Technology has changed the world. It's also changed the family. Finding time to unplug is crucial. But, is that the only way to prevent technology from wreaking havoc on our family connectedness? I say no. Technology isn't going anywhere so why not learn to use it to your advantage? Technology can bring you closer as a family if you'll take time to figure out how to do it. Yes, the internet can be a scary place.... but I have a separate page for that. This page is about the great things technology can do for your family.
Browse the apps and tech below. And just to be clear, I don't own any of it and have no stake in whether you download them or not!
Browse the apps and tech below. And just to be clear, I don't own any of it and have no stake in whether you download them or not!
Clear
Clear wasn't designed as a "family use" app but my wife and I use it religiously. Here's the basic concept... it's a to-do list app that's really simple and looks good. You make lists then swipe to the right to strike through items when they're "done" but you still want them to be visible. This will also allow you to swipe those items again to put them back on the list. Then you swipe left to remove them from the list completely.
Here's how we use it. We're on the same iTunes account. So, we downloaded this app to both of our phones. We then created a list and titled it "shopping list" and put our entire grocery list on it. The thing is, we never swipe left which means we never completely remove stuff from the list. So, at any time you can open this list and scroll through it. Anything we need we can swipe left and put on the list and then when one of us is at the store we can always open the app to see what needs to be purchased. It's an incredibly simple and valuable way to keep a shared list that's updated in real time.
Click here to see it in the app store.
Here's how we use it. We're on the same iTunes account. So, we downloaded this app to both of our phones. We then created a list and titled it "shopping list" and put our entire grocery list on it. The thing is, we never swipe left which means we never completely remove stuff from the list. So, at any time you can open this list and scroll through it. Anything we need we can swipe left and put on the list and then when one of us is at the store we can always open the app to see what needs to be purchased. It's an incredibly simple and valuable way to keep a shared list that's updated in real time.
Click here to see it in the app store.
Kitchen Safe
I'm going to break the rules for a minute here. This isn't an app. However, it's an insanely valuable tool for parents. If you watch Shark Tank (like my family and I do) then you've probably already seen this little device. It's called The Kitchen Safe. It's a tupperware looking container that locks. Once you close the lid you set the timer and it won't unlock until the timer goes off. The catch is, there's no override. There's no key, no password, no nothing. Once that timer is set the only way to get it to open is to wait it out.
It was originally designed for junk food (which is a great idea) but the use I'm most interested in is that it's the perfect size for phones, game controllers, and even tablets. So for all of you parents out there who take your kids phone away only to cave when they give you those sad puppy eyes and say how sorry they are, this is for you. It's also great for parents who just get tired of your kids constant badgering. Or maybe this sounds familiar.... you've read this blog so you know not to let your kid have a device in his room during sleeping hours..... BUT..... you don't want to fight the battle of keeping it in your room and him trying to find it or constantly asking when he can have it back. Bam. Kitchen Safe. Drop that sucker in at lights-out and set the timer for whatever time you're okay with them having it back the next day. How about you drop your kids game controllers or power cord in and set the timer until the next night at 7:00. That means when they get home they have to find something else to do like, I don't know......homework. And if that homework isn't done by 7, you set the timer for 23 more hours. Okay last one.... It's Saturday morning and you want to have an actual family day. Drop everyone's phone in and set the timer for 24 hours. Then... hang on..... go A WHOLE DAY without phones. I know. Crazy, right?
I love this thing because once the timer is set there's no discussion. All the complaining in the world won't get that thing to open. Whining to you about how badly he wants his phone back literally serves NO PURPOSE. The only thing that's opening that contraption is time. So your kid now has to accept the fact that the phone is gone until the timer goes off. He may actually have to go outside and see the sun. And for those parents out there who aren't great at sticking to stuff.... this takes the pressure off and allows you to see how effective things can be when you follow through.
Click here to go to their website. Seriously. Get one.
It was originally designed for junk food (which is a great idea) but the use I'm most interested in is that it's the perfect size for phones, game controllers, and even tablets. So for all of you parents out there who take your kids phone away only to cave when they give you those sad puppy eyes and say how sorry they are, this is for you. It's also great for parents who just get tired of your kids constant badgering. Or maybe this sounds familiar.... you've read this blog so you know not to let your kid have a device in his room during sleeping hours..... BUT..... you don't want to fight the battle of keeping it in your room and him trying to find it or constantly asking when he can have it back. Bam. Kitchen Safe. Drop that sucker in at lights-out and set the timer for whatever time you're okay with them having it back the next day. How about you drop your kids game controllers or power cord in and set the timer until the next night at 7:00. That means when they get home they have to find something else to do like, I don't know......homework. And if that homework isn't done by 7, you set the timer for 23 more hours. Okay last one.... It's Saturday morning and you want to have an actual family day. Drop everyone's phone in and set the timer for 24 hours. Then... hang on..... go A WHOLE DAY without phones. I know. Crazy, right?
I love this thing because once the timer is set there's no discussion. All the complaining in the world won't get that thing to open. Whining to you about how badly he wants his phone back literally serves NO PURPOSE. The only thing that's opening that contraption is time. So your kid now has to accept the fact that the phone is gone until the timer goes off. He may actually have to go outside and see the sun. And for those parents out there who aren't great at sticking to stuff.... this takes the pressure off and allows you to see how effective things can be when you follow through.
Click here to go to their website. Seriously. Get one.
Cozi
Cozi is frequently rated as one of the best family organizers on the market. It's an app that allows you to store your family calendars, shopping lists, to do lists, and family journals all in one place.
Click here for more information and here to see it in the app store.
Click here for more information and here to see it in the app store.
Life360
This app is another great one. It allows you to keep track of everyone in your family "circle" through GPS but also has features like "check-in" that send a notification to all members asking them to check in with a single click. It allows messages to be sent to all members and can do auto check ins for places like work and school. You can also create groups for other circles like friends, grandparents, or sports teams. If you're a family with a busy schedule this is a necessity.
Click here for the website, click here to see it in the iTunes store, and click here to watch their video.
Click here for the website, click here to see it in the iTunes store, and click here to watch their video.
Tweekaboo
I love Tweekaboo because I hate Facebook, particularly for parents. Posting pictures of your children in a place that public is creepy. Tweekaboo is an app that allows you to post all of those sonogram pictures and updates on how fast little Timmy is growing in a private place that can only be shared with the people you select. So stop subjecting the whole of humanity to your intimate parenting moments. Keep it on Tweekaboo people.
Click here for the website and here to see it in the app store.
Click here for the website and here to see it in the app store.
Kids Media
An app that provides ratings and parent reviews for thousands of TV shows, movies, video games, and other media your kids are interested in. Know what they're watching. Start here.
Click here for the website and here to see it in the app store.
Click here for the website and here to see it in the app store.
EpicWin
This app allows you to create an avatar in a roll playing game who gains experience points and skills by checking things off of your real world to-do list. It puts an entertaining spin on mundane tasks. The rewards are funny and the concept is great. Kids who are into video games seem to be particularly fond of this app.
Click here to watch the video. Seriously...... Watch the video.
Click here for the website and here to see it in the app store.
Click here to watch the video. Seriously...... Watch the video.
Click here for the website and here to see it in the app store.
IgnoreNoMore
One of the greatest apps on the market. Allows parents to remotely lock their kids phones. The only way for the kids to unlock the phone is to call the parent to get the passcode. Your kids will stop ignoring your calls and texts because if they don't, their phone will essentially become a paperweight. AND.... it's now available in the iTunes Store.
Click here for the website and here to see it on Amazon.
Click here for the website and here to see it on Amazon.
MomMaps
Great idea but not as thorough as I'd like. This app shows a list of kid-friendly stuff near you (parks, playgrounds, indoor play lands, etc.). It's only drawback is that it's missing lots of sites, at least in the Dallas area where I've tried it. If it had more listings it would be a home run for parents looking for something to do. As is, it's more like a leg-it-out double.
Click here for the website and here to see it in the app store.
Click here for the website and here to see it in the app store.
Puppet Pals and Puppet Pals 2
I've had some personal experience with this app. It's a puppet show app that allows users to create shows that record everything from what's happening on screen to the voice of the user. Kids will have a lot of fun with it. In my office, this app allowed a young autistic child I was working with to describe what she was experiencing in school in a way she never would have otherwise. She told me more in her 3 minute presentation than she had in the 3 months prior. It completely changed what I thought technology could do for counselors.
Click here to see it in the app store. *Tip: Spent the $3 on the Directors Cut. Well worth it.
Click here to see it in the app store. *Tip: Spent the $3 on the Directors Cut. Well worth it.
iRewardChart
Does exactly what you'd expect and does it well. It's a digital reward chart to track your kids' good behavior. Award stars to your kids and even set rewards so they know what they've won.
Click here for the website and here to see it in the app store.
Click here for the website and here to see it in the app store.
WheretoWee
Bathroom finder. Seems to work. Not sure what else to say.
Click here for the website and here to see it in the app store.
Click here for the website and here to see it in the app store.
Mint
Great app for personal finance. The purpose of Mint is to get your money in order. If you struggle with budgeting or family finances check this one out. Click here to see how it works.
Click here to see it in the app store.
Click here to see it in the app store.
KidsBank
This is an app that allows you and your kids to work together to track their money. It's a virtual system so there's no actual money changing hands. You make"deposits" into their account as you see fit, deduct when purchases are made, and they can check their balance on their phone.
What I really like about this app is that it allows your kids to accrue interest on money they don't spend and adds that to their account every Sunday. A great way to teach the value of saving.
Click here to see it in the app store.
What I really like about this app is that it allows your kids to accrue interest on money they don't spend and adds that to their account every Sunday. A great way to teach the value of saving.
Click here to see it in the app store.
Lickety Split
This is a simple timer app for kids. The graphics are solid and the music it plays speeds up as the timer winds down. You can adjust the activity, time, or song being played to fit your kids. If you've found a timer to be effective with your young children this is a great app to try.
Click here to see it in the app store.
Click here to see it in the app store.
KidPointz
Another app that allows you to award your kids with virtual "points" when they've earned them. There are plenty of these out there. I recommend trying them out until you find one that works for your kids (not just the one you're most comfortable with).
What I actually like better than this app is the website from the same company. It has downloadable behavior charts for all kinds of situations. Even if you don't love the app, check out the website. You can find it here.
Click here to see it in the app store.
What I actually like better than this app is the website from the same company. It has downloadable behavior charts for all kinds of situations. Even if you don't love the app, check out the website. You can find it here.
Click here to see it in the app store.
MoneyTrail
Another app that allows you to track your kids money virtually. Like the others, there's no actual money involved. If they want to make a withdrawal, it will still come from your pocket. Nice little app. Nothing groundbreaking but good to have.
Click here for the website and here to see it in the app store.
Click here for the website and here to see it in the app store.
Hub
This is a family organizer app similar to Cozi. I personally like the look of Cozi a bit more but most of the same functionality is here. As is the case with a number of these similarly-themed apps, try them out until you find one that works for your family.
Click here for the website and here to see it in the app store.
Click here for the website and here to see it in the app store.
Keepy
I like Keepy. It's a digital family album that allows users to post pictures and comment with text or video. You can do things like post a child's school work so grandparents can see it and leave a video message on it. The reason I like this app so much is that my family lives all over the country. If you're like me and there are people who would like to stay connected to your kids but don't live nearby, try Keepy.
Click here for the website and here to see it in the app store.
Click here for the website and here to see it in the app store.
Chorma
App for tracking household chores. Same basic concept as the other chore apps just a different look and feel. Check it out and pick the one that works best for your family.
Click here to see it in the app store.
Click here to see it in the app store.