My name is Corey Lallo.  I live with my wife and four kids in northern Illinois.   In addition to husband, father and friend I am a reader, a worker, quasi-writer and a productivity and self-improvement junkie.  I am the publisher and editor of KidKaizen.  My wife Jen is a stay at home mom, CEO of our household, wonderful wife and contributing editor.  My vision for KidKaizen is a massive online playdate without constraints of time or geography, a collaboration of parents and anyone interacting with kids to share ideas, tips, philosophies, frustrations, successes, failures, humor and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is KidKaizen?

The kid portion doesn’t need much explanation.   Every facet of the word “Kid” is worthy of exploration.  Being a kid, making a kid, raising a kid, talking to a kid, listening to a kid, hugging a kid, loving a kid and being loved by a kid.  While parenting can be the hardest job imaginable and can have the effect of amplifying our imperfections and shortcomings, it is exciting nonetheless and can trump any profession by evolving into an obsession.

Kaizen (prounounced Ki- like “eye”, zen) is Japanese for “continuous improvement” and as a philosophy focuses on that improvement in all aspects of life.  As it applies to the workplace Kaizen relates to Lean Processing as a method to eliminate wastes of time and cost.  KidKaizen will concentrate on the “all aspects of life” interpretation and apply it to our interaction with kids.

What is and why a blog?

A quick definition, just in case.  Blog is short for weblog which is a web-site with constantly changing information.  Think of an online journal where the most recent information is found at the top.  Generally, the tone is familiar and conversational and the information can vary from “lessons learned”,  “what I think today” to “check out this link or product”.  The blog format is easily searchable and provides many methods for keeping up with new content including RSS feeds and newsletter type email updates.  A blog also allows for commenting on each post giving a warm sense of community as well as an opportunity for interaction and collaboration.

What are these RSS feeds you speak of?

A truly indulgent moment for a tech-guy.  If I am asked this in person, I get giddy with excitement because I know what it could mean for the asker.  My internet life is measured in before I discovered RSS and after.  If you can get past a small shift in approach to the internet as an information medium and an even smaller learning curve you will thank me one day.  A search for “What is RSS?” will provide many links with dummies or idiots in the title that are helpful.   I use Google Reader and LOVE it.   Here is a great video explaining RSS that passes the Grandma test.  Alternate YouTube link.

Who do you think you are?

OK, this was not really a Frequently Asked Question.  I just want to clear up any perception that we are presenting a “How to be a perfect parent guide”.  We are not doctors, counselors or teachers (although you could argue that every parent has to fill these roles on a weekly basis, but I digress).  We don’t plan to present our kids report cards (they were pretty good) or a series of testimonials on how it all worked out since they are still young and it will be 20+ years before we know if we totally screwed up and need to cover their psychiatry bills.  The only credentials we can offer is the fact that our kids are more often than not extremely nice little people by most measures, we laugh a lot and our house is still standing.

Napoleon Hill says “You become what you think about” and we obsess about being better parents.  KidKaizen is just as much a call to help as it is an offer of it.

You must learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t possibly live long enough to make them all yourself. ~ Samuel Levenson

How can I support KidKaizen?

You already are!  Just the fact you are visiting, reading and hopefully participating means you are helping fulfill our vision.  You may also notice several ads and affiliate sponsors scattered throughout the site.  By clicking through our site and using the services linked we get a small kickback for directing traffic to their goods or services or a percentage of your purchase.  These fees help to offset our hosting fees and cover our baby wipe costs.  You can click through our Amazon Affiliate Link for your next shopping spree for a no-cost way to support KidKaizen.

How can I submit monetary contributions to KidKaizen?

If you find KidKaizen helpful, please let us know.   Donations in any amount are welcome and extremely appreciated.  We have partnered with PayPal to offer a method of secure transaction.

Donate via Paypal

How can I advertise on KidKaizen?

We are always looking for partners who can bring needed services and products to our readers.  Please contact us at corey@kidkaizen.com

How can a website improve my kid?

Short answer, it can’t.  KidKaizen is a self-improvement site for people who want to change those around them by changing themselves.

If you wanna make the world a better place take a look at yourself and then make the change. I´m starting with the man in the mirror … - (written by) Glen Ballard

You must be the change you want to see in the world. -Mahatma Gandhi

Can my kid read KidKaizen?

Although for the most part everything you will find here is kid friendly, our intention is to provide a place for parents to communicate about the ups and downs of being a parent.  The ability to comment on posts creates a conversation between parents that will remain unedited as long as everyone plays nice.  Mild language will be acceptable and sometimes necessary.