``TimeOut Tot'' DVD Wins 2004 Parents' Choice Award; Small-Town Mom Wins Big-Time Award; Joins Disney's ``Finding Nemo'' and ``Holes'' in Winner's Circle.

Business Editors/Education Writers

SAN MARINO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 1, 2004

"TimeOut Tot: The Behavior Coach" (www.timeouttot.com), an innovative interactive DVD and behavior program aimed at nurturing character development in young children, has won the coveted 2004 Parents' Choice Approved Award.

Produced by Pausitive Programs LLC of San Marino, "TimeOut Tot" is one of 10 DVDs this year to receive the Approved Award, among a total of 24 Parents' Choice award recipients. Pausitive Programs, a new entrant on the scene -- founded by Ann R. Brazil, a San Marino mother of three -- joins a winners' circle that also includes such marquee names as Buena Vista Home Entertainment ("Finding Nemo," "Holes" and "The Lion King: Special Edition"), Warner Home Video, MGM Home Entertainment, DreamWorks Home Entertainment and WQED ("Mr. Rogers"). The complete list of winners is located at www.parents-choice.org.

The Parents' Choice Approved Awards are given on the basis of the production, entertainment and human values they exemplify. The award indicates a wholesome product that helps children enjoy developing physical, emotional, social or academic skills. Fewer than 15 percent of products submitted to the Parents' Choice Awards program receive a commendation in one of the six award levels: Classic, Gold, Silver, Recommended, Approved and Fun Stuff. The Parents' Choice Awards committees look for products that entertain and teach with flair, stimulate imagination and inspire creativity. Products must be free of racial or gender bias, and must not extol violence.

"This is a terrific honor for what remains a unique DVD in its category," said Brazil, principal of Pausitive Programs. Brazil developed "TimeOut Tot: The Behavior Coach" as the culmination of an 18 year-study of early childhood development. The DVD project was inspired by her experiences rearing her special needs son.

"Having a child whose toddlerhood lasted a few years longer than the norm kept me in the 'learning and teaching zone' for an extended time," Brazil said. "The experience had its share of tiring and frustrating moments. Many times, it would have really helped if I had someone who could step in and take over for a few minutes. And that's when the idea of a 'time out' DVD was born."

Tot is an adorable neighborhood squirrel (puppet) who visits young children in "time out" and coaches them on what is right and wrong using honest words, simple songs and gentle correction. The character was fashioned by a Jim Henson puppet-maker. Complementing the Parents' Choice Award, "TimeOut Tot" was recently recognized with a Dove Foundation Seal of Approval.

"Unlike anything on the market today, 'TimeOut Tot' teaches good behavior," Brazil said. "While the market contains a raft of products that nurture the young child's intellect, surprisingly few nurture the young child's character. At the same time, parents are spending a great deal of time and money on math and reading tutors, but tend to overlook emotional and social development. Our DVD is the answer to every frustrated parent's disciplining dilemma. We've taken an innovative approach to the time-honored 'time out' that, on occasion, every child needs."

When the need arises, parents simply select a "Teaching TimeOut" from among six of the most common childhood misbehaviors -- whining, tantrums, grabbing, biting, cutting in line and pushing. Tot's "Teaching TimeOuts" are patent-pending lessons that help young children draw a clear line between what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Fun and easy-to-sing tunes reinforce Tot's meaningful messages. The DVD also features useful tips for parents on how to "unemotionally" manage misbehavior.

"TimeOut Tot" is available for $19.99 at www.timeouttot.com.

The Parents' Choice Awards Program

The Parents' Choice Awards Committees, comprised of mothers, fathers, teachers, performing artists, librarians and children themselves search out and recommend products that help kids grow -- imaginatively, physically, morally and mentally. The panel recognizes "fairly priced products that are fun, safe and socially sound -- children's media that helps children."

Established in 1978, Parents' Choice Foundation is the nation's oldest not-for-profit evaluator of children's books, videos, toys, audios, computer software, television, and magazines. The Foundation's mission is to provide parents with information to participate wisely in their children's learning. Parents' Choice Foundation has no commercial ties, maintaining its 25-year tradition as an independent voice.

About Pausitive Programs

Based in San Marino, Calif., Pausitive Programs LLC creates, markets and distributes products for a unique behavior program aimed at nurturing character, manners, good behavior and social development in young children. Company founder Ann R. Brazil, a mother of three, was inspired to develop the program by her extraordinary experiences rearing one son with special needs and another with leukemia. The company's flagship product, "TimeOut Tot: The Behavior Coach," is an award-winning interactive DVD that not only advises caregivers but talks directly to preschool-age children who have been sent to timeout. Tot, a friendly neighborhood squirrel, made by a Jim Henson puppet maker, gently communicates with story and song, teaching right from wrong through visually simulating six different common misbehaviors in children. For additional information, visit www.timeouttot.com.