Last Updated on February 24, 2015 by Babita
Do you as a parent ever wonder how to teach your children to be kind, and not use bad and tacky words as a way to express their feelings? If you have, then you are not alone. These days using bad words have become the norm and the cool thing to do. I know it. I have one in middle school and through her have access to all the colorful words she is exposed to on a daily basis.
So when I was asked to review the Tacky Box, I remember thinking that it is such an interesting concept. The concept of Tacky Box is really very simple. Either you or you child reads the accompanying storybook. They then identify the bad or the “tacky” words. They write the words on a piece of paper and put it inside the tacky box. These tacky words are never to be used again. To make it fun, children can then color or decorate the tacky box the way they want it.
The Tacky Box was created to inspire kindness in kids. It is the brainchild of Chris Kent Phelps, who came up with this concept while dealing with her daughter’s tacky behavior. She then partnered with her mom Cindy Kent who created the characters of Margo and Max the monkeys in their storybook. Through Tacky Box they aim to spread awareness and the Campaign for Kindness. They want to encourage each and every child, parent and educator to participate in this campaign to “Make the world a kinder place, once child at a time”.
When we received the Tacky Box package my little one ‘S’ was pretty excited. She is seven and by now she is aware of bad behavior and tacky language. However, once in a while a tacky word does slip out when she is arguing with her sister. This Tacky Box a perfect way to remind her of inappropriate behavior.
So after we opened the package we went through the box for instructions. The instructions were to read the book. ‘S’ who hates to read, did not mind it at all. She gladly read through the whole book.
Within the story she then identified the tacky words. She wrote those words and put them in the tacky box. I have to be honest, the reason she did all of these things pretty quickly was because she wanted to get on with her decorating.
She then painted the box and while waiting for the paint to dry, she went around hunting for more tacky words (this was not part of the process). She was so excited she actually wanted to fill her box with as many tacky words as she could come across.
My review:
I feel the Tacky Box concept is very creative and thought provoking. It is informational, and it allows children to think for themselves. It also allows the children to take responsibility for their behavior and actions. As a parent I like the fact that I can use it as teaching tool to foster good behavior and kindness. I also like the fact that as a parent it made me aware of some of the inappropriate words I use sometimes (which is very rare… wink, wink).
The creative process of decorating the box, I think is great to keep kids occupied. The story of Margo’ s Magnificent Choice is original and motivating. I personally feel this would make great gifts for both girls and boys.
If you wish to spread the “Campaign for Kindness” make sure you visit the Tacky Box website. It is recommended for kids (boys and girls) from the ages of 3–8, and each kit retails for $29.95
[box]Disclosure: I was provided with a Tacky Box for girls’ kit for review purpose. I was not provided any other compensation. All opinions and thoughts expressed here are my own.[/box]
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My children have a Tacky Box. I love this program! Your daughter did a great job decorating hers!
This is a good idea! I hate it when kids call names (mine included!).
Interesting concept. I fear that calling attention to the words might make them more appealing to kids though.
This is such an interesting way to teach kids not to say bad words. My son doesn’t say bad words (around me that I know of lol) He once dropped the S word by mistake and he freaked out more than me! If he hears the bad word coming from someone he will say “Don’t say that, that’s a bad word” lol
What in interesting idea! I can’t say that I’ve heard of the Tacky Box but I like it!
This is definitely an interesting concept!
What a great teaching tool. It’s cute how excited she got and I think she did an excellent job on decorating the box. I’m curious how many tacky words she finally collected though.
That is a truly unique concept – my son is three, and we’ve already started the “we don’t use those words” discussions.
I really like the concept of this box. My girls are getting to the age where they think it’s fun to insult each other, which is definitely not fun for any of us!
Frankly, this is a terrific idea for adults and children. If a Tacky box would help us all be kinder to each other, I’m all for it. 🙂
What a great idea! I like this, I’m trying hard to get my kids to stop these name calling games. It’s so hurtful to people and I would hate for them to do it at school.
Thats a good idea to keep everything in one place. I really need to keep on the ball with learning activities.
“Stupid Head”- that’s one I haven’t heard in awhile. My kids are pretty good with using appropriate language, but the Tacky Box sounds like a great way to help teach children how to be nice.
This is an interesting idea for kids to get the bad words from their vocab out. However, I do not think I want to expose my kids to them in the first place.
Never heard of this but what a great idea,Your Daughter did a great job decorating Her box.
What a unique and much needed concept. It clearly had an impact on your daughter since she wanted to continue to participate. She did a great job decorating her box too.
I think this is such a sweet way of teaching kids good behavior.
What a creative product! Directs the kids in the right way and then lets them take over – I like it!
Love that kids can learn the difference between nice, kind words and bad words. When my kids were younger, we really tried to teach them not to say certain words even though other kids said them at school.
What an interesting concept, it sounds like it caused fun and learning you home 🙂 x
This is an interesting concept. I think this would be great to help prevent bullying.
What a clever idea. We’re working so hard on this now that my older two are in second and third grade.
what a fun way to teach kids about kind words and mean/tacky words. I like how the kids are involved in spotting out tacky words and words that shouldn’t be used.
That’s an interesting concept for teaching kids. I should try that tacky box
My son has taken to using the word ‘idiot.’ I have no idea where he heard it or why my gentle corrections are not stopping him from using it. That would be the first word in our Tacky Box, let me tell you!! 🙂
I like the idea of it – its creative in a way. 🙂
kids are so mean to each other now a days as parents don’t take the time to think of the kindness lessons. I think a Tacky Box for girls’ kit is just what would be perfect for my 6 year old daughter.
This is a great idea for children! Teaching the importance of being kind to others can be a struggle at times, a tool like this would be a great help.
That’s an interesting idea for kids to know for sure what words need to be eliminated from vocabulary. Glad she liked it so much!
I’ve never heard of the Tacky Box before but wow what a wonderful idea for kids! I absolutely love it! This should also be in schools to help prevent bullying, maybe start in preschool and kindergarten. I think it would help a lot. Plus it allows kids to be creative and have fun while learning something important.
I like the concept of this, but my children do not know the word “fatso” that I know of, so I am not sure I would want to arm them with insults that they might use later in life. I think I would prefer to keep my kids innocent as long as possible.
Anything that can teach kids to be nice is great. I have a hard time dealing with bratty kids. The Tacky Box may be something my GS needs.