Technology that helps you parent; who couldn’t use that? Full disclosure – I am a gadget lover, and I’m especially gaga over pretty much anything with that glorious little apple on it. I rarely leave home without my iPod Touch, and it’s proven to be an extremely worthwhile investment based on a few features and apps that make my mom duties easier.
Let’s begin with my most frequently used feature that came pre-loaded on the device – the timer. I can tell my preschooler over and over that it’s time to get ready for bed, time to leave the playground, time for lunch, time to pick up his toys, but will he listen to me? Nope. Enter The Timer. When The Timer says it’s time to do these things then it is indeed time. My son believes Time is the ultimate authority in our home, and frankly, judging by my wrinkles and gray hair, the kid has a point. Often he requests The Timer. If he’s sleepy it’s, ‘Mommy set The Timer,’ since, y’know, you don’t want to just go off to bed willy-nilly simply because you’re exhausted. You need permission. The Timer has come in handy for time-outs as well.
I also downloaded a mini piano app that I allow my son to entertain himself with when he’s bored on a long car trip. It isn’t beautiful music he makes on the mini piano, but it keeps the ride whine-free.
This one is just for mommy: the Sounds Of Nature. When city ambience, constant construction, snoring mate, or Hot Wheels on the kitchen floor sound effects get to be too much I stick my ear buds in and chill out to a good old-fashioned thunderstorm. I went with the Custom Sounds Of Nature, and I think it was free.
There are several other apps for the iPhone/iPod Touch I’ve discovered browsing online. Ever reach into your purse for a grocery list and there are so many little scrunched up scraps of paper you're not sure which one is the right list? Use the grocery lists app from Grocery IQ to organize your shopping list. There are too many cookbook apps to list just one. Web Artisan offers a food additive app so you can find out what’s lurking in the snacks your kids are eating. There’s even a poop monitoring app that can apparently tell you what your baby’s poop consistency indicates. For nursing moms, keep track of when and how much with this nursing app from ANDESigned. I even found an app at Code Goo that turns your iPhone into a baby monitor; movement triggers the phone to call you at a number you program. I found an allowance calculator, and a few alphabet games too.
These are a few applications for the iPhone or iPod Touch that I see as useful tools for your parenting kit. Share your own in the comments.
Comments
My wife and I were looking for some fun games for kids and toddlers so we decided to make our own. We created FlipFrog (itunes.com.com/app/flipfrog-appstore) and FlipFarm (tropicalpixels.com/flipfarm-appstore). They're fun and colourful matching games using sounds and animals. Now my 2 year old won't give me back my phone!
Cool, Jeffrey. I'll check out your apps.
You should check out the Baby Translator for iphone/ipod touch for those Dad's that are a bit baby challenged. It helps converts baby talk to English, well it's good for a laugh anyway, and dads love that!
(babytranslator.maluspumila.net)
My mommy apps were inspired by my daughter. She loves my apps but she may be biased. I'd love to get your feedback on my apps. Thanks.
Bank of Mom
Keep track of cash, playtime and rewards for your children while teaching them healthy financial habits.
sites.google.com/site/gomugroup/bank-of-mom
Prenatal Smart
Helps mothers make safe and healthy food choices during pregnancy
sites.google.com/site/gomugroup/prenatal-smart
Time Smart
Teach your toddler how to tell time while reducing tantrums.
sites.google.com/site/gomugroup/time-smart
LOVE the timer idea! Hadn't thought of that. I use the alphabet voice cards with my two year old when in the car for long trips and it works like a charm. I also like the google voice feature.
Another one that is relevant and helpful for parents and their kids to learn about what allergens, additives, ingredient and nutrient properties that are in the foods they eat.
It's fun, interactive with a bar code scanner and can help them to make better food choices as a family.
foodessentials.com
Just a suggestion... coming from a mom. I was looking for something educational for my 3 year old to learn some basics, ABC's, 123's, etc... Came across Toddler Cards. Keeps my daughters attention and she is actually learning pretty quickly... I think she likes the sounds. Anyway, just a suggestion. Not sure if the app has a website... but here is the link to the AppStore: itunes.apple.com/ca/app/toddler-cards-essentials-alphabet/id359033240?mt=8
Another great iPhone app for kids is Schoolhouse, which can be found on iTunes by searching for "Schoolhouse". It's great for on the go practice of math facts, spelling, time and other subjects when you have that 10 minute wait in line or the half hour drive downtown.
I used Grocery IQ, makes shopping a lot easier! But now I changed to Intuition as it doesn’t just help me with my shopping list but serves as my personal assistant as well, scheduling tasks and alerting me of such schedules. Real helpful app www.iconapps.com, not to mention yet that it’s for free.
Your list of iPhone Apps for Moms and Dads is awesome and really helpful! Thanks for sharing.
Like every sensible parent, I am concerned about my son’s health rather than educational or entertaining things. Regular sport exercises and outdoor activities should be set as highest priority. From there, I’d add uSwim application to your list:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/uswim-teach-kids-to-swim/id411167209?mt=8
It shows parents how to teach kids to swim of all ages. The step by step videos and easy-to-follow lesson plans let me teach my son to swim without getting any swimming lessons, at our own pace and place.
Moreover, it’s free!
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