Parents' Picks Awards FAQ
What is Parents Connect?
For 30 years, Nickelodeon has built a global business by putting kids first. Now, the folks who brought you Nick Jr., Noggin and The N, take the same dedicated, practical approach to parents. Nickelodeon's ParentsConnect is an informational, community-based Web site for parents to connect with local family events, great deals and activities, age-relevant content, and other parents.
ParentsConnect celebrates the reality of parenting, which deals with daily challenges large and small, from pregnancy to the teenage years. Our motto is "We're not perfect. We're parents." And we mean it!
What are the Parents' Picks Awards?
The Parents' Picks Awards is the only awards program that lets parents (like you!) vote on the best family-friendly resources in their community - everything from Best Dentists and Best Family Restaurants to Best Playgrounds and Parks - in 52 cities across the U.S.
Do you have to register to vote?
Nope. Just pick your city and vote away!
How often can I vote?
To keep it fair, you can only vote once a day. But you can tell your friends, family and anyone else you know to visit the site and vote for their (or your) favorite places. The more votes, the merrier! And don't forget to come back tomorrow and vote again, and the next day, and the next day. ...
How are the nominees selected?
Most of the Parents' Picks nominees are chosen based on parent reviews and ratings. In three special categories, real parents (i.e., you!) get to nominate their favorites. What's an election without a write-in vote, right?
What criteria were used for picking nominees?
There are many reasons why a place might stand out to parents. Sometimes it's a commitment to quality, selection or service. Or maybe the business does an extra-special something to help parents out (stroller parking, changing tables, cups with lids ... without even asking!).
The nominee choices are not related to, or influenced by, any advertising or partner relationships.
Who decides the winners?
Parents!
From May 5, 2009, to July 15, 2009, parents can vote for their favorite local places (up to once per day). They can vote in as few or as many categories as they'd like in their own city, and in any of the other cities, too! Check out the 2008 Parents' Picks winners.
When will the winners be announced?
The 2009 Parents' Picks winners will be announced August 17, 2009.
What are the 2009 Parents' Picks categories?
We want you to tell us the BEST ...
Party Entertainer, Kids' Party Place, Birthday Cake, Day Camp, Art Class, Dance Class, Swim Class, Music Class, Martial Arts Class, Shoe Store, Bookstore, Kids' Clothing Store, Toy Store, Pizza, Breakfast ,Ice Cream, Farmers Market, Theater Group for Kids, Indoor Play Space, Museum, Haircut, Playground or Park, Tutor or College Prep, Preschool, Tourist Spot, Local Blog, Family Photographer, Pediatrician (write-in), Dentist (write-in), Place for a Parent Date Night (write-in).
Can I nominate a place that's not on the list?
No. But if we didn't include your favorite this year, you can put it on the track for nomination next year! If we already list it, go to the listing page and give it a rating and comment! If we don't have it yet, tell us about it.
How often are the lists updated?
Parents' Picks is an annual program, therefore the 2009 nominees and winners will not change until 2010. If any nominated businesses should close or change significantly during the year, we will review and update the pages accordingly on our site.
Do I have to vote to enter the Sweepstakes?
Nope. The Parents' Picks Awards Sweepstakes can be entered once daily for the duration of the voting period. See the official rules for more details. But since you're here, why not vote for your favorites?
I'm a nominee. Where can I find more details?
Nominees are encouraged to visit our PC Nominee Resource Center , which provides free downloadable logos and suggestions for publicizing your selection as one of the best in your city.
When will voting begin for Parents' Picks 2010?
Wow! Chomping at the bit for next year already? The voting for Parent's Picks 2010 will begin in the spring of 2010. Stay tuned for more details.
How can I get my business - or a business I admire - listed on ParentsConnect Local?
Check our FAQs, then go to our Submit an Attraction page and send your suggestion. There is no charge for a listing on ParentsConnect.
Can I pay to get listed as a Parents' Pick?
Nope. The Parents' Picks Awards are subject to editorial discretion only. For more information about how to be considered, please refer to the two Q&As directly above.
