What are You Doing on Your Phone: Parenting in the Age of Technology

What are You Doing on Your Phone: Parenting in the Age of Technology
Parenting in the digital age can be overwhelming when balancing the benefits and disadvantages of so much technology readily available. On this Mother’s Day, we wanted to give moms (Dads and other caregivers can benefit too!) the gift of online resources to help make informed decisions about how to use technology in parenting. In recent years, obtaining an app and tool designed to make parenting easier and even more fun is just a couple of clicks away. You can find babysitters, schedule doctor’s visits, keep track of children’s milestones, find tutors, regulate screen time, and more. There's definitely no shortage of resources available to help navigate anything related to parenting. Whether you're looking for educational resources to help you better understand your child's development or fun websites to provide a laugh or two—it’s all out there. And that “all out there” includes plenty of apps and websites to which your children might have access.
Should We Take Away the Device or Just the Charger: Resources for Parents
Are you suffering from technology overload while trying to parent IRL and keep track of what your kids are doing online? We've rounded up some of our favorite apps, internet tools, and other resources to help you decide which technology is right for your family.
So, dig right in, take advantage of these resources, and enjoy the journey of parenthood in the digital age!
- BabyCenter provides helpful advice and tips for new parents. The site covers topics such as pregnancy, baby care, and parenting. It also features a community forum where parents can connect and share their experiences.
- Cafemom is a community for moms that provides a forum for discussion on a wide range of topics, from parenting to relationships to health and wellness. The site also provides advice and support from other moms who have been there.
- Common Sense Media is a great resource for parents looking for guidance on media and technology. The site provides reviews and ratings of movies, TV shows, video games, and more, and offers recommendations based on age and content.
- KidsHealth is a comprehensive resource for parents looking for information on everything from nutrition to mental health. The site features healthcare professionals and provides accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of topics.
- Mommy Shorts is a humorous parenting blog that provides a humorous look at parenting. The site covers everything from potty training to picky eaters, and is sure to make you feel like you're not alone.
- Parenting Science is a science-based parenting website that provides information on a wide range of topics, from sleep training to discipline. The site features information written by a biologist and is backed by research.
- Scary Mommy is a fun and irreverent parenting blog that provides a fresh take on parenting. The blog covers everything from pregnancy to the teenage years, and is sure to provide a laugh or two along the way.
- Scholastic Parents is an excellent resource for parents of school-aged children. The site provides information on reading, writing, and math, as well as advice on parenting, homework, and more.
- The Bump is a website dedicated to all things pregnancy and baby-related. The site provides information on pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care, as well as advice on parenting and relationships.
- The Dad Lab includes a YouTube channel dedicated to fun and educational activities for kids. The site includes easy-to-follow instructions for experiments and crafts.
- Zero to Three is a site dedicated to early childhood development. It provides resources for parents of infants and toddlers, including information on developmental milestones, behavior, and play.
I Really Am Doing Homework on My Tablet: Educational and Fun Websites
As long as you monitor website content and screen time, being online can open up the entire world and beyond for your kids—right from the comfort from your own home.
Teens and Tweens
- gov features information on a variety of topics that interest tween and teen girls. The site also features quizzes, news, and videos.
- Khan Academy provides free online courses in a wide range of subjects, including math, science, and humanities. The site is an excellent resource for kids who are looking to enhance their learning experience outside of the classroom.
- National Geographic Teens lets teens explore the world from their laptop or phone. The site offers exciting videos, interesting webinars, and more.
- TED-Ed features short, animated videos that cover a wide range of topics, from science and math to art and music. This site is an engaging way for teenagers to learn new things and expand their knowledge.
- Wattpad is a platform for teenagers to read, write, and share stories. It features a vast collection of user-generated stories on various topics such as romance, science fiction, and horror.
- Young Men’s Health offers an abundance of information created by medical professionals. The site features health guides in various categories, a blog, and a space to submit questions.
Grade School Kids
- Coolmathgames provides educational games for children in grade school. The site features games that teach math basic concepts.
- Funbrain provides educational games and activities for children in pre-school through grade school. The site features games that teach various concepts such as math, reading, and science.
- National Geographic Kids offers a fun and educational way for children to learn about the world around them. The site features articles, videos, and quizzes on various topics such as animals, science, and history.
- PBS Kids provides educational games, videos, and activities for children in pre-school through grade school. The site is a fun way for children to learn while playing games and watching videos.
Toddler and Infants
- Fisher-Price offers a playroom that includes games, activities, and educational videos for toddlers and infants. The site features popular characters such as Thomas & Friends, Little People, and Laugh & Learn.
- Sesame Street features videos, games, and activities that are designed for toddlers and young children. The site features loveable characters such as Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Big Bird.
In conclusion, there are many online resources available to help you navigate this eventful journey that is parenting. From educational websites to fun and interactive platforms, there is something for everyone. By using these resources, parents can provide their children with a well-rounded learning experience and make a few memories. Whether you are looking for advice, support, or just some fun activities to do with your child, these online resources are a great place to start.