Unexpected Ways Tech is Making Parenting Easier
Parenting is nuts. It’s the kind of gig that hits you with adorable, hilarious moments one minute and crazy, what-am-I-even-doing mayhem the next. Add work, relationships, and not letting a home die into the mix, and it’s no surprise that so many parents are clutching their caffeine like it’s a lifeline.
But quietly, behind the scenes of the tantrums and meal prep and the million school emails, tech has been creeping in to give us a bit of breathing space. Not in some flashy, sci-fi sort of manner, but in the little tools and hacks that keep the wheels turning – and, occasionally, keep us sane.
So, here are five unexpected (and actually helpful) ways that tech is stepping up for parents who are doing it all – from sandwiches to side hustles.
5 Unexpected Ways Tech is Making Parenting Easier
Ways Tech is Making Parenting Easier #1
Smart Home Technology
Some of the handiest tools aren’t flashy – and that’s what makes them so effective. Intelligent home tools like voice assistants, smart plugs, and routines can subtly shave off your mental load.
You can say, “Remind me to buy nappies at 3 pm,” while you’re stirring pasta. Or set up a bedtime routine that dims the lights, plays calming music, and reminds your toddler it’s story time – without you having to be the DJ or lighting engineer.
Smart Baby Monitors are another great gadget to consider; from getting real-time updates on your baby’s sleep and breathing to notifications on the temperature of their room!
Ways Tech is Making Parenting Easier #2
Group Calendars and Shared Apps
Parenting used to be the territory of the dreaded fridge calendar. You know, the one covered in smudged birthdays, swimming lessons, and non-uniform days. Apps like Cozi or Google Calendar have made it so much easier to share the load.
Do you have a partner who never “remembers” what day the school trip is? Write it in the calendar and name it. Have a teen who insists you didn’t tell them they have a dentist appointment? Invite them to the event (and yes, they’ll eye-roll – but they’ll be there).
You’d assume that with the plethora of sleep trackers and baby monitors on hand, parents would be the most rested people on the planet. Spoiler: they’re not.
Ways Tech is Making Parenting Easier #3
Tech That Helps You Rest
White noise machines that you can pre-set from your phone, meditation apps with guided meditations that you can fit into the 10 minutes between bed and your own collapse, or even wearables that enable you to see just how bad your sleep really was – it’s all data that enables you to make adjustments and feel a little more in control.
And if you’ve had one of those nights where your baby’s finally asleep, but you’re too wound up to sleep yourself? Play a slow breathing exercise from Calm or Headspace. You’ll be thankful.
Ways Tech is Making Parenting Easier #4
Digital Learning
Screen time has a bad reputation – and usually for good reason. However, intelligently used, it can be a lifesaver. Technology has opened up entirely new possibilities for kids to learn and for parents not to lose their sanity on a rainy Sunday.
There are phonic apps with dancing animals, math apps with space adventures, and even apps for mindfulness for children (which, if we’re being honest, we could all benefit from more of).
The key is to discover the apps that are playful and educational. Let them choose a puzzle app instead of Peppa Pig on repeat. Let technology be the teacher every now and then without the guilt trip. You’re doing a great job.
For older kids, there are now AI-Powered Homework Helpers, from apps like ChatGPT to online tutors. However the most important thing to remind your little and not so little students, is that these ‘Homework Helpers’ are exactly that – they’re useful for help but should not be used to complete homework. Always remind them that teachers and lecturers now have AI help too, to fish out AI generated essays, projects and assignments.
Ways Tech is Making Parenting Easier #5
Running A Business During Nap Time
This is where technology goes from helping to empowering – especially for all the parents out there who’ve taken the leap to create their own way.
Be it freelancing, starting a small business, or growing a side hustle into a full-time venture, technology has leveled the playing field in a big way. Even in B2B, technology tools like ZoomInfo – as widely praised in ZoomInfo reviews = allow parent-founders to grow their businesses in between school runs and nap times.
You don’t need a full-time team anymore to keep the wheels turning. Email automation software, client management software, lead tracking, or website maintenance software – they’re all right there on your laptop or phone, ready to be used.
Sanity-Savers
Alright, five’s a great number (from our five senses to our five fingers and toes), but let’s be honest – occasionally, it’s the small things that are like lifelines. Here are a few more tech assists that won’t exactly change your life but will definitely improve your Tuesday.
- Click-and-collect grocery applications: No more struggling toddlers in grocery store aisles.
- Meal planning software: Don’t spend your “what’s for dinner?” energy on anything else.
- Group chats with mute features: Sometimes, the class WhatsApp group needs a little silence.
Let’s not forget…
All of this is great, but it’s worth mentioning – tech isn’t a cure-all. It doesn’t replace community, support, or sleep (although we’d appreciate an app for that last one). And there are always going to be days when no routine, no reminder, no white noise playlist can make things feel easy.
But sometimes, technology is just enough of a nudge. Just enough to get you 15 more minutes. Or one less thing to remember.
Photos by Renee Mitchell
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