This post is sponsored by Twentieth Century Fox
Over Christmas we headed away for a beach break. We went to Currawong, on Pittwater, which is only accessible by boat, and is a ‘back to basics’ kind of holiday. They have no wifi and no TV and it was going to be an opportunity for us all to take a bit of a break from screens. I packed my laptop (because I totally don’t count in the screen break…!) and an emergency iPad just incase I needed a break from Tully- but really… no screens!
Then disaster struck! On the first day we got there Tully started getting sick, we had to take her over to the mainland to see a doctor and she was diagnosed with Laryngitis. She was the sickest I’d ever seen her, she couldn’t even really get out of bed and all she wanted to do was watch YouTube. However, given that I wasn’t willing to spend eleventy billion dollars hooking the iPad up to my rapidly depleting data pack on my phone (besides that was the data I was using for my own desperately needed internet access and I wasn’t sharing!). I needed another solution.
So on the second day when I received an email from Twentieth Century Fox about their new super cheap family movies that are available in the iTunes store it was like Santa came early… I jumped on to iTunes to check out the range. The Family Favourites range includes animated favourites such as all the Ice Age movies, Garfield, Rio, Megamind, the Madagascar series and all the Shrek films. Then there are live action films such as The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Night at the Museum, Percy Jackson, Aquamarine and The Tooth Fairy. Best of all they only start at $3.99 to buy.
So I sacrificed some of my data and downloaded Garfield, Ice Age, Madagascar and Shrek onto my laptop and she was content. She had never seen Garfield before so that was the biggest hit- I lost count of the number of times it was watched in the five days she was sick. In fact I even found my step-mother watching it when Tully had left the room (she was obviously struggling with the lack of screens too…).
Parents load up their iPads before a big trip- and they know you cant afford to spend $15-$20 to buy a new movie every time the kids decide that they hate the movie that was their ‘favourite’. So to keep the kids happy (and you sane) head over to the iTunes store to get your affordable family movies- BEFORE you go away!
To celebrate the release of these family favourite movie titles we are giving you the chance to win one of 5 $20 iTunes vouchers, giving you up to ten hours of fun movie entertainment from the iTunes Family Movie Room.
To win tell us why you will be loading up your tablet these school holidays.
(comp open to Australian residents over 18 only. Ends Friday 29th January at 11pm)
Tracey ibbott
To stop the bickering & the boredom
sarah mary
For some fun games! Screen time can be great, there's just so many fun and educational apps you can download. Even apps such as Netflix have a range of shows and movies for children.
Joan Soler
Love to win this so I can have some quiet time....maybe ☺
Lisa W
After weeks and weeks of 2 kids at home we'd love something new a different to watch for those moments where we all need some quiet time! Our eldest also has to come to work with me when his brother is at preschool so it would be a great backup when he's had enough of colouring in, creating and playing in the warehouse!
Lisa W
(Sorry for the double up - was trying to fix a typo but couldn't delete).
Lisa W
After weeks and weeks of 2 kids at home we'd love something new and different to watch for those moments where we all need some quiet time! Our eldest also has to come to work with me when his brother is at preschool so it would be a great backup when he's had enough of colouring in, creating, doing puzzles and playing in the warehouse!
Nicole Harrison
I'd load it up so the kids and I can snuggle in bed watching movies
Angela M
To catch up with some series we missed on television!
Joanne Cardamone
Loading up lots of movies and new educational apps to keep my daughter busy yet learning
Summer Hinaki-McDade
Because at times it can be a lifesaver! when out grocery shopping with young ones, at doctor appointments, travelling and I'll admit! There are loads of awesome family friendly movies out there 😊
Tara N
We can then choose movies to suit all the family, so there will be smiles on everyone's dials.
Kathy Clark
to clear unwanted items in the house and selling on Gumtree
Louise T
To mix things up a bit. There's only so much driving around from play dates, to cinemas, and bowling that a Mum can do. A little quiet time to rest my feet!
Winnie @ Bubfriendly
To have a cup of tea and more in peace while the kids are entertained!
Elke
To give my younger daughter a treat now and then when she has to sit for hours waiting for her big sister's gymnastics lessons to finish!
Lizzy-Lou
I am chief Babysitter here for all my niece and nephews and I like to reward the kids with a movie after bath-time. It's amazing how fast they slip on the soap and get dressed. Nearly as quick as me downloading the movies.
tracy
A few movies and a couple of learning games !
Jodie
We live a long distance from any where, so in car movies are a must with 2 little ones, even just going to the grocery store (100km away) takes the same time a movie normally runs for.
Juanita
It's always so handy to have iTunes loaded on the tablet....it keeps me sane and keeps my daughter occupied.
Chont
Because my son has autism & ADHD which means he gets bored very quickly & is very selective about what he will sit down & watch. Over and over again
Karlene
Minecraft, minecraft, minecraft. He's happy to play that alone, but when it comes to movies he likes mum to watch too. I like kids movies that have hidden humour that appeals to parents too. Rio and Rio2 were enjoyable and we haven't watched them for a while.
karina l
To keep her on the potty during toilet training sessions!
Deborah Osborne
Our kids Minecraft crazy ,when I can get spare chance we bob out to music get our blood pumping
Melicia mah
To entertain the lil rascals!
Adrienne Harries
Loading up the device
Will make home very nice
Quiet for an hour or two
Kids happy and I am too