Today I wanted to talk about something that doesn’t directly impact parents, however will matter to the parents who read this blog. The honest reality of things are that most people who blog, want to make some extra money from their website. Even the ones who have personal blogs eventually put links up that will generate them some money.

Now granted these people are not looking to get rich and quit their jobs from it, but an extra fifty or hundred in the pocket a month sure can come in handy. This is why when you visit most blogs the have google adsense links and/or adbrite links in the side menu. These advertisements are supposed to be targeted so they are useful to the visitor of any given blog. They are supposed to deliver relevant ads.

Well I to want to make money from this blog, however I refuse to do it at the expense of my readers. I don’t trust some random advertiser to deliver things my visitors care about. So instead I hand pick my advertisements so I know just how relevant they are for a parent. What types of advertisements? I’ll show you!

First of all, we all know from our own childhood the very long time trusted name of highlights right? You remember those fun puzzles, the find these images in the picture, the mazes, and the magazine sitting in the doctor or dentists offices right? Well they still exist. Now however it doesn’t stop at the magazine (although as you can see from the picture, the magazine is still around and can be purchased by visiting site). Now highlights.com offers a full range of trusted childhood items. They have toys, magazines, and even children’s clubs. They have things from infant right up to teenagers. They truly are a tried and trusted name.

It is for this reason and this reason alone that you can find a link in my sidebar to their website. Does it generate me money? A little bit. But more importantly are the facts that I know when my readers buy products from them, they get what they expect and its a quality product.

It doesn’t stop at highlights either. I also have links to both the nickelodeon and the nick jr magazines. The Nick Jr magazine is specifically designed for parents with preschool and younger children. It has great ideas for creative parenting. It also has a section for children called Nick Jr. Noodle – a fun-filled pull-out section starring favorite characters from shows like Blue’s Clues, Franklin, and Maisy. Every issue of Nick Jr. Magazine also includes interactive features for both a parent and their child to enjoy together. Things such as read-together stories, crafts, cooking with kids, and field trip fun.

The nickelodeon magazine is geared for parents and children ages 6 to 14. This magazine is wholesome, imaginative, and truly from a child’s point of view. Nick Magazine sees the world from your child’s perspective, where it’s fun to laugh – to think – to do – to learn.

The point I am trying to make is that I have carefully selected things I have used with my kids, will use with my kids, and think others would also be interested in. I didn’t blindly put up advertisements to make a quick buck. Why am I telling you the reader these things? Well for two reasons. First I want to be known as a trusted source. I want people to see I make a real effort at not just being a good parent, but also at helping others be a good parent also. The second reason is because I hope some of you out there may see how hard I am trying and finally break down and buy your child one of these magazines, or some of the products from these websites. It helps your child grow and learn, while at the same time generates some money for one of your favorite bloggers… me!

So if you don’t like the things I try to market, or you think they aren’t relevant, then send me a comment and tell me what you would rather see. After all, as much as I write this blog for myself, I also write it to see the perspective of other parents. So go ahead and don’t be shy. Also leave me a comment if you do decide to buy something from one of these websites. Let me know what you buy and what you think of the product. Perhaps you already own some of these things? If so, leave a comment telling me what you think of the product/magazine. I am always looking for feedback, especially when involving parents and parenting.