Girls Say What?

2008

2008-01-02T11:44:00.000-08:00

We're so busy at AllyKatzz... the website, Pulse-Check Research and our new AK Ad Network, that I need to put my blog on hold for a while. But if you need to know something about tweenage girls, please shoot me an email or call me:

denise@allykatzz.com
202-415-1660 (cell)

Here's to a great 2008!

Denise

AllyKatzz on ABC World News Tonight with Charles Gibson!!!

2007-12-21T21:00:00.000-08:00

Spears' Pregnancy Prompts Sex Talk in Households

How Will You Talk to Your Kids About Sex and Teen Pregnancy?

AllyKatzz ON NPR!!

2007-12-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

All Things Considered with Melissa Block. Girls and Moms Respond to Teen Star's Pregnancy.

AllyKatzz in USA TODAY

2007-12-20T11:48:00.000-08:00

Spears' pregnancy is an opportunity for parents: Don't panic, just talk to your kids.

2007-10-16T06:36:00.000-07:00

We asked tween girls to tell us what they really want for Sunday Breakfast...then we asked them to rate them. Fruit didn't make the list!

Posted by Denise Restauri

It Wasn't Me!

2007-10-15T06:23:00.000-07:00

Do Tween Girls Blame The Dog?

Tween Girls are EVERYWHERE on the Web

2007-10-12T06:25:00.000-07:00

We asked AllyKatzz Tween/Young Teen Girls: How Many Websites do YOU have an account on?
7% said only 1 website
25% said 2-3 websites
67% said more than I can count

They're everywhere on the web.... even imdb. Here's what they say:

"well i have a lot I got Tagged,Bebo,Ally Katzz,Mizz Bimbo,My Dollmaker,Meez,Blingee,The N,I-Dressup,I got Yahoo,Hotmail,Trollz,Millsberry,Club Penguin,Imvu and datz bout it."

"i have too many to count i signed up for so many wesites and accounts i just dont know anymore!"

"More then I can count.... well i can count some.....Allykatzz of course, myspace, club penguin, neopets, imeem, icarly"

"cartoondollemporium, icononator, christianforum"

"uhmm like half of the websites out there! there are soo many I use! The ones I use most often though are allykatzz, imdb, myspace, myyearbook, facebook, yahoo (email), pagii, photobucket, care2, blogger, elf, foodnetwork, youtube, girlslife, seventeen, and esnips. woah that's a lot already!"

Posted by Denise Restauri

Tween GIRLS GET their WEB Info From Other Girls

2007-10-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

That's not a "missing bar" next to my parents. It is zero. Some girls said their parents tell them about kiddie sites, not cool sites. Other girls said parents are clueless about cool sites on the web. Some girls said parents have this equation: cool = not safe = stay away. And that's why they aren't looking to dear old mom and dad for cool websites... makes sense to me!

Posted by Denise Restauri

How Many E-Mail Accounts does One Girl Need?

2007-10-10T06:05:00.001-07:00

AllyKatzz tween and young teen girls told us (check out my post from 9/29) that they don't use email to talk. BUT over 59% have more than 2 email addresses. Disconnect? Yes. But it's not in the research. The disconnect is in what girls sign up for and what they actually use. They love to sign up for things, but then they forget they have them, forget the passwords or go on to the next new shiny object. In this case, they left email behind for the immediate gratification they get from text messaging and IM... or things that are more engaging like facebook.

"verizon, AIM(like, 2), yahoo, and tons of others i never use or can't remember"

"i have one that i use all the time, one that i check occasionally, and one or two that i share with friends. "

"oh i have two. aim and comcast. lol. i have had more than that but don't anymore."

"i made one for a web site, and that one has an attachment on it so my friends can email me, and i have an old one that i didn't want anymore because, it had a lame name that my mom made up."

Posted by Denise Restauri

Mags WIN: Celeb News

2007-10-08T05:15:00.000-07:00

AllyKatzz tween girls love being online... but it's not their #1 pick for celeb news:

Posted by Denise Restauri

Tween Girls Have RHYTHM

2007-10-05T05:50:00.000-07:00

Tween girls doubt themselves and question whether they should call boys, tell their parents stuff, try out for cheerleading... but one thing they think they've got is RHYTHM.

Tween Girls WAKE-UP

2007-10-03T06:07:00.000-07:00

Moms, Cell Phones, Pets and Siblings are all on the "what wakes up tween girls?" list. BUT NUMBER ONE, at the top of their WAKE-UP List: ALARM CLOCK!!!

Starbucks Not In Tween Girls' Wallets

2007-10-01T06:21:00.000-07:00

Some tween girls drink coffee at Starbucks. Some drink non-coffee drinks. Some get pastries only. Some don't go to Starbucks. And here's what they say about Starbucks' Gift Cards:
Posted by Denise Restauri

Tweens "TALK"????

2007-09-29T07:19:00.000-07:00

AllyKatzz Tween Girls tell us how THEY want to TALK to their friends:

TWEEN GIRLS Trust Friends to??? Part 2...

2007-09-24T05:48:00.000-07:00

It was back in the 60's... 8th grade... my friend Debbie wanted her ears pierced. We didn't have piercing places at the mall... it was the doctor's office.. but that meant asking mom and waiting... BUT Debbie wanted them pierced THEN. That's when and how I came up with my much sought after 5-step ear piercing process:
1. Throw russet potato in the freezer
2. Throw needle in boiling water
3. Freeze earlobe with ice cubes
4. Place frozen potato behind ear
5. Everyone takes deep breaths

Things certainly have changed. AllyKatzz Tween Girls Say NO WAY when we asked them if they would let a friend pierce their ears. They have lots of reasons... including the fear of mom, fear of pain, fear of uneven holes and fear of HIV from a needle. So maybe my 5-step process wasn't the best way... but we had a whole lot less fears... and a lot less to be fearful of.

Posted by Denise Restauri

Tween Girls TRUST their Friends to....

2007-09-21T06:12:00.000-07:00

How much do tween girls REALLY trust their friends? For starters... AllyKatzz girls say they do NOT Trust them with scissors!
Next week, we'll find out if they trust them with a needle!

Tween Girls Did NOT Watch Kid Nation

2007-09-20T05:04:00.000-07:00

Did AllyKatzz tween girls do what they said they were going to do - NOT watch Kid Nation? Girls who did watch it, what do they think? Bad News For Kid Nation...

68% did NOT Watch it last night.
24% Loved It.
6% said OK, not great
1% Hated It

Posted by Denise Restauri

TWEEN GIRLS PICK GOSSIP GIRL

2007-09-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

TODAY, We asked the AllyKatzz Girls - tween girls ages 10-15 what they'll be watching TONIGHT. Gossip Girl? Kid Nation?

Posted by Denise Restauri

What CELL?

2007-09-11T07:21:00.000-07:00

Has your daughter lost her cell phone? If yes, she's not alone. Over the weekend, we asked the AllyKatzz if they ever lost their cell phones... Above are the poll results. And here's what they said:

“Yesh, more than once! I lost it t a basketball game... and some how it was found in the boys bathroom.. There's many more but none as funny as that !"

“I always loose my cell phone. I've had mine for about two years now. The worst part about whenever I loose my cell is that It's usually not charged up so I can't borrow my mom's phone and hear the ringing! Then after I find my phone, (which I always do) I loose the charger!”

“i have once then i did a second time and actually it went through the washing machine :D”

If you're a parent, love to hear your stories.
If you're an inventor, I'd be thinking... "hmmmmmm"
If you're a marketer with a product that helps them find their lost phones, call me!

Posted by Denise Restauri

Tween Girls Are NOT Buzzing Bout Kid Nation

2007-09-05T06:35:00.000-07:00

There's lots of talk about Kid Nation... but it's adults talking about it. The show debuts on September 19... It's September 5 and 58% of the AllyKatzz girls have NOT HEARD about it. Another 15% have heard about it, but aren't interested in watching it. Only 26% have heard about it and want to watch it. We saw similar pre-debut results from the girls when Slumber Party Girls launched... a CBS tween girl show. The day before it launched, the girls were clueless about the show. My advice to CBS... you need a marketing plan to reach tween girls... those same girls who make High School Musical a hit do NOT know about Kid Nation.

Posted by Denise Restauri

Tween Girls -Drugs and Drinking

2007-09-04T15:19:00.000-07:00

Back to school… peer pressure… drinking and drugs.

We asked the AllyKatzz girls: Do kids at your school do drugs or drink alcohol?
42% say YES.
20% say NO.
36% don't know.

Here’s what they're talking about:

From a 12 year-old girl from California:
“none of my fiends have done drugs or aything my two of my friends get drunk a lot. its really uncomfortable. one new year they drank a whole bottle of champaigne AND WE ARE ONLY 13!!!!!!!! my mom let me have a couple sips but i would always say no thanks cuz champaigne tastes gross. but yea i have two friends who get drunk a lot like i mean a lot!!!!!”

A 13 year-old girl from Michigan:
“i know some people that drink, and i know a lot of kids at my school that take drugs."

A 13 year-old girl from Delaware:
“I have never tryed drugs but I know people who have done them some were my friends but I am not going to make the mistakes they made trust me.”

It's scary and sad... but it's their reality. More about drugs and drinking tomorrow.

Posted by Denise Restauri

Kid Nation

2007-08-21T10:14:00.000-07:00

You’re a parent and you see this casting call for a new reality TV show:

Need 40 kids. Girls and boys. Ages 8-15.
Mission: Bring a ghost town back to life.
Child’s Pay for performing tasks YOU wouldn’t want to do: $5,000.
No parents, no teachers. Anywhere.
In fact, kids can’t even talk to parents on the phone for 40 days.
But don’t worry about missing out on those 40 days with your child because you’ll get to see how happy or sad your child was – along with millions of other people - because they’ll be filmed in front of reality TV cameras. You’ll get to see them crying and saying, “I want to come home!” You’ll get to see them being humiliated and stressed. Maybe you’ll even get to see them saying, “Mommy, why did you let me do this?”

What are the first things that come to your mind? My first thoughts were questions:

Q: Is this Lord of the Flies meets reality TV? Who would air this?
A: It’s a new CBS reality show called Kid Nation.

Q: What do shows like this say to our tween and young teen girls?
A: I'll ask the AllyKatzz girls when it airs in September. I think their initial reaction based just on what they see on the show (not based on child abuse claims, etc) will be that it's cool because the stars are kids, just like them... AND they'll see the power of kids... the power to change the world. That's what they want to do ... change the world or at least be heard.

Q: Would I let my daughter do this?
A: No Way!

Q: What are these parents thinking?
A: I don't know. I think we should ask them and find out vs. speculating. Be good for morning TV.

Q: Do we need to give our children better ways to be heard, seen and change the world?
A: Yes.

Posted by Denise Restauri

Entertainment VS. Reality

2007-08-16T06:01:00.000-07:00

Girls do confuse TV characters with reality? Yes and sometimes to the extreme because these celebs spend so much time in their living rooms that the girls start to think they know them. And it's not always the superficial, "I Love Miley!"... some of these girls go much deeper. Note to self/all of us parents: Get our daughters out of the house and into reality with their REAL friends. These years are tough and it's easier for our daughters to watch other girls go through the drama vs. actually living the drama so they'll hide in front of the TV. The following is straight from a 13-year-old girl's AllyKatzz blog:

"Okay. I've seen ALOT of blogs about Celebs... But I can't help but ask... WHATS THE BIG DEAL?? Okay lets start with Miley Cyrus/Hannah MOntana... Okay.. I was teached that havin split personalities was a bad thing... I think she's THE ONLY celeb who has Split Personality Disorder and GETS famous off of it! And yes it's medical issue. Ask MP's Writing Frnd.. She's writing a book about it on her computer. AND she does ALOT of research! And I don't think she's all that gr8. Her music ISN'T BAD... It's just NOT GOOD... you know?? ANd her show is... well.. wierd.. It's funny. But she's RLLY mean and stuck up! ANd the episode she's SUPER mean to Jackson I wanted to hurt her! I mean she's not a bad actress she's just... augh.. And her dad is GR8.. Y he's on THAT show and not off making RLLY good music lyk he did.. Is BEYOND ME! Okay now.. Ashley Tisdale... She's RLLY arigant.. Well to me.. ANd well.. I don't know... I just don't care for her that much. And now Brenda Song she's pretty good.. Not perfect.. But who is?? She's a RLLY good actress.. And whats the big thing with the JOnas Brothers?? I don't understand.. Now the younger one.. NIck?? I think. Is cute.. But thats only because I lyk dudes with shaggy hair.. Well what do yall think?? Oh and EVERY one is entitled to having their own opinion PLZ don't bash me for havin mine none. And I won't bash urs.. U know?? Okay well gotta go.. PEACE OUT."

Posted by Denise Restauri

Girls ARE Shopping

2007-08-13T06:34:00.000-07:00

ALLYKATZZ PULSE-CHECK RESEARCH SAYS YES!!!!

Posted by Denise Restauri

TWEEN Girls BUZZ Marketing

2007-08-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

Do tween girls spread the word about their fave products? You can bet the mortgage on it... and when they find something they love or NOT, they want to tell the world ALL about it. These girls are alpha girls... they are peer influencers and other girls are listening to them.

LOVE IT! - this from an alpha girl from New York:
"i don't kno about u, but i decided to no longer use prducts that are tested on animals. then i learned that almost every toothpaste brand tests on animals! what toothpaste do i use now? my mom told me about Tom's of Maine. they make toothpaste, deodorant, mouthwash, soap, floss, and shaving cream in good smelling scents like lavender and apricot--and none of it's tested on animals! they also make all their packaging recylable and their energy at their factories is offset by wind power! neccesities that help animals and the enviorment? i'm there!"

Or NOT! - this from an alpha girl from Wisconsin:
"You've heard of Ipod...haven't you? Of course you have, why do I even bother to ask? You probably know some of the accessories but for sure don't know all of them. The basic ones are Ipod covers, skins, arm bands, "boom boxes" and much more. But how could someone come up with this? It is a toilet paper dispenser and plays your Ipod...these "Ipod Accessories Inventors" I think have gotten a little obsessive and a little crazy...don't cha think?"

Posted by Denise Restauri

Tween Girls Forge?

2007-08-08T13:50:00.000-07:00

We asked tween girls if they ever forge their parent's signatures...

What makes tween girls forge our signatures? AllyKatzz girls tell us why and how...

"i did cause my mom said to cause she was 2 busy 2 do it her self."

"yes i have alot cuz im really 4getful n at my old skool u had 2 get every test sined n i would always 4get so i would forge a signature "

"one time i got a dentition and forged my dad's handwriting "

"I admit, I did tat once in 6th grade. I had this horrible gym teacher, and I always forget stuff like that, so she said that if I didn't bring it in the next morning, I'd have to run 2 miles around the gym. Yeah. So, like me, I forgot. I was completely freaking out (I can't run for very long, I have trouble breathing and one time I passed out, but the teacher wouldn't listen.) and my mom wouldn't answer her phone, so my friend and I went down to the bathrooms and I copied my mom's signature perfectly. the teacher didn't suspect a thing. I know it was wrong... but I'm never going to do that again! I was so scared I'd get caught ALL throughout gym. That was like the worst feeling ever."

"Oh my god yes! Too many times! Lol, I know it's not exactly a laughing matter, but it is kinda funny! I even got to go see a concert by this one band. It was fun, but I did feel really guilty afterwards. =("

"only once!!! and it was becuz i had to have it done and i didnt get a chance to ask my mom that day thats the only reason!! only once and id never do it agian! "

Tween Girls Clique?

2007-08-07T16:38:00.000-07:00

Are Cliques in school really important to girls? Or do they seem more important than they really are? The AllyKatzz Tween girls tell us what goes on in THEIR schools.

First, we asked the girls, Are Cliques Important In YOUR school?

60% said yes and 40% said no. Then also told us that cliques aren't a boy thing. And then they said...

“The cliques in my school are seriously like the sterotype cliques. They actually try to break people up, try to sabotage other people's social status's, they even have sterotype girls that are amazingly pretty. Then you have the cheerleaders, the snobs, the geeks, the nobodies, and then there are new people and people who are just okay that are quiet and shy i would probably be in that group but i am a cheerleader so i am kinda in both. But i try to never gossip. Our school is like mean girls but without the THREE plastics (there are like 5 or 15 but who's counting?), the cursing, and the parties. (i think the parties)”

“TOTALLY! There's football guys, band gurls, the girls who lyk luv trees, the smart girls, the smart guys, and geeks over all.”

“They are important in mine. I dont want to be in one, but the boys fall for the cliques and most girls want to be friends with the cliques. ”

“yes, and i hate them! most of the cliques are just based on clothes/money. and it stinks! ”

“yes if u came to our school at lunch thats the first thing that u would notice and if u where there for a couple of days no would figure out that no one messes with other peoples cliques and wear they sit !!!!!!”

“yes!!! not many boys at my school have cliques but almost all the girls do!”

“Yes! There are so many cliques at my school. You got the populars, the people that think they are popular but the really are not, the video game people, the sport guys, smart people, not so smart people. The list can go on forever!”

Posted by Denise Restauri

TWEEN GIRLS DUMB DOWN?

2007-08-06T06:55:00.000-07:00

AllyKatzz.com Girls SAY:

AND what tween girls are SAYING about dumbing down... straight from their AllyKatzz.com blogs:

"Boys are ALREADY dumb, so there's no point in even acting like we're not smart. The dumber we act the dumber they get!!"

From a girl who calls herself 'I will be famous'… "I just be myslef! They boys are always bragging about how smart they are, so I show them up! I am 1 out of 3 girls in my 8th grade math class (I'm in seventh grade!) and it feels good to show them wrong! Everywhere I go people are like "Oh, your blonde, so you most be dumb!" But I'm not! The only reason they think blondes are dumb is bcause look who else is blonde! Lindsey! Paris! Nicole! But I want to be a vet, and that takes four years of college!"

"they make me nervous so yes, i dumb down... but not on purpose!"

"No, I act smart to make them feel dumb, lol. Joking! I don't try and act dumb around anyone."

"usually guys go the dumb blonde pretty girls, but i dont think you should act dumb to get their attention"

"excuse me for my lack of seemly modesty, but im a lot smarter than most kids at my skool, so, i do try 2 dumb down a little, that way they all dont go "grammar snob". i kno, im weird! "

"i dont play dumb. i just be me cuz if they cant accept that, then thats their problem. i know a lot of girls who do play dumb and its obvious and really annoying and i can tell it gets on the boys nerves too."

"sometimes i get tounge tied but thats it! i dont try to act dumb!”

Posted By Denise Restauri

SIGN UP NOW!!! Ypulse Tween Mashup

2007-08-06T06:45:00.000-07:00

I didn't want to bury the lead! The Ypulse Tween Mashup will be held September 28 at the Javits Center in New York City in conjunction with Digital Life, a massive consumer electronics show. The Mashup is all about helping media and marketing professionals reach tweens using technology in a multi-platform world. I'm on the Advisory Board and for everyone who knows me, I only do things I really believe in!

Posted By Denise Restauri

Tween Girls Take Responsibility???

2007-08-02T06:32:00.000-07:00

We know that some girls cheat on their homework and exams. Now, what about taking responsibility for their actions? The AllyKatzz girls share what’s going on in their hearts and heads:

"I try to put the blame on somebody else, like my dog, or my younger sisters because I don't want to dissapoint my parents."

"If I'm wrong, I apoligize and promise I'll never do it ever again, well at least try not to. If I'm right, I keep my mouth shut."

"If you did something wrong you should take responsibility like a grown up."

"It depends on what I did (:"

"I hate it how some people deny everything and try to blame everything on other people......its called karma chicas"

"I accept all the charges. If you cant do the time, dont do the crime. "

"i do try to not accept responsibility but only if its totally mortifying (embarrassing) but i hardly do anything bad i usually take the blame but its hard"

"not only do i take responsiblility for what i have done but sometimes if i dont want my friends to get into trouble for something minnor i'll take responsibility"

Posted by Denise Restauri

Do Tween Girls Cheat?

2007-08-01T06:17:00.000-07:00

Here's What AllyKatzz Tween Girls Say:

" i did it twince on a spelling and vocab test then i felt really bad and i told my mom and she said it's okay as long as i don't do it again and i didn't"

"The ONLY reason I cheat on my homework is because I don't how to do it and my parents are busy or I 4got to do it.. so yea."

"i dont really cheat but sometimes me and my friends will "help" each other on homework. but thats it. i dont really call that cheatin"

"Never! I never do because someone could have all the wrong answers."

"on homework I might slip in a little calculator action, lol,but I never cheat on test/exams! Thats bad! And I only slip in calc. when I check over and when even my parents dont get it."

"Sometimes my mom does my homework when i am super buzy and already know how to do whatever it is"

Posted by Denise Restauri

Tween Girls Speak Up about MySpace

2007-07-30T15:07:00.000-07:00

Last week, MySpace deleted 29,000 convicted sex offenders.
This week, tween girls ages 10-15 tell us why and how. First, results from a poll dated Sunday, July 29:

Now, what AllyKatzz tween girls are SAYING about MySpace:

First, the standard work around the 14+ age requirement... straight from a 12-year-old tween girl: "Yeah, you have to get yor parents permission. But if you mke a new acount and put ur birthday as your older then 13 then you dont need to send in ur parents permission"

"I am on myspace. I'm only 11 but i'm super careful and i only talk to people i know."

Even without sex offenders, it's high drama. For many girls, this is a bigger problem than keeping predators away: "I don't want 1 and I don't hav 1! I HATE myspace! It causes SOOO many problems in jr. high and high skool becuz of all the drama!" (age 12)

"You guys, Myspace IS a safe site, it's about the people not the site. As long as you stay on private and only accept and talk to people you know, it's safe. Although, right now there are a lot of problems, so I might delete mine." (age 12)

Lots of girls said "My mom won't let me!" But not many girls said, "My dad won't let me!" Hmmmm. That's another subject for a different blog. The differnt roles that moms and dads have.

And this from a true AllyKatzz fan: "NO way! Too dangerous! Besides I'm sticking with allykatzz!!! I don't like myspace... and I'm almost 13"

What can YOU do to help keep your tween girl safe? Don't put your head in the sand. Talk to your daughter about what she likes or doesn't like about MySpace. What's the attraction? Making new friends? Peer pressure from school friends? How can she get the same results in a safer way? Forbidding her to have a MySpace page won't work. And forget the "put the computer in the living room" theory that is based on a crazy assumption that the only place our tween girls have internet access is where the home computer is. That's crazy.

Posted by Denise Restauri

What's a Tween Girl Dream Vacation?

2007-07-27T07:20:00.000-07:00

Do YOU Know?

2007-07-26T07:30:00.000-07:00

We asked the AllyKatzz girls, "WHO IS THIS??"

Are tween girls obsessed with being the best?

2007-07-24T12:56:00.000-07:00

AllyKatzz tween girls say:

What are tween girls obsessed about? Mostly grades and pleasing their parents:

“I'm really not obsessed with being the best...but my parents want me to be. It's tough to be a kid! :(”… age 12, Ohio

“I"m obseesed with it almost never happens even this yr I'm cutting myself off from any thing "social" after school cuz here colleges look ALL the way back to the 8th grade...grrr... I HAVE to study and I HAVE to get STRAIGHT 'A's”… age 13, Oklahoma

Posted by Denise Restauri

My Daughter Would Never Lie to Me

2007-07-23T06:28:00.000-07:00

Or would she? The AllyKatzz girls tell us the truth.

Posted by Denise Restauri

Strangers in Need. Tween Girls Vote.

2007-07-19T05:30:00.000-07:00

The AllyKatzz tween girls start off saying, “This is realy hard. I want to pick all of them." But forced to make a choice, here's what they say:

"It would be great 4 every choice. But I think sending a card 2 the older people in the nursing home is SUPER important becuz sick chldren get cards from family and friends as well as soldiers. The majority of people in Nursing Homes have no family at all. I am not kidding! It really brightens up their day and wouldnt u like 2 brighten up some1s day that has left the world 2 u like it is now? Old people r full of MANY things 2 tell. Their knowledge just goes 2 waste if no1 takes the time 2 hear about it. So I actually encourage u 2 make a card 4 some1 in the nursing home. I guarentee theyll brag about it 2 all the nurses, and keep it up in their room before they die."

"I think all of the above shud have been a choice! But I chose Soliders in Iraq! They carry the fear of dying everyday with them!"

"I said homeless cause I don't think they get enough attention and enough help... There life is really hard!"

"I think sick kids because i feel for them. poor things in the hospital laying there helplessly hoping Gods gonna help them."

Posted by Denise Restauri

Is That a Banana In Your EAR?

2007-07-18T05:39:00.000-07:00

Another AllyKatzz tween girl fave gadget!
"The next time your cell phone rings, pull this Banana out of your purse and make all your friends stop in their tracks! Its more fun than a barrel of monkeys! Made by Nanaco, it fits most cell phones and costs $12."

Posted by Denise Restauri

MORE TWEEN GIRL GaDgEtS

2007-07-17T13:21:00.000-07:00

The AllyKatzz tween girls love this gadget. Me, too!

"How convenient is this? With these sauce-dispensing chopsticks you’ll never have to dip your sushi in soy sauce again for $21, you can purchase two pairs of these chopsticks. You can get creative and put in ketchup and eat your fries a whole new way!"

posted by Denise Restauri

TWEEN GIRLS GADGETS and Gizmos

2007-07-16T13:07:00.000-07:00

AllyKatzz Tween girls are reporting on their favorite gadgets and gizmos. A girl from Texas shares one of her FAVE gadget finds:

The Japanese Noodle Cooler: Tired of blowing on your noodles to make them cool?Well then,this wacky pair of chopsticks is right 4 u!They're made in japan if u want 2 know.They come with a miniture fan attached to the pair of chopsticks,and if you want to turn it on,then u just flip the switch=D They can cool your noodles way better then you can by blowing on them,and you don't just have to use it to cool japanese noodle soup,you could fing other ways to use it,mabey to cool off you'r steamed vegetables,or to cool you'r spaghetti or pasta? I think this would b pretty useful in a food fight!You could just turn it on high and blow it to the person next 2 u!LOL!

It might make the chopsticks a little heavier though,so It would make it harder to use them.(As if it wasn't hard already LOL)So u decide if you would want it,or if you want to stick to the origanal kind.I think it's pretty cool,but I don't really mind blowing on my noodles either.

Posted by Denise Restauri

Do Girls Break Parents' Rules?

2007-07-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

And here's what they're saying:

"sumtimes bcuz im mad or hormones get the best of me."

"I don't. Does that mean I don't have a life? "

"why???? all there doing is keeping u safe..?????? like whats the point?????!?!?!"

"I don't becausse I don't kno the consequences!

ADD Does Not Mean ADDvantage

2007-06-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

Learning Differences can have a huge impact on our girls that goes way beyond grades. It eats away at their self-esteem...

This blog from a 12-year-old girl from New York:
"ADD does not mean ADDvantae... i am friends w/ this girl who has ADD. it is horrible that ppl think that just b/c she doesn't catch on as quickly as everyone else, they can be mean to her. they often say "hidden insults" to her, insults that aren't so obvious. she doesn't realize that their insults, but others do. they also never want to hang out w/ her b/c she's "stupid", but whenever they want something from her, they act all sugar sweet and act like their really her friends. she gets hurt a lot in the end when they turn on her. just b/c she has ADD and probably won't recongnize that you're teasing her, doesn't mean you should tease her. when you see someone w/ ADD, don't take advantage of them."

And this from an 11-year-old girl from South Carolina... “i know one of my friendz has it and the teacherz say that she needz extra help since shes ADD. THAT IZ SOOOO NOT TRUE!!!! She iz ttly smart and she iiz capable of what ever she has to do.”

Bathing Beauties

2007-06-29T20:25:00.000-07:00

We asked the allykatzz.com girls... What's YOUR SWIMSUIT? No surprises here...
Bikini - 59%
Tankini - 25%
One Piece - 16%

My Precious Little Girl...

2007-06-27T04:56:00.000-07:00

I'm switching things around today... instead of the tween girl's view... here's what EMO looks and feels like... from a parent, Laure. When I asked Laure for permission to share her email, she said: "If I can help someone else, it can't be anything but good." Thanks Laure.

"Jeez, I just dropped into the More magazine website to see how I can go about doing some freelance writing for them, since I am a very knowledgeable, worldly, seen it all 46 year old who thinks she has loads of wisdom to share with all her other over-40 friends...then I stumble upon your column about 'tween girls, emos and cutting and I'm reading all about my 14 year old. I just remembered that I don't have all the answers yet.

I found out that my precious little girl cuts when she gets upset--it started in the 8th grade, and it really emerged once she found a best friend, who has a habit of ditching her until the girl feels like hanging out with my daughter. The girl is very possessive so when my daughter tries to cut the cord, and do her own thing, this girl will step in again and take up all of her time, get in the middle of any other friends, and shoo away any boys my da ughter likes. My daughter then gets left on her own, alone, and this causes her to cut. I have finally observed that any time she gets rejected she cuts.

It's very frustrating because I have been in an abusive relationship before and I've tried to teach her to beware of getting into that sort of thing--never did I imagine that it wouldn't necessarily be a boy to mess with her head, but a trusted friend. Even though I have always been supportive, caring, loving and I think she is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen, and I don't just say that because I am the mom--she doesn't always believe it herself. She is very pretty but many times does not feel like she is. It is a shame because I can't do anything else to make her feel good about herself. I feel in my heart that this is something she will eventually work out of. To be honest, I personally feel that she heard about it awhile ago and thought it would be a dramatic way to do something scary and cool to maybe win people's attention or pity. I guess she is rather emo, when I think about it.

I have talked to her quite a bit about it. Most of the summer she will be away at camp, home on weekends, and I know she is having a blast at camp--thank God. I am hoping she can put this behind her to begin high school next year. The most important thing I can tell her is to tell me when something is bothering her, no matter what, because when she doesn't talk, and keeps something in, is when she seems to get the most upset. I don't know if its because she doesn't want me to be worried about her, or whatever, but she seems to keep a stiff upper lip around me even if she is very upset about something.

The one really great thing is that we have a good relationship and that I am capable of helping her through this. But I will tell you something--I always thought my daughter was stronge r than me, able to speak her mind all the time, not painfully shy like I was when I was her age...so this situation has blown me out of the water. I think we will be able to work on this together though--because I am not going to be able to do the counseling thing right now. I believe that the more I know about and read about this issue, the better informed I will be about it, and the more I can help her. She has total faith and trust in me.

One of the really great things about being over 40 (okay, over 45, dammit) is that we have seen and heard a lot, and if we are at least halfway well adjusted, we can take on anything that comes along.

Thanks for some very insightful information. It was very helpful to me to read what the girls were thinking. I am sure if you look at my daughter's myspace (which i loathe) some of those comments could have come from my daughter a couple of months ago. "

Posted by Denise Restauri

Good Day Paris!!!! I Said Good Day!!!

2007-06-26T06:40:00.000-07:00

I'll be on ABC News Now today... "In The Newsroom"... 3pm EDT... to talk about what tween girls are saying and thinking about Paris NOW!

Here's the Paris Hilton pulse-check of the AllyKatzz.com tween girl community:

Girls are tired of celebrity lies:
“PARIS BROKE THE LAW???!!! HOW CAN PEOPLE PAY MONEY TO TALK TO A CELEBRITY WHO BROKE THE LAW!!!!! IT'S JUST STUPID!!! SHE'S GONNA BE LIKE "OH, IT WAS UNFAIR OF THEM TO PUT ME IN JAIL..... I NEVER WILL GO BACK...." AND THEY'RE PAYING BIG BUCKS TO LISTEN TO HER LIE???????” … age 10, Hawaii

Paris should pay to be interviewed! And all monies go to charity.
“this is so stupid! who cares about a famous rich brat who takes advantage of everything? i think this is insane! who wud pay her for an interview?! especially when she already has LOADS of money! the people who REALLY need money r the homeless, people with diseases, the elderly, and other charities…. if anything, they shud be TAKING money from her!”... age 13, West Virginia

How outraged are the girls? Enough to keep their families from watching the interview? The Girls Vote:
• I vote to LET my family watch the TV Interview – 40%
• I vote to NOT let my family watch the TV interview – 60%

Why are they so outraged, but still wiling to watch?
They are a part of our celeb obsessed society… the good, the bad and the tears:

"i think i want to see her cry after wat all she has done so im watching it!!!!!"

"I said yes causeI want to see how pathetic she is!!"

Important Note: the girls who are responding aren’t mean girls… but Paris’ behavior makes them think mean thoughts because it’s the only way they can feel like the world is fair. Plus, Paris disappointed them.

How do they feel about the Larry King Interview?
Here’s what a 12-year-old girl from Connecticut says:
“… Larry King is AWESOME! I'm so glad he's not paying her! Thats a sighn that he doesn't support her so hopefully he'll make her say the truth. I think He wants to show the real paris not just what the press wants us to see. So I'll watch that.”

How do girls feel about the products that Paris endorses? Companies should be really concerned about this question because Tweens spend $51B annually and have considerable sway over another $170B annually spent on them by parents and family. Tween girls made the High School Musical soundtrack this year’s top-selling compact disc.

We asked: Will girls buy products that Paris Hilton endorses?
The girls responded:
• No way! I won’t buy anything Paris endorses – 48%
• I buy products I love – doesn’t matter to me if Paris endorses them - 49%
• Yes – I want stuff that Paris Likes – 3%

What about Hilton Hotels? Do girls connect the Hilton dots?
from a 15-year-old girl from Ohio: “…i don't want to stay at Hilton Hotels!! If she [Paris] were nicer, i would know her dad - the owner - raised her well”

from a 13-year-old girl from Alabama who is NOT a Paris fan: “… I lyk soft beds and maid service as much next person. I just don't lyk the daughter of the owner.”

What TIPS do tween girls have for Paris?
1. Start a charity or start giving BIG time to a charity.
2. Walk the talk : “…WHAT SHE NEEDS TO DO IS GO GET A JOB AT WAL-MART!!!! AND HER PARENTS NEED TO TAKE AWAY ALL OF HER FANCY STUFF, AND MAKE HER GET A JOB AT WAL-MART!!! THAT IS WHAT I THINK!! SHE NEEDS TO GO GET A MAJOR WAKE UP CALL, AND START ACTING LIKE SHE HAS SOME SENSE!!!! GOOD DAY PARIS! I SAID GOOD DAY!!!!” age 11, Georgia

For more about what tween girls are thinking and saying about Paris... watch ABC News Now!

Posted by Denise Restauri

High six-figure deal for Paris???

2007-06-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

New York Times Article this morning... ABC says it was outbid by NBC for Paris Hilton Interview because ABC was unwilling to make a "high six-figure deal" with Ms. Hiltons family. My daughter, Ally, who has the "Paris is a loser" attitude posted a blog on AllyKatzz to see what tween girls from across the nation think about this interview. Check out what tween girls are saying about Paris and her family.

PS: Book Review will now be every other Friday... so please stop back next week.

Posted by Denise Restauri

Summer Loving Tween Girl Style

2007-06-21T13:49:00.000-07:00

AlltKatzz girls are dreaming and wishing and hoping for a summer love – the romance and fun that is straight from the opening scenes of Grease…
Summer loving had me a blast
Summer loving happened so fast
I met a girl crazy for me
Met a boy cute as can be
Summer days drifting away to oh oh the summer nights.

What beach? The one at the mall!
“Dating is so stressfull! Sometimes i think its better if i was just single all the time! But as soon as i see an ubercute boy walking down the mall, i forget all those crazy "no boyfriend!" thoughts and dive right in. But sumtimes boys are a let-down. They can be totally cute but then they r plain jerks! its hard to find a cute and nice/sweet boy, isnt it? Me and my friends have made an oath...We will find the perfect boy this summer! we just have to!”... age 12

Tell me more, tell me more… was it love at first site?

“My favorite kind of boys are the punky band type. i think spiky hair, some kinds of piercings, and tatoos look good on boys. I also love their unique spirits”… age 14

“nice, honest, funny-a little, faithful, understanding, sweet, cute, a really good friend, 1 or 2 years older then me b/c they r much more mature, helping me when im down like if i had a friend prob or someone died”... age 13

“ummm skater guys…hot and preppy”... age 14

“I LIKE two types.
1. the bad boy -piercings r hot
2. the preppy type mixed with a little bit of skater/surfer type. they r so cute. ”… age 15

“even tho i DONT want a boyfriend, i think the perfect guy would be older than me a little, be really funny, and really kind. With long hair, too. I dont know why, long hair is just cooler!~~peace-out”… age 12

“a year older or younger and super cute and not too nice but nice and he wouldnt be afraid to act like himself!”… age 15

“my perfect guy would have to be atleast a lil cute (im not that picky)honest.sweet.not afraid to tell the truth.great friend.easy to talk to.unpredictable.and i think thats it”... age 13

“my type is like black longish hair... and well CUTE... skater/surfer types are the ones i always fall 4... ((hott 2))”… age 12

OK, not all girls are thinking about summer love. Some girls are humming See You In September:

“I think once school starts again I'm going to be boy crazy -_- the only thing is..They've taken our pride, they've taken our dignity, and now they've taken our eye-liner what a rip!!”... age 14

Dying of Boredom

2007-06-18T14:01:00.000-07:00

This blog is so funny. When tween girls are bored, you do NOT want to be the person, place or thing that causes their boredom! This blog is from a tween girl who calls herself skittles8:

"Over the weekend, I went to the Dean Martin Festival w/ my mom 'n my gramma in Stebunville, Ohio. let me give U guys a tip, NEVER GO THERE. IT SUCKS. its sooo boring. but let me give U the details...i didn't want to go from the start, but there was no one 7:30, which sucked because i usually wake up at ten. The drive there is two hours because Stebunville is right by the Ohio River, which is at the bottom of Ohio. the car ride was better than the festival! well, it is comfy in my mom's car. LOL. okay, so we got there, and we had to go to the church where Dean Martin went. If you don't know, dean martin was a famous singer way back when. okay, the church was boring. then we went to the parade. it was okay. then we went to this place called the Spot Bar, and behind it there was the place where people who looked and sounded like Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Marilyn Minroe were singing. And then Deanne Martin (his daughter) sung a few...BOREDOM AGAIN. Then we went to our hotel in West Virginia which was right across the Ohio River. I went in the pool which was the best part of the trip, i thought. After that we had to go to the night part of the festival. it was just like the afternoon's part. I was TOTALLY DYING OF BOREDOM. even my mom and gramma were. we wasted 30 dollars a seat on it! we went back to the hotel, fell asleep, woke up, drove back home, and that's it. Intreging, isn't it? SO NEVER GO THERE!! PLEASE DON'T. IF YOUR PARENTS THINK OF GOING, BEG THEM NOT TO. I wrote this blog for your own good."

I have one thing to say, I am so glad she's an AllyKatzz.com fan!

Posted by Denise Restauri

Tween Girls SUMMER READS

2007-06-15T07:23:00.000-07:00

The books that the AllyKatzz gave TWO PAWS UP! for this week. Tween girls are kicking off the summer with these books:

LBD books
It is a 3 book series about 3 BFFs living in London and facing normal problems. they are really good. one of the LBD (that what they call themselves), Fleur, has this wacko dad and his antics are funny. Claude is the best charcter b/c she is like every girl u love 2 hate at first, but then u see what a gr8 girly she is. And Ronnie...she's probably like every one of you that are reading this blog. Reviewed by 11-year-old

The tail of emily Windsnap
This book kept me busy 4 days!!!!!! … about a girl {emily} who discovers she is human out of the water and a mermaid when her legs get wet!!! P.S Tail is spelt like that because she has a mermaid!!!!!!! Reviewed by 12-year-old

Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover Or Title!
during summer we had to do a book report for the book TANGERINE BY EDWARD BLOOR! I looked at it and thought! omg this is going to be so boring. SO i started to read it.....then i started to understand the book! It got interesting and more interesting and i couldn't put it down! So just because the title or cover of the book looks unappealing it could stil be a GREAT BOOK! SO READ ON THIS SUMMER!!! Reviewed by 12-year-old

Clique … it's about these rich bratty teens that hate their leader's Dad's, Friend's, Daughter named Claire. Avalabile at Target, Walmart, Barns-n-Noble, your local book store, or you local library. Reviewed by 10-year-old

From the Files of Madison Finn
This is a great series!! It is about a girl named Madison Finn who is a commited blogger and web site surfer (just like us!) and her 4 bff's. They go through adventures and mishaps all along the series! 2 paws up! Reviewed by 14-year-old

Elsewhere is this new book im really love. Its a bit sad but unless u are like really sensitive to books then u wont cry… its about this girl who dies and goes to this place called elsewhere where everyone gets younger until they are young enough to become reborn. Reviewed by 11-year-old

You know how sometimes you read a book, and it's like, wow, that's a one of a kind, it was totally awesome? Well, Maureen Johnson writes those kinds of books. I've read The Key to the Golden Firebird and 13 Little Blue Envelopes, and they rock! Reviewed by 13-year-old

Quick Rates: More AllyKatzz 2 Paws up Winners for this week:

SASS Girl Overboard - soooo good it had jus the right amount of love, friends,and excitement…

What Every Girl (Except Me) Knows - wonderful book that is great for girls that are about to hit their teen years!

This is a must read too! Twilight and New moon by Stephanie Meyer…I just Love EDWARD!

The Warriors – one of my fave book series

Now You See Her and Milkweed…Also, I'm a HUGE fan of the Princess Diaries books and the TTYL books.

THE FINAL SUMMER OF THE TRAVELiiNG PANTS♥

Uglies-Pretties-Specials!! The best books!!!

All american girl and ready or not … these are two FAB books for the teenage soul!!!

goose girl byshannon hale! it is totally awesome, and i would read till 12 pm cuz i couldnt put it down!! it is a must read!!

Chew on This. It's all about fast food. If you want a motivation to stop eating so much junk, I recomend this book!

For all publishers and authors... please check out the AllyKatzz Book Club and the AllySTREETKatzz special book review mission. If you want AllyKatzz girls to read/review your books, please send an email to lindsay@allykatzz.com. The girls will be forever grateful!!!

What do Tween Girls Think about Lindsay Lohan?

2007-06-13T12:18:00.000-07:00

A year ago, here’s what allykatzz girls were saying about Lindsay Lohan:
“lindsay lohan is my fave actress and singer! shes so pretty shes so good in all her movies!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Here's what tween girls are saying about Lindsay Lohan TODAY:

Love her always: 4%
Like her: 14%
She's so yesterday: 15%
She's just so downright yucky: 29%
Really, who cares? 38%

"I heard she went to jail, along with Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton. Totally, those three are "Witches of Eastwick" casting spells on people for "fans". Totally old school.”

"Really, Who cares about her? She's just one of those "old child actress's who turned tabloid material" I used to really like her but now I don't really care about her"

"i liked her in the parent trap. but now shes gone bad. i really think her movies r gettin worse. (and does she really think she can sing?!?)"

Tomorrow, Thursday, at 11 am EST, I’ll be on "Top Priority" for ABC News Now, ABC News' 24-hour broadband news service. "Top Priority" is a 15-minute live show that focuses on women's issues. Tomorrow’s segment is about parents talking to tweens about adult issues… including celebrity scandals. Hope you'll join us.

Posted by Denise Restauri

FRIENDS or DAD?

2007-06-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

We asked AllyKatzz.com tween girls...
Would you rather have a Picnic with Your Friends OR... a Day with Dad?

The results: 55% are going on a picnic with friends and 45% are hanging with dad. Here are the thoughts behind the votes:

"It's a little harsh to spend a day with your friends than with your dad, but it SO much funner!"

"Picnic. My dad and I would have nothing to do. We just go shopping if he needs to, go to the animal sheter, and swim. A picnic would take an hour. So I could do both!"

"i would rether have a dad with my dad because you will always have friends but you will not always have a dad "

"my dad is awesome!! but my friends rock too!! it was so hard to choose. i chose dad, but i'd love to do both!! "

"i nvr see my dad and i allways miss him so i would love to spend a day with that!"

":((( I wish i could have a day with dad "

"dad is everything to us....any1 who didi'nt lyk ur dad...try 2 get close with them.....it will be the best thing u ever made "

"i would like to do both because i never get to spend time with my dad and we have a really hard time bonding but i want to spend time with my friends because i have the same problem with them i cant bond or anything so both kinda"

Posted by Denise Restauri

Tween Girls - Would you Rather?

2007-06-10T19:47:00.000-07:00

The thoughts behind these AllyKatzz votes:

"I would have a sleep-over.It's more funner than having a day by my-self."

"I'm an only child, so i guess I have enough days to myself, lolz. I would totally have a sleepover! xoxoxo"

"S.L.E.E.P O.V.E.R!!!!! OOOO! I WOULD INVITE BOYS TO STAY OVER WITH ME AND THE GURLS!"

"Day to myself I'm more of a alone type plus I'd rather be w/ animals and myself rite now not really in the mood to be aound ppls I just moved and feeling sad I couldn't sleepover if I wanted to my friends are in another state(not trying to sound whiny or nething just saying wats true)"

"Hi I am millerprinces25 and I am really not that suprised because I don't think anyone would really want a day 2 their selfs!"

"i would have a day to my self cause if u have a day to urself, that means u can do ne thing u want, which is have a sleep over too, so u could do both"

"A day to myself...thats what I normally have! But if I had a someone invite ME to a sleepover, I would go! They would have to be best friends of mine! But I like being by myself, reading and listening to music and just thinking. It's more fun in nature, like camping in the woods and stuff!"

Posted by Denise Restauri

This Week's TWEEN GIRL Book Review

2007-06-08T15:37:00.000-07:00

Straight from their AllyKatzz.com blogs:

A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass
I love this book. It's about a girl named Mia Winchell who has synesthesia, which means that she can see colors, more like blobs of difrent colors. Like for her she can see colors from words, and letters. Unlike ppl who don't see them. She try's to keep her secret when someone finds out and tells the whole 8th grade, then she is coverd in questions about her colors. I would give this book 2 paws up!! I really couln't put it down!! (2 paws up is highest AllyKatzz rating!) Review by 11-year-old girl from CA

Best Books EVR
2 of the best books i evr read: 1) The Wanderer (By: Sharon Creech) 2) Absolutely Normal Chaos (By: Sharon Creech). Review by 10-year-old girl from Minnesota

The Best Book I Have Ever Read!!
Uglies and Pretties!
I read the Uglies and the Pretties and I love them! They are awesome books! They are my favorite. I love the whole storyline, its so creative. The whole book only took me a few days to read! I cant wait until I read the Specials! Review by 13-year-old girl from Michigan

A 12-year-old girl from Canada beat her to it…
The Best Book I Have Ever Reasd Is Definitly SPECIALS BY SCOTT WESTERFELD!! I LOVED IT!! It made me laugh it made me cry [escpecially wen _____ died :'( ] I would rate it a 500000000000000000000000/10 and recomend it to everyone!

New Book Alert!
The sequel to WIcked has come out! It is titled "Son of a Witch". Clever play on words, huh? Review by 14-year-old from CA

THE TITAN'S CURSE = BEST BOOK EVER!!!!
The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan is the best book ever! i read it in less than 3 hours, and it has more than 300 pages! The whole series of Percy Jackson and the Olypians is an awesome series, even if your not into greek mythology! but greek mythology is wicked awesome! i recommend the other 2 books b4 titan's curse too! The Lightning Thief and The Sea of Monsters!!! Review by 11-year-old girl from RI

Whose Read The Christy Miller Series?!?!?!
Well! I have to say ! Robin Jones Gunn is one heck of an author!!!!!! Her Christy Miller books rock! I recommend them for ages of 9-16!!! Read them,you'll fall in love!!! I'll read you the thing on the back of book 1:::"Summer Promise-14-year-old Christy Miller has the dream Summer ahead of her in sunkist California, staying with her aunt and uncle in their beachfront home. Aunt Marti loves to shop, and those curfers are cute- especially Todd. Christy promised her parents she wouldn't do anything that she would regret later, and some of her beach friends are a little wild. But Todd and his "God-Lover" friends are giving Christy a new image of all things eternal. Can this summer live up to it's promises?" This is a Christian book, and I am a Christian....it makes you think of being a Christian in a totally new way! Review by 10-year-old girl from Tennessee

Happily After All
This is an awesome book! It's called Happily After All. It's great, although I can't remember what the author's name was. It's a great book about this girl who's dad is a great guy and all, and then her dad dies. Which is sad, of course. Well, after her father's death, she finds out he might not have been perfect after all. It's pretty interesting, and a definit must-read!
Review by 10-year-old girl from Indiana

The Sisters Club
This book is kinda for 5th graders, but I still love it! It's about 3 sisters (Joey, Stevie, Alex) who make a club with just them. A lot of cute and funny things happen, like Joey and Stevie TRYING to make family dinner, and the oldest sister Alex trying to be Beauty in her school's Beauty and the Beast play and impress a boy (Scott Howell, but as her little sisters call him, Scott Towel). Even though it's for younger kids, it's still one of my fav books. Review by 12-year-old girl from Oregon

Tween Girl Vote: No Way!

2007-06-07T04:28:00.000-07:00

Paris Hilton is out of JAIL ALREADY!!! DO you think it's fair she was in for only 3 DAYS?

That's what we asked the AllyKatzz girls today.

Here's the tween girl vote:
No way! She broke the law! - 60%
Not really, she should be treated like everybody else - 23%
Well, it's ok if he learned her lesson - 2%
Of course, she doesn't belong in a jail! - 3%
Hello? WHO CARES? - 12%

Tween Girls Want R-E-S-P-E-C-T

2007-06-06T03:25:00.000-07:00

Tween girls want respect! But where are they getting their strength to fight for the respect they deserve? In this blog, a 14-year-old girl from Illinois is finding strength in the words from the song U+Ur Hand by Pink. The words are strong. But wait! You have to check out the music video... talk about mixed messages. And we wonder why our tween girls -and boys- are so confused. The blog from AllyKatzz:

"You know what i just realized how hard it is to have a MEANINGFUL relationship with a guy all they care about is being able to tell all their friends that their going out with the prettiest girl or the most popular girl. Like the other day i went to the movies with my friends and the three of us had to go get popcorn so we needed someone to save our seats so i turned around and asked the guy right behind us to save our seats he looked down at my chest (i was wearing a very low-cut shirt) and then he says yes! Then the other day my friends and i were having a water fight in my friends yard and these guys we knew came over and started to pour water on us (we were totally ok with that it was fun with them there) but then one guy says raise your hand if your wearing a white t-shirt! none of us raised our hands. Da** why don't girls wear white shirts anymore! you do the math white shirts + water= see through!!! At this time I am listening to P!nk U+Ur hand it goes - I'm not here for your entertainment you don't really want mess with me tonight just stop and take a second I was fine before you walked into my life. I wish us girls were respected a little more by guys! Well i'm working on it! "

Why does School Have to End?????

2007-06-05T08:29:00.000-07:00

Before you assume your daughter is jumping up and down because the school year is ending and homework is history, remember that school isn't just about homework...

"Why does school have to end !!!!!!!!!¡¡¡¡¡¡¡
This stinks.... Want to know why..... This was our last year here at our school and I love this place... I have been here since kindergarden so like yea.. and all the teachers here are awesome and like i really like this guy and now im probably never going to see him again............ and like well i might never see him again... this is so not fare im so sad now. . . . . . . last full day so un fare" by a 14-year-old girl from Pennsylvania

" Running out of time!!!
I'm so stressed out!! I really want Erik, my loooongtime crush to ask me out or at least give me his phone number b4 the end of school, but I'm running out of time!!! I don't want school to end!!! Can someone help me and QUICK! I don't know what to do!!" by an 11-year-old girl from MA.

Tween Girls' 2 PAWS UP Book List

2007-06-01T05:05:00.000-07:00

AllyKatzz girls are blogging about these books THIS WEEK...

The Cat Ate My Gymsuit. A Gotta Read!!! Marcy Lewis hates school,her father is a tyrant,and she despairs of ever being thin. Then along comes Ms.Finney,an English teacher who's willing to try anything in the classroom and who treats the kids like human beings.Marcy has never met anyone like her. Suddenly,life has a new meaning…" (Reviewer: age 11)

Diary of a teenage Girl. O/k if you are looking for a Christian, but teen life story you need to check out The diary of a teenage girl. By Melody Carlson. I recently found out it is a series. I bought the second book for my bff. I read it then my bff read it then my other friend read it. i think we payed an overdue charge at the library.It is a must read. i promise. (Reviewer: age 12)

Angels and Demons... its soooo good. Only thing is you its about religion vs. science so if you r very religious i suggest not reading it. (Reviewer: age 14)

The Clique. It's such a good book. It's about four girls. Massie, Alicia, Dylan, and Kristen. Massie is the alpha. She has a perfect life, until Claire Lyons moves in. She's totally screwing up Massie and her friends. In the 3rd book, Claire is finally "in." Then in the 5th book, Massie, Alicia, and Claire go to Hollywood. Claire gets the part of a loser. Well, why am I telling you this...go read the book yourself! (Reviewer: age 13)

the BEST SERIES I HAVE EVER READ (and i read a lot) is the 1-800-WHERE-R-YOU series by Meg Cabot. there r 5 books and they r sooooooooo good. its about a girl named jess who gets struck by lightning and gets physcic powers 2 find missing ppl. its really cool. it may sound child-ish and stupid, but its not. i would suggest not reading it if ur under 12 years old or dont like books that r a little scary. they r soooooo amazing i read each 1 in like 4 days!!!! i even passed them on to 2 of my friends who also LUVED them. (Reviewer: age 12)

Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster boy is a really good book!!! ...it's about a Boy named Turner Buckminster who becomes friends with a girl named Lizzie...though they are forbbidden 2 see each other. I give this book 2 paws up!!! (Reviewer: age 10)

Posted by Denise Restauri

Tween Girls and Revealing Outfits

2007-05-31T05:46:00.000-07:00

We asked tween girls: “Would You Let Your Friend Leave The House Like This?"

Here’s the AllyKatzz tween girl Pulse-Check Research results:

Of course – 6%
NO! – 74%
Yes, but I would let her walk ahead of me – 7%
Why not? I love this outfit! - 13%

Some of their comments:

"is that michel jackson???"

"wHATS SO BAD ABOUT IT???"

" um i dont like the outfit its kind of...reaveling up top there but yhe bottom half is totally cute and wud walk next to her..mabey"
"that would be the meanest thing ever"

"OK, my friend is not an...YKW"

"i have NOTHING against letting my friends show thier own style, but unless ou're going swimming or something, theres no need to show that much skin!! i would just suggest a less revaling versoin of that outfit!!"

"ewwww never"

"no way it shows 2 much skin i would be a horrible friend if i let her out of the house like that duh!!!!"

Posted by Denise Restauri

Is Her Weekly Reader REALLY People Mag???

2007-05-29T06:43:00.000-07:00

Article in NYT on Sunday, May 27:
Grade-School Girls, Grown-Up Gossip
What happens when her weekly reader is People?

The article is about tween girls - how they get grown-up gossip and what they do with it.

In the article:
Picture #1: 5 tween girls. Each girl is engrossed in one of these magazines: People, InTouch, Life, US and Star.

Picture #2. 2 girls reading an adult celebrity tabloid. The caption: READ ALL ABOUT IT Arielle Urvater, left, 11, and her sister Jessie, 8, of Manhattan are quite aware of the tabloid antics of Paris, Lindsay, Britney and their ilk, but that does not mean they approve. “We’re well educated,” Arielle explained. “We know that drugs aren’t good and that smoking isn’t good.”

Is this reality or is this about a handful of girls that make a story for a holiday weekend?

Last night, we posted a pulse check poll on allykatzz.com… a community of 30K tween girls from across the nation - to find out where tween girls REALLY get their celebrity gossip. The results:

1. Tween/Teen Magazines including Twist, J-14 and Tiger Beat: 55%

2. Adult Magazines including People, US, Star and InTouch: 29%

3. Online: 16%

Here are samples of the comments the girls posted along with their votes: These sample comments are from tween girls ages 10-13… from NYC, Oregon, Ohio and Washington.

“Yeah I picked Tiger Beat/Bop. It tells me info on stars I like, not just a million ones I dont know that well. Plus, its not as big of a gossip thing as the other teen magazines. People, US, and mags like that talk about adults I dont know, so i dont read those! And the Internet lies a lot...~~CiAo”

“PEOPLE! all the way!!”

“watz STAR??”

“J-14, I have a subscription. It has good posters, a calender, and plenty of news on people I actually know. So what if it's not the most accurate, it's a good read!”

“im not that into celeb gossip. but when i want to hear it i get it online or on the news. it can be interesting sometimes!”

Posted by Denise Restauri

TOP BOOK PICKS FOR THIS WEEK

2007-05-25T06:12:00.000-07:00

This week's AllyKatzz Book Club Review - what tween girls are reading and loving NOW. Definitely great reads for this holiday weekend. For more of their top picks, check out last week's review below- May 18 posting.

Sharon Creech. Review by “punkrockrules” age 11, NY
Sharon Creech is one of the best authors out there!She has inspired me so much!If you havent read any of her books i suggest you read them.SOME of her books are: Walk Two Moons (which i loved),The Wanderer (which i loved too),Love That Dog (it was sweet and nice), Totally Normal Chaos (which was pretty good,though it has mature content),Pleasing The Ghost (which was a nice and interesting book) and TONS more!check your library or bookstore for some of her books!You will LOVE them!Write back and tell me what are YOUR favorite books and authors and what you think about Sharon Creech!

The Westing Game. Review by “mileyfan95” age 12, California
I just finished a gr8 book called The Westing Game! It was like, the best mystery book I hav ever read! This is what it said on the back: (A bizzare chain of events begins when sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of Samual W. Westing's will. And although no one knows why the eccentric, game loving millionaire has chosen a virtual stranger-and a possible murderer-to inherit his vast fortune, one thing's for sure: Sam Westing may be dead....but that won't stop him from playing one last game!) So, if u think this book sounds interesting, plz plz plz let me no cuz if I think enuf ppl like it, then I will start posting the chapters. Trust me, this book is vey unexpectable so evry time u read a chapter, make sure u let me no who u think is the murderer!!!

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. Review by “cheerygirl” age 10, Florida
Its a wonderful stry thats about a girl who moves fro new york to new jersey and has to make new friends and i give this book a two thumbs up.

Uglies. Review by “its_me!” age 13, Colorado
my FAVORITE books in the HISTORY of the WORLD are Uglies, Pretties, and Specials by Scott Westerfeld. they are a trilogy and they are FANTASTIC!!! i highly reccomend them.

More Uglies: "I started reading the Uglies. It is totally the BEST book ever. I finished reading it and started the 2nd book called the Pretties. They also have a third book which is called the Specials. When I read the books, I can't stop. Uglies is about a girl who lives in Uglieville and when the people there turn 16, the get an operation that makes them pretty and they get to party all the time! I'd tell the whole story but I don't want to give anything away... "Review by Balerina, age 12, Utah

PUPPY LOVE???

2007-05-23T10:58:00.000-07:00

Tween girls today are smarter, savvier and more opinionated than we were at their age. They aren’t playing with toys… they’re into music, fashion, their individuality AND BOYS. Puppy love? No way… in their minds, puppy love is for kids, not tweens. Tween love is REAL. Here's what they're saying on their AllyKatzz blogs:

I need HELP!!!
by I love Potato, age 13
“Ok I'm dating this guy named Devin AKA Potato!! He is really nice && cute, sweet..all that stuff!! But he is already saying he loves me && that he wants to marry me && he is being serious well I'm 13 && he is 14 its a little early to thank about that && I do love him but not marry me love..lol!! But I'm afraid to tell him to slow it down a bit becuz I'm afraid he will get mad!! But then agian he isn't that kind of guy that will get mad over that! So what should I do && if I don't go with ur idea don't get mad but I will appreciate it and alot of ppl go through this so I know you can help!!

Tween Girls Ages 9-15 Responded:

from tommyboy, age 9
“i dont really no about this stuff but,if i were u i would say,"i think we should slowwwwwww down a little."and if he gets all mad maybe hes just not the guy 4 u. well, thats all i got because im only 9 yrs old. i hope uget it the way u want it.... want 2 b bb? ” (bb = blog buddy aka friends.)

from Eskimoluvr, age 10
“O gosh that guy is pushing it just tell him "ya i am not reADY" AND THEN QUICKLY CHANGE THE CONVERSATION”

from countryprincess, age 11
“ok if ur only 13 take it slow. and if u love him tell him u do but say ur way to young to think about that and you would like to at least finish high school heck even JUNIOR HIGH would be better i mean ur in like 7th grade?? u like just got out of middle school!!!!!!! hope it works!!”

from penguingurl411, age 12
“when he says that again just tell him you want to slow down or say i love you to but not marriage type of love. if he truly loves you than he'll understand. if he doesnt get it then maybe its best that your just friends.”

from Glamrgrrl6, age 13, Minnesota
“wow. I'd tell him to slow down. Ur not ready for that. If he keeps saying those things tell him that he's lucky that he is in a relationship with you and that he shouldn't be saying things like that, because, eventually, he'll scare u away.”

from BLONDE_08, age 14
“there is a girl at school like that with her boyfriend! Your not really going to be togather forever.....and it the relationship will end sometime....and alls your bf is doing is making that time come quicker! Trust me......just let him do it! Your only 13 ”

from Llama_MILK_wizard, age 15
“whoa! Gee, that's a toughie. I've dated guys like that. For a while I just kinda went with it. Like when he said, "I love you" I would just say "yea." Finally he moved so I guess I just didn't have to deal with it. I'm not sure though. I guess you'll just have to wait till he moves! lol! But seriously, maybe you should just say yea like I did and if he askes you why you say that you can say, "Isn't it a bit tttooooo early to think about marriage?!?!"

Posted by Denise Restauri

I'm a FAiLuRe

2007-05-21T11:37:00.000-07:00

Pressures girls put on themselves to be super girls.
Where do they get it from? From their teachers? From their parents? Safe bet: they aren’t born thinking, “I must get into Harvard!” They get mixed messages from the adults in their lives every day. About their weight, their looks, their accomplishments. So the next time you tell the tween girl in your life to “Just do your best!... mean it and STOP there. Hopefully this AllyKatzz blog from a 13-year-old girl from Alabama, will make us all think twice before we add, “Because you aren’t going to get into Harvard with YOUR grades.”

"I'm a Failure. I feel lyk a failure right now. Okay see at my school at the end of each year we have an award ceramony. Well today was the last day and all year I work on my grades cuz I wanted to make straight A's.I QUIT BASKETBALL FOR IT!!!!!!! Well 2day the principal was giving out the A-honor roll awards. I DIDN'T GET IT!!! I got on the A-B honor roll award. Now I feel lyk a failure. Y? Cuz I did my best!! I DID MY HARDEST!! And my hardest. My best isn't good enough!!! How in the world am I supposed to get in to SOSU and Alabama Crimson Tide. If I'm on the A-B Honor Roll?? They look back all the way to the 7th grade. THATS THE GRADE I'M IN!!! So now I know what a failure feels lyk. I'm sooo sad. Any advice??? bye. and no I'm not saying PEACE OUT! Cuz I'm not at peace right now. so goodbye."

Responses from AllyKatzz girls:

“Thats REALLY GOOD!!!!!!!!!! You shouldn't flip like that!!! Its still honors! I got a F in math a few quarters ago because of the teacher. Its a long story but I promised myself it wouldn't happen again. Now I get strait "A'S"!!!! I have a 100 in math class now! So don't juge yourself so harshly from one grade. ~~~ They look back to 7th grade??? OMG! R U sirious? I wanna get into YALE!!! Shoot... ANyway. Think about it. ” By a 12-year-old girl from Connecticut.

“You are so not a failure! Some kids do terrible! Getting c's, d's and f's! This one kid at my school flunked 7th grade, you are not a failure!” By a 12-year-old girl from Nevada.

“trust me you are not a failure. Think of how much worse it could be you could be one of the people that tries their hardsest and still only comes up with a C. I'm an A-B student too and all my friends are A's so I feel really low on the totem poll when we all get our math tests back but trust me it will get better I can guarantee it. Also if you want to get into a good college I suggest doing lots of extracurricular stuff or find a sport that you really excel at.” By a 14-year-old girl from New Hampshire.

“Hey, that's not being a failure. A failure is straight F's! An A-B honnor is good, really good. At least you're not trying out for Hartford!” By an 11-year-old girl from Wisconsin.

Posted by Denise Restauri

Tween Girls Do Love To Read!

2007-05-18T07:33:00.000-07:00

NEWS: Tween Girls Do Love to Read! We have polls to support that claim. But better than polls and cold stats, I read tween girls’ blogs every day - they're saying that they love to read. In fact, The AllyKatzz Book Club is one of the top clubs on the site.

Tween girls do hate reading boring books aka “gotta read for school" books. But, they love reading GREAT books. It’s really that simple. So let’s help them get GREAT books to read.

Starting today, I’ll post weekly book reviews from the AllyKatzz girls… books tween girls are talking about now. So when you’re at the bookstore this weekend, instead of staring at all those books, now you’ll have a clue what to look for based on what other tween girls are saying. Note: 2 Paws UP is the ultimate ranking in the AllyKatzz review system.

“The Maximum Ride Series by James Patterson. I give this series 2 paws up! It's a young adult fiction and it's sooooooooo cool! Me and my mom are reading the series right now! i'm on the second book, The Lake House and she's on the third book, The Angel Project.” Age 13.

“Elsewhere... Okay, so we had to read this book in school for this thing called a "Literature Circle". Of course, I thought I was going to get a terrible book and be so booooooored. But instead, I got this book assigned called "Elsewhere". It's by Gabrielle Zevin and it RULES! 'Tis about this girl named Liz. She dies and goes to a place called Elsewhere (Gabrielle Zevin's version of Heaven, I guess). At first, she's all freaked out because she doesn't know where she is! But she meets many people along the way, like Owen Welles (whom she falls in love with), Thandi (a girl who died from gunshot), Curtis Jest (an English rocker), and her Grandma Betty, who died before Liz was born. This book has a teeny weeny bit of mature content, so I rate it P-G for the content and 5 out of 5 stars for the overall book!” Age 12

“If yal want to know a good teen aged based book series check out the Mates, Dates series by Kathy Hopkins. they are totally awesome.” Age 12

“The City of Ember. The city of ember is the best book ever! I love it! it is an awesome cliff hanger! you have got to read it. My class is reading it and they are only on chapter 11 and i finished it and theres 20 chapters. now im on the second one and after this one there is a prequal which tells about what it was like before the main characters of the first one were born! i would tell u about the book but i would get to carried away and tell the ending. i will say that Ember is a poor city and is running out of everything because the builders left "Just enough"! it is an awesome book and u have got to read it!” Age 12

“ Out of the Dust is an amazing book. I'm going to write down the review of it from the back of the book. A terrible accident has transformed Billie Jo's life, scarring her inside and out. Her mother is gone. Her father can't talk about it. And the one thing that might make her feel better-playing the piano-is impossible with her wounded hands. To make matters worse, dust storms are devastating the family farm and all the farms nearby. While others flee the dust bowl, Billie Jo is left to find peace in the bleak landscape of Oklahoma-and the surprising landscape of her heart. This is an amazing book. It won the Newberry Medal too. You really should read this story of hardship, hope and love.” Age 11

"Manga is my life. I love Fruit Baskets." Age 12

Thanks to Random House for sending us books to give way to AllyKatzz girls. Ally, my 14-year-old daughter read 2 of these books: Life As It Comes by Anne-Laure Bondoux and The Year of My Miraculous Reappearance by Catherine Ryan Hyde. She gave them both 2 Paws UP and she’s not easily impressed.

If you’re a publisher or author and want to send us books for the AllyKatzz girls to review, please send me an email: denise@allykatzz.com. The girls will be forever grateful!

Posted by Denise Restauri

Review from Izzy Neis

2007-05-16T15:34:00.000-07:00

Review From Izzy Neis Blog: Online Communities, Entertainment, Kid Empowerment, and Media Safety. Here's what she says about AllyKatzz.com: "Another rockin’ site for tweens is Allykatzz.com– it’s quite a bit different from the previous communities. UBER-safe (completely moderated), it has this close-knit feeling… organic and honest. Girls can write blog topics, have others write back, and get advice from the older kids. Pictures can be uploaded– but there’s a catch. You can’t upload any dangerous pics (identifiably dangerous, that is), and if you wanna upload yourself you need your hands over your face– which seems like a fair trade, and actually a funny catch. The site offers clubs, ecards, downloadables, etc. My favorite part is the three-strikes-you’re-out “mean girls” catch. This is a family created/originated site and NOT a branded/conglomerate property site (v. cool). A team of moderators work hard to keep a healthy, organic community… Can’t ask for anything better than that." I agree!

Posted by Denise Restauri

Heros

2007-05-14T03:55:00.000-07:00

A girl from Colorado asked…

“Everyone has a hero. It can be family, a celebrity, a sports person... anyone! Well, who's YOUR hero? Please tell me!”

Here are some of the answers:

“my hero is my best friend and Savior, God.”

“My Hero...hmmm....probably my mom. she's always there for me when i need her!”

“Katie Voigt and my grandma! ”

“oh and my brother-i dont think he realises it becuz we fight a lot...........”

“hey, miene is any1 woo keypes therr hed held high and beleaves in anything”

“my mommy”

Interferences - So Stressed

2007-05-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

This is the top blog on AllyKatzz.com today... so many tween girls have learning differences that go undiagnosed. These learning differences result in feeling "stupid" and low self esteem. That leads to girls falling into the "dumbing down" trap and pleasing everyone, especially boys. And it goes downhill from there.

"Hey, you mite have noticed im not exactly the best speller on this syte! Well this is really hard 4 me 2 say, but i have dylexia. If you dont no wat it is, its a disorder you have and it makes it harder for you to learn and memorize things. Orlando Bloom has it to, i think hes soo cool because he memorizes all those lines. Im hoping to be a actor myself, im really outgoing. But back to the point, im so stressed becayse my dance is infearing with my schoolwork, i aalready had to miss grade 6 a few years back because i had to go to this huge competition. I alwayz have a bunch of homework cuz i miss sxhool due to dance. The teacher also has me have seppearte things because im not smart enough, i have lots of friends but i feel so left out you know? dance is taking over my life. but in a good way? i love dance and cant let go."

Stats show that 1 in 10 people are dyslexic, but it could be much higher because there are many people who struggle without being aware that they are dyslexic... especially tween girls who slip through the cracks. Here's a listing of some "famous" people who are dyslexic: Orlando Bloom * Tom Cruise * Dave Foley * Danny Glover * Whoopi Goldberg * Jay Leno * Keanu Reeves * Billy Bob Thornton * Robin Williams * Walt Disney * George Washington * John Lennon * Cher * Einstein * Muhammad Ali * Leonard Da Vinci * Thomas Edison * Richard Branson * Pablo Picasso.

I can't wait to see how the girls respond... I'm hoping that they'll "come out of the closet" about their learning differences and share their stories. You can find out by checking her blog over the weekend.

Posted By Denise Restauri

I HAVE PROBLEMS

2007-05-09T07:23:00.000-07:00

This tween girl's blog shows that you can't judge a girl's happiness by her cover. Leda Siskind, allykatzz.com's Advice Pro, gives girls and US great advice. Leda is a licensed Marriage, Family and Child Therapist AND the mom of a teenage girl.

Dear Leda, I have problems. My life is not very good. I have friends and I'm an overly hyper person, well most of the time. At school and when I'm talking to my friends, anywhere...anytime, I'm relaxed and carefree. It's a whole different story when I'm alone. I can just be sitting there reading a book or story, and out of nowhere I think everyone has a better life than me. I think about how a lot of people are skinnier than me, how I'll probably never get a boyfriend(I may deny that I want one, but I truly do), and what I really want to be when I grow up is nearly impossible for me to be. I've tried suicide. I just can't do it though. I've yet to try and cut myself. I can't take this anymore and I just want to cry. I need to find a solution, and fast. Please don't just tell me that "Suicide is not the answer." or "You need to think of all your good qualities." I hear that suicide is not the answer from my friends all the time. I've tried thinking of my good qualities and I can't seem to find any. I have self-esteem problems, and I know this. I think I need to stop naming of my bad qualities so I won't go and try suicide again. Please help me with this problem. I need to know what to do. Thanks for listening.

Leda's Advice:

Dear My Life, I think, sweetie, that you feel very uncomfortable about who you are and what life has in store for you. You would be surprised how many girls feel just as you do now…But life is just not that black and white – all or nothing! You state you have friends – so you already know how to keep a friend (including, some day, a BF), you state that you know how to be “carefree” and you even mention reading – so you have some positive skills you are overlooking because everything is seen as “never” and “always” – in the negative. And you also know that hurting yourself is not going to help you. I think, deep down, you would like to feel better about yourself, yes? So here are two choices for you:
1.) Ask your parent to see a therapist. You can tell them you have self-esteem problems or it’s about school or whatever you feel comfortable with. A good therapist will help you look at how to cope with all this sadness.
2.) Talk to a C.A.R.L.A – a CARLA is a Caring And Responsibly Listening Adult. This can be an aunt, a counselor at school, a teacher, the mom of a BFF. Sometimes it really helps to have an understanding woman who’s been a teenager (and somehow survived) help you out.
And one more thing: If you feel like hurting yourself ever again, tell a BBF to stay with you until the feeling goes away and then tell your parent and seek professional help. Feeling depressed should not lead to self harm – ever! Good luck – you can get through this. You are worth it.

does anyone know how to speak "boy?"

2007-05-08T21:07:00.000-07:00

This, from a 12- year-old girl from China is one of today's top blogs on allykatzz.com. Love her attitude!!

"ok, i can speak chinese and english and i'm currently taking spanish, but one thing i can't speak: boy. how do u know if ur crush likes u? if he talks 2 u all the time and tells u everything and follows u around at the dance, does that mean he likes u? if he asks ur bff if u like him, does that mean he likes u? someone plz help. i'm seriously pulling my hair out. (they should seriously write a book about this language!)"

And a girl who calls herself Advice and Dimplez has this comment:
“Oh i know how to speak boy!!! Well some signs are: he stares at u but doesnt say anything, gives u a compliment, does anything to be near you, looks at the side of u when talking to you and lots more. If he talks to u all the time n follows u and tells u everything, its a strong possibility he likes you. If he asks ur bff it DOES mean he likes you. Boys will do anything to try to find out if they like you. Need any more translations let me know lol! =]”

OH BOYZ

2007-05-07T19:42:00.000-07:00

BOYFRIENDS AKA BFs (not to be confused with BFF = Best Friend Forever - that can be a girl or a boy, but not a boyfriend!) make our tween girls crazy! On AllyKatzz.com, we started a club that the Girls LOVE... it's the BF club. Sounds so simple ... and it is... it's a place for tween girls to talk about what they love and hate about boys. The girls are trying to figure out what's going on in those fuzzy boy brains. And it starts young... Today's Top Blog is from an 11-year-old-girl...

"There are 2 boys that I like and I'm scared to ask either of them out. One kid I sit next to in science and ILA and Math and we have a connection but I'm not sure if he wants to have a friend connection or more than that.. The other guy is only in my homeroom and Spanish class but he is the same (friend/connection wise). My friend says me and him look cute next to eachother ( Which makes me Smile Secretly ) LOL! I need to know if either of them like me but im shy and I dont know how to find out..i think they'll reject me :-'("

Girls sent her backatchas aka comments... here's their advice:

from illfeily, age 12
“first off, don't say that you think they'll reject you. have some confidence in youself! And if they do, it just shows that they're not good enough for you if they don't like your awesome personality! Don't take it too hard if they don't want to go out with you. Maybe they're just not ready for that yet, and want to see how things go. Second, try to hang out with each of them and find out what qualities they have. Whichever one you feel you have more of a connection to, then you should go for it with him.”

from chellybelly, age 15
“That's what I'm Scared and pretty much every girl is scared about... Beign Rejected and Gettin Hurt... I'm always scared of getting hurt. But If You don't take risks... You mite as well just stay home. Live Your Life With No Regrets. Life goes on. And Pain goes Away. But Havin Memories is the best. If Your not gonna risk it all you Mite as well just give it up... But That's What I think... And mayb i should take my own advice kus I'm scared... But I'm rele weak. And You shouldn't be scared of gettin hurt. Kus life goes on and eventually u'll get over it... Good Luck tryin to get My advice... I'll try to take it too...”

Posted by Denise Restauri

ARGGGH!!!

2007-05-06T09:49:00.000-07:00

A top blog of this week from allykatzz.com is from a 13-year-old girl from New Jersey who calls herself phunki837. The end of the school year fun is being replaced by stress. Many girls blog about the same issues and many say their parents only add to it by pushing for those final A grades. Could your tween girl be phunki837?

"yeah so lately i have been like so down on myself. i mean, i don't know shrimp about science these days becasue i've been so exhausted this week that i couldn't even pay attention. science is my last class, so you get what I'm saying. And like, my friends keep asking me the SAME questions like 500000 times. that gets so annoying. And another friend is being so pessimistic, it's bringing me down. I am just SO happy and excited for Unity day on thursday though cuz like, i get to go do what i want to do w/ ppl i don't get to see much. SO glad bout that. So much training ,I'm being drained, and i have a huge project for SS. The teachers are trying to shove all this stuff into the last few weeks of school. AAARRGGGHHHH!!! @@@!!!"

Posted by Denise Restauri

Great Girl Blog Of The Day

2007-05-03T20:47:00.000-07:00

"OMG all the boys in my school are gross, tho my friend, she thinks not, BUT she likes this guy who is like GROOOOOSS HE IS NOT EVEN 50% CUTE FOR CRYIN' OUT LOUD!!!! Ok and he is like so gross. But like my school has no cute boys and i really want a cush but most of le' boys are like so gross looking, or their cute, but older than me, or cute, but younger than me!!! OMG help!!!! I realy need it. ~LOST IN A NON-CUTE BOY OCEAN~" by maisho, 14 year-old girl from CA

Posted by Denise Restauri

EMO Part 2

2007-05-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

Continued from yesterday's Who's Emo? What's EMO?
From a girl who calls herself EMOtions in my glands:
“here is a something about me..like you would care: i have short black choppy hair that covers one eye, black eyes, white pale skin and i am not tall. or short. i am average. like my pathetic life. my parents do not support me. ever since i turned away from pink dresses and frilly bows..they have hated me so. now in my boring life i mourn me. i dress in black and sit around and cry and be EMOtional. My parents decided to neglect me. they work every day for 12 hours. they go away often to peru, germany, and syberia to train horses and host horse shows. they make alot of money from it too, but have decided since i have rebeled against them, they can not give it to me… my glands feel the emotions. i dont slit my wrists, because if i did they would notice. i have not a white tip on any of my nails..i have no friends. i dont see a need to trust anyone in this dark world. now i must go. my microwavable dinner calls to me…”

Sometimes what sounds like EMO, may not be EMO:
“I just want to be like the other girls. Pretty and normal but I know that’s not going to happen. I just want to be noticed. I just want to be liked. But as I just begin to think maybe if I try my hardest. My mom walks in the door telling its time to go to school. Aw school the place of where all evil drama unfolds. School the place where one day you can be super cool and the next your shoved into a garbage can. School is a place for humiliation and for the jocks to date the cheerleaders. School is the place for the popular girls to awww about the schools hottest football player. The place I don’t belong. And as I pull up to school I prepare my self for my day that lies ahead. I prepare my self for whatever may comes my way. Though I don’t really fit into a clique I believe I’m in all cliques except I’m not with the loners and geeks. I just want to fit in one day. As I head to my locker I drop my books. But as I rush to my locker and open my door what else could go wrong but my photos all falling off? I pick them up and shove them into a corner. I get my gym bag and put away my jacket and lunch. Then I rush to homeroom noticing that I’m 15 minutes late.But that’s just a regular day for me thinking and day dreaming. Shoving school work aside. I soon relies the bell for the end of the day has already rang and I have to rush to pick up my baby brother. Since my life is filled with drama its ok if I walk alone sometimes you have to. I still think I don’t fit in at school or at home or in the world. I think that the world I want to be in is filled with whatever I want. But that can’t happen now can it ? I want the world to work my way but it wont because that isn’t possible is it. I just wonder if I’m ever over day dreaming? Am I over dreaming ? Am I too into my world and not enough into this world ? I don’t know I just don’t. I don’t seem to understand anything , not even myself. This is just how I feel dont think Im emo cuz Im not !and IM not a loner dont worry .. Im just going through a hard time right now”… by XoTeenyBopper

Many of these girls do not want to be EMO. They want to be popular. But they are the outcasts, the unpopulars and the loners. EMO is where they landed - not by choice, but where their own insecurities and mean girls sent them. The first step in helping our girls is to talk to them and let them know that they can count on us to help them or a friend.

One thing we know about most girls – EMO or not – they do not tell adults everything because they are embarrassed or scared. Therefore, we always want to give them ways to help themselves and their friends. We post the following hotline information on the site. Please share it with your girls:

If you or a friend needs help that is way too big for other girls to answer or if you need help NOW, these hotlines are here for you 24/7. The calls are free and they won't tell anyone you called.

Suicide and crisis: 1-800-273-TALK
Cutting: 1-800-dontcut
Everything: Children of the Night: 1-800-551-1300

Posted by Denise Restauri

Who's EMO? What's EMO?

2007-05-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

Tween Girls are talking about EMO. What’s EMO? Is it music? Is Britney Spears EMO? Is it a style? Attitude? What is EMO?

Here’s a 12-year-old girl’s definition…
“have you ever heard of emo people? well my sister is emo and they are really wierd. emo is short for EMOtional! they get really sad and dress kinda wierd, well that is all i can say.”

A 13-year-old tween girl says…
“i have 3 emo friends and i think they are the coolest people. people steriotype emos as cutting freaks. but most of them dont even cut. all my emo friends dont cut, they are christian emo. [emo] roks and you have the best clothes style anyways. i dont like preps.”

And this from another 13-year-old girl…
“cutting: when girls cut their arms legs or any other part of ur body to relieve EMOtional pain. and its real, VERY real. and i should know, i used to do it and it was horrible. i always cut when i was sad.”

So, What is EMO?

Originally EMO was a form of punk rock that was loud and EMOtional. EMO still means EMOtional, but it has gone way beyond music and has become a lifestyle and a culture of young people who wear their tortured hearts on their sleeves.

Who’s EMO? EMO is not based on age, race, religion, gender, sex or income. Bottomline: Some tween Girls are EMO. Many of these girls are scared, depressed and hurting, and their pain can be hurtful to people around them:

“I am realllyyy... depressed right now. I finaly found a really good friend whos house I can even walk to! So last night I was at her house. And I an white and she is african american. and this boy was giving us (mostly her) trouble about it. And she ran up in her room and i went up there to try and cheer her up and found her in her room cutting herself. It was the worst thing I have ever whittnessed in my life. so, I was like bawling crying and i found out that she lives with her foster-mom because her dad abuses her. If you dont know what cutting is, it is where some1 hurt thereself physically because emotionaly they are hurt. in her case, she broke a cd case and was scraping herself with the sharp parts. I feel so sorry for her. I have tried to be very nice to my parents lately. so, every1 should try to think about how even though are parents can be strict it could be worse. I dont know what to do about her cutting problem i have nervous/anzity problems and today i have been really panic. my friend wont call 1-800-dont-cut so i just dont know what i can do if anything.” by fashionguru7703

“my friend cuts her self! i asked her if her mom knows and se said her mom thinks its from kittens!i want her to get help but i am scared... any advice?” by kaneolani

Here’s three days in the life of EMOskater, a 13-year-old tween girl from Florida. Does she want to be EMO?

Day 1: EMO
“Hi. I have no friends and i am okay with that. I am what they call a skater-emo type person. ohwell,life goes on. Am i right?”

“people think emo people are werid and they want to do bad things 2 themselves. I like the way my life is. I could wish 4 anything better. Just b\c I don't fit in with the normal peeps or the popular peeps doesn't mean I'm weird. Does any one agree with me?”

Day 2: Mean girls
“2day @ skool these girl told me something that super mean. I almost cried. I was thankin the great God that it wuz only a half a day.i wrote a poem. rate it on a scale of 1 to 10. I don't care if u say1 b/c i can take bad critisism very well.
‘mean girls are mean, the teachers never can tell.
mean girls are mean, and they make your heart swell.
Mean girls don't care if you are emo, nerdy, or normal.
Every thing they say causes termoil(Chaos).
Mean girls are mean b/c they are jelious.
And that my friends is simpy how it is going to be!’”

Day 3: HELP ME!!!
“Alright I'm going to try and be preppy for at least a day. To trick these popular girls at school. One of my friends has a preppy older sis that is the same size as me. She has something called aeropstale, uh abercrmby, um hoillster, and american eagle. I hope I spelled that right. How does this soung or look... Ready, okay (valley girl accent)?? I'm a cheerleading! Go team! RAH,RAH, BOO,HISS.!! i DON'T GET IT! SOMEONE HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

To Be Continued Tomorrow...

Posted by Denise Restauri

Look at these Books...

2007-04-29T20:32:00.000-07:00

This week’s book review… In our allykatzz.com book club, tween girls rate books:
2 Paws Up = Fabulous!
1 Paw Up = So-So
No Paws Up = Skip It

Here are some of their top “2 Paws UP”…

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
“This is the best book ever!!! any one who loves romance should read it !!!!!! it's about a grl named bella and she falls in luv w/ a hot vampire ! and stephanie meyer is now my new fav author, besides Meg Cabot! READ IT!!!!!!” Review by Rehobothgrl1, age 12

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
"there is this book called star girl by Jerri Spenneli. it's about this wierd girl who tries to fit in with every one else.she also changes her name ALOT. one was Pocketmouse. she has a RAT name cookie. but anyway, she get's a makeover and everyone hates her more! so she goes back to being her plain old selph..... for more GR8 details, read the book." Review by gothgirl, age 14

Chicken Soup for the Girl’s Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Patty Hansen and Irene Dunlap
"This is an AWESOME book that helps girls understand other people's life and how they get through it. I read it cover 2 cover and it made me cry." Review by redcarpetwalker, age 15

Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
"has anyone read the book? it's SO good. it's about this girl who goes to boarding school after her mother's death. and she starts having these strange visions that take her to another realm. she takes along these other girls: felicity, pippa, and ann into the realms too. a great book,though it can get alittle freaky at some parts, 2 paws up!" Review by smartgirl, age 12

Posted by Denise Restauri

Think You've Had a Bad Day?

2007-04-28T16:37:00.000-07:00

When you think you've had a bad day or a bad week, try to remember that our tween girls have a lot to deal with in their worlds. We really need to LISTEN to what they are saying... like these stories... straight from their allykatzz.com blogs...

"i dont feel good... ok yeah well i went to the doctor and they made me wait in there for a hour and a half and then they looked at my ears and it was all red and crummy and so they made me wait another hour for something and then they gave it to me and then it took about another hour in cvs to get my medicine and so i was like all worn down and whiny. and then we got home and amy wouldnt stop gripping at me, and my stepdad is in the worst mood. he is like, IM SO SICK AND TIRED OF PEOPLE NOT DOING WAHT THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO DO! YALL GIRLS ARE SO IRRESPONSIBLE! WHHEN I SAY CLEAN THE POOL AND LIVING ROOM U CLEAN IT! THATS IT UR GROUNDED! And i am like HUHLLLOOO IM SICKKK!!! and so im extremely grumpy and my mom wont listen to me becacuse "she doesnt have time to listen to me grip, because she has billls to pay and why must she carry all this weight on her tiny shoulders" ugggh!!!! im tired of all this! i wish everything was perfect! and then like my real dad wont answer his phone! and so i dont have anyone to vent to and i mean kaci wont listen cuz she is like somewhere and amy is weird and jace is gone and my older brother is in collage! agggggggh!!"

Are tween girls picked on for their smarts? "It's fun to be smart, right? Knowing that you'll always do your best and have friends in your classes and such. But then there's the kids who are 'less smart' or just don't try as hard as they could, and that usually leads to [smart kids] getting picked on and made fun of, because you're 'brainy'. Has this ever happened to you? I know it has to me plenty of times, and it doesn't help that I wear glasses, either. But I enjoy school, and I think they should too, so just ignore them, or 'kill them with kindness' my mom always tells me, and eventually they'll bug off."

My life sucks... "i really need some advice on cheering myself up. cuz i feel like giving up on trying. my friends aren't in my class and at lunch ppl just randomly look at me and whisper to each other. i don't wanna hear ppl say to just ignore it, caz i just can't. almost every night in my bed i just break down and cry. i don't know what to do. and it's not just school it's at home too caz my grandpa alwayz teases me and i just can't take it (plus he critzices me and my dad all the time). nobody likes me and i only have two frndz and i barly ever see them. i reely need advice on living life, caz i wanna quit.help me plz (i've even gone goth inside)."

Boys confuse our tween girls big time. "One day they like you the next they dont... How are you supposed to know??????????????? This guy that i like my best friend likes to and he is so complicated and its like OMG can he make up his mind because one day he likes me the next he likes her...We both call him Mr. complicated!!!"

Mi~own~lil~lalaland. When your tween girl appears to be in LaLaLand, listen closely… she may actually be there!
"at my school, appearance was everything. what you wore, what you looked like, your weight, your bffs and your bfs, thats all that mattered. no one cared about anything else. you were always judged by your appearance, and if you didn't make a good impression, people would look down on you. now i'm the kinda girl that would be looked down upon. i wasn't pretty, i was nerdy, hung out with the smart kids, a band geek, had no guy friends. i was not near popular at school. one day i hear an announce ment that the first school dance was next friday. "ok," i thought. "nothing big." but then i get asked to the dance by a jock. whoa. i was in total and complete shock. i could not believe my ears. of course i accepted! so i met him at the dance, and he had bought a rose for me. i had never had anything like that happen to me before, and i was already in high school! soon enough, a slow song came on and he asked me to dance. i was like, "omg im dreaming this, someone wake me up before i actually think its true. " i never woke up, so i danced all night and partied with my date, and finally when it was time to leave, i got a kiss from him. my first kiss ever. i could not wait to tell my friends about the dance! but then again this all happened in mi~own~lil~lalaland"

Posted by Denise Restauri

GOTHIC LOLITA is NOT for U.S. Tween Girls

2007-04-26T07:34:00.000-07:00

This is great for tonight's dinner conversation… ask your daughter what she thinks about the “gothloli” look. Some tween girls were blogging about this Japanese Street Fashion so we showed 1,000 allykatzz girls this photo and asked them to give us their pulse check. Here’s what they said – be fun to see what YOUR tween girl says…

12% - Love it, Want it!
19% - COOL, I might wear it sometimes
40% - Cool, but not for me!
29% - ICK! No Way!

A 12-year old girl from CA says: “subtract the stockings, shoes, and bag and give her knee-high stilleto boots w/a boho bag in pink it will be a VERY cute outfit.”

While a 14-year-old girl from CA has this take: I wouldn’t wear it but I love the person with the guts to do it!”

And this 15-year-old girl from Wisconsin thinks like a mom: “psshh over my dead body!”

Posted by Denise Restauri

FAB AllyKatzz.com Safety Review

2007-04-25T16:49:00.000-07:00

Ken Cooper, creator of Family WebWatch gave AllyKatzz a great review... including: "College students are hired to monitor every bit of information that is being transmitted on its site. So you won’t find any photos with provocative poses or trash talk. Finally, a site that gets it!" Please check it out!

Posted by Denise Restauri

To IM or NOT to IM?

2007-04-24T16:36:00.000-07:00

An email from a parent to me: “From a parent perspective this IM stuff is really disturbing and a bit out of control. It is hard to know how to exercise appropriate controls.”

I can so relate. Ally, my tween daughter, was IM and text message obsessed. She was texting on her sidekick3 and IMing on her laptop… sometimes she did both at the same time, to the same person. I’m not making that up. Then the “friends of friends” started to appear… and one of those friends wasn’t the 14-year-old friend’s cousin that he claimed to be and that lead to my declaration: “NO IM or texting for the next month.” At first, Ally wasn’t sure how she could survive without her lifeline to the outside world. I made a suggestion, “Talk on the phone and have a REAL conversation.” She looked at me like I just dropped in from Pluto. She insisted that NO one talks on the phone. But within a few days, a strange thing happened…the phone actually starting ringing – Ally’s friends were calling her. Fast forward 30 days: Ally wasn’t bugging me to get her texting and IM rights reinstated. Here’s her take on IM, texting and talking: “it’s so much better to talk to my friends… but I never knew what I was missing because ever since 6th grade, IM and texting are our lives.” They're tweens... they only know what they know.

We asked the tween girls on allykatzz.com to tell us if they could live withOUT IM and texting. Results were mixed. Just wait til they hear about the 13-year-old Teen Texting Champ… she won $25,000 for having the fastest texting fingers in the nation.

Posted by Denise Restauri

Tween Girls Blog About VT

2007-04-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

How are tween girls making sense out of the senseless Virginia Tech massacre? Should we talk about it with our girls? What do we tell them?

Here’s a reality check: If you think you’re protecting your tween girl by NOT talking about it, you’re so wrong. Girls are talking and thinking about it and if you don’t talk to them, they’ll go to their favorite information source… their friends. Think about the telephone game that goes like this: Girl #1 says, “Betty and Veronica are best friends.” By the time it gets to Girl #10, the message is, “Betty plays the harmonica and she stinks!” Imagine what happens to information that is mind boggling to start with. Tween girls need to hear it from YOU.

Here’s what tween girls are saying – straight from their allykatzz.com blogs:

“wow. to horrible for words. i bet this whole thing could have been prevented too. Colombine could have been. You know why that happened? Bulling. Im sure that some days, we all feel so bad that we just want to pick on other weaker kids at our school, but.....one thing leads to another.....which leads to another. Then, before you know it, the whole school is picking on that one kid… seriously girls. if you are being bullied,IGNORE THEM!!! and to all you bullies out there, stop. immediatly. You are to weak to take the conciquenses. Yes. I did just call you weak bully. Bullies are increadibly weak. In fact, in 5th grade i was bullied so much. When i went to middle school, those bullies went from being popular, to having no friends at all. I was more confident too. Maybe the shooter at VT was bullied too… stop the bulling NOW. Do you want your school to be the next massacre of innociount people?” age 13, CA

WARNING: before talking to your tween girl, you must deal with your own angers and fears. This is from a 10-year-old girl from VA. Not the message we want to give our tween girls:
“My mom sent an E-mail to one of the radio dudes and she told him that my sisters and I would not go to college unarmed that we would have a gun with us and that she would rather have us expelled than killed”

Bad information gets worse when it includes bad messages like the one in this blog: dump your boyfriend and he may kill you. (We didn’t post this blog on allykatzz.com.) This is from a 15 year-old tween girl: “A south Korean guy killed 32..yes THIRTY-TWO people...He was a senior at Virgina Tech and can you guess why he killed 32 people? Becuase his GF dumped him for sum1 else!! Yep...crazy isn't it...then he killed himself! He first killed his ex-GF and her friend in the dorms then went across the campas which is half a mile to look for the guy. He culdn't find him so he killed 30 other people.”

Posted by Denise Restauri

Mean Boys????

2007-04-20T15:20:00.000-07:00

We know how “mean girls” can destroy the self-esteem of our tween girls. But what about “mean boys?” Here’s a story from a 12-year-old girl from Wisconsin – could this girl be someone you know? “So I was in science today… and I was by my friends. There was a boy sitting by them...like one of the "popular" boys...and he was doing a worksheet on genes. he had to check his pulse rate for one. he tested it for 5 seconds and said he had 6 beats. I tested my for 5 seconds and i had like 9 or 10. and i said that outloud. and this is what he said to me..."That's because you had body fat and it takes more energy to pump your blood." he said it in one of those "thinks he's funny voices." I'm like..."I'm not fat!" Then my friend...MY FRIEND...was laughing but saying that's not funny and that's not nice...but still she was laughing. the other girls were not laughing and telling him that that was mean. I'm not kidding...I almost started crying...I just wanted to run into the bathroom. I've never been called fat before and i just felt sick and bad. so now just a few hours after i'm like watching what i eat and i don't know what to do...see I'm in perfect shape. I'm a dancer and very active....i just can't keep my mind off of him saying that. what should I do?"
Posted by Denise Restauri

A Day In HER Tween Life

2007-04-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

This is a great way to strike up a fun conversation with your tween daughter. Read it together and share your favorite parts of this tween girl's day.

“2day waz national gay day at school and we actually observed it!!! isn't that crazy!! also my dad got in a car accident(so show some love) but i'm pretty sure he's alright!!i hope!!!! also my friend katie got grounded 4 chipping her tooth isn't that STUPID!!!!so yeah...that stinks!!!lets see what else...oh i like failed my math quiz but doesn't everybody every now and then!!but anyway i like stink at math...and tommorow i have a math test like i hate math big time but my mom says that as long as i try my hardest she doesn't really care!!!isn't that showing signs of being an awesome mom...of course it is!!! why cuz she jus is an awesome mom!!! i actually have a pretty cool brother too...SERIOUSLY!!!he's awesome!!well that's about it for today!!love yall!!” … age 13 from Pennsylvania
Posted by Denise Restauri

Tween Girls Say What?

2007-04-19T16:51:00.000-07:00

Adult: "What happened in school today?"
Tween Girl: "Nothing."
Adult: "Really, nothing happened?"
Tween Girl: "Yep, nothing."
End of conversation.

Tween Girls Say What? is your ultimate daily guide to what tween girls are REALLY saying, thinking, doing and dreaming – straight from their allykatzz.com blogs (with permission). Boys, fashion, celebrities, school, parents, siblings, mean girls, best friends, books, movies, music and everything tween – I’ll unwrap it all and deliver it daily. You’ll be amazed to find out what “nothing” really means.

Posted by Denise Restauri