to share their feelings and thoughts in front of the women or perhaps felt they weren’t entitled to contribute as they weren’t as impacted by the pregnancy as the women.  A male only group environment would enable them to share and discuss the experience from a man’s perspective, having the ability to be completely open and honest about their circumstances and learn the role a man can play in the pregnancy, birth, and then nurturing of the child – the men I know seem to feel lost and unable to contribute and they’re reluctant to discuss issues with their partner for fear of upsetting them or being misunderstood. They want to help, but have little idea how.  Learning these skills can not only help them become more included in the process, it would benefit their partner greatly and encourage a more harmonious environment for the child – and its cheap therapy!  Antenatal in the pub – what man wouldn’t go! 

 Leanne – Administration and HR Manager & 15 Weeks Pregnant

 I do like the idea that they can feel comfortable in an environment and feel as though they can talk more freely.  We are yet to start ante-natal classes but other fathers have already got my husband dreading some of the things he will have to sit through.

Blogged: Erin @ Springfree Trampoline Australia.

Tuesday 13 October 2009

Considered an epidemic, child obesity is a world-wide issue and will continue to be at the forefront of medical and psychological research.  That’s why 300 schoolchildren and their families in the UK took part in the ‘EarlyBird Diabetes Study’ – to find out what happens in childhood that can lead to the development of diabetes in later life.

In summary the EarlyBird Diabetes Study conducted by UK’s leading obesity charity found that:

• Kids generally aren’t doing enough exercise or eating the right food
• There is Evidence of a link between overweight parents and children with a weight problem
• Obese mothers are 10 times more likely to have obese daughters
• Obese fathers are 6 times more likely to have obese sons

After reading the findings, I wonder if you too will have the same reaction as me…. DUH!!!!! 

Of course there are genetic factors to consider but one would assume these findings are a no brainer – you are a product of your parents. You eat what they serve; you pick up habits (good and bad) from your parents and of course if they represent an unhealthy attitude or routine towards food, you are more than likely to share this! 

But what is causing real controversy in Britain is the idea to introduce educational sessions in pre-natal classes to those who are overweight on how to avoid over-feeding your children.  Midwives are worried that this type of action will jeopardise the health of pregnant women and their babies.

What do you think?  Do you think these classes could be successful in combating obesity or cause more trouble to the state of health?

Not to plug ourselves too much, but let them get a Springfree^TM Trampoline – I mean you won’t have to bribe the kids to use them, and they’ll be outside exercising!

Research:

http://www.earlybirddiabetes.org/findings.php

Blogger: Erin, Communications Coordinator.

Named after the magnificent racing mare, Makybe Diva, Adelaide’s exclusive girls Diva Club was launched in 2007 to raise money for the Kidsafe SA branch.

The luncheon fundraiser has grown and is now Kidsafe SA’s most profitable fundraising event of the year, helping them to raise awareness for accidental child injury.

And their latest luncheon was no disappointment – with hundreds of raffle tickets sold to win an SF40 Springfree™ Trampoline. The ladies had their DIVA glare going when long time Kidsafe supporter, Jo Connolly won.  Well not really, everyone was stoked for her, but let’s not ruin a good story.

Springfree™ Trampoline is very happy to be able to partner with Kidsafe as we both share a united vision – to keep children safe!

For more information on Kidsafe Australia please see www.kidsafesa.com.au

For any further info on Springfree™ Trampoline, please visit the Springfree Trampoline website.

Thanks for reading – until next time, safe jumping!

Researchers from San Diego State University and the University of Georgia analysed the names of 325 million children born in 1880 or later and found just nine per cent of boys born in 2007 were given a “top 10″ name, compared with 32 per cent in 1955.  For girls, only eight per cent had a top 10 name in 2007, versus 22 per cent in 1955.

According to Pamela Redmond Satran from Nameberry.com‘s and co-author of 10 books on baby names, in another 10 or 20 years, to name your child Jennifer or Jessica, Jason or Justin will seem as outrageous as Gertrude or Myrtle today.

With popular culture paving the trend you just need to look at this year’s celebrity baby names to get a feel for the future.  The question is how far can names really go?  Nicole Richie named her kid Sparrow, Bono had a Memphis and of course no one can forget little Apple, child of Gwyneth Paltrow. And taking it right up a notch, ‘My Name is Earl’ star Jason Lee named his kid Pilot Inspektor! (What the??!)

But if everyone is trying to come up with fancy and outrageous name to stand out, won’t they all just fit in?

Canada‘s top girl names of 2008

1. Emma

2. Mikayla

3. Sarah

4. Sophia

5. Maya

6. Danica

7. Emily

8. Ava

9. Isabella

10. Lily

Canada‘s top boy names of 2008 (distils multiple spellings)

1. Ethan

2. Aiden

3. Lucas

4. Kaden

5. Jayden

6. Nathan

7. Logan

8. Noah

9. Liam

10. Jack

Full Article:

http://www.vancouversun.com/What+baby+name+Distinctive+tags+common+ones/2047797/story.html

On her show Garden Angels, she couldn’t stop raving about the Springfree^TM Trampoline in last week’s episode on the Lifestyle Channel.

Close and personal with Jody on her Springfree!

The backyard legend even had a jump on a Springfree SF90! Over 133,031 viewers tuned in to watch the segment which was all about great new outdoor features for the backyard.  What can we say… the Springfree™Trampoline is without a doubt a crowd puller!

Springfree’s Assistant Marketing Manager, Tanya, gets to know Garden Angle Jody Rigby

Garden Angels is a 12-part half-hour practical gardening series on The Lifestyle Channel.  At 7:30pm every Thursday, The Garden Angels provide advice on turning your outdoor living space into a feast for the senses, a place to grow your own food, and relax in with family and friends.

Did anyone see us on the show???  Or has anyone famous jumped on your Springfree™ Trampoline?? Let us know by leaving a comment or posting to our Facebook fan page.

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For any further info on Springfree™ Trampoline, please visit the Springfree Trampoline website.

Thanks for reading – until next time, safe jumping!