Tips and tools for digital parents

by Sarah Granger

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Today's parents juggle more than ever before -- but the good news is that technology abounds that can help ease the stress. Take advantage of new technologies -- hardware, software, and handheld devices – and see a change for the better

Where to begin

For new parents, check out our article about adapting your digital lifestyle to a new baby.  It contains tips relating to kids of all ages regarding photo sharing for families, video chatting online, blogs that help parents, and how to make use of minimal space for a home office.  Consider a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), such as TiVo, which let you record shows and play them back at your convenience. Our video tutorial will help you see the advantages.

Online, Cozi provides some great online shared tools like a family calendar and shopping lists.  A number of grocery stores provide grocery delivery service (Safeway.com, Peapod by Stop & Shop, and even some local stores) in which customers place orders online.

And for keeping in touch with far-flung family members, photos can be sent via the Internet. Retailers such as Walgreens and Walmart let you load images to a Web site and have someone pick them up at the store. Shutterfly, Snapfish and Kodak Gallery are similar, but the prints are generally mailed to the recipient. Presto sends e-mail, including pictures, to family members without computers via use of a special HP printer mailbox.

Out and about

For moms and dads on the go to soccer practice, music lessons and play dates, mobile technology is a lifesaver.  Car navigation systems and mapping software such as MapQuest and Google Maps makes finding new places much more efficient.  Many cell phones allow you to check e-mail while on the road.  iPhones and Blackberries are popular for mobile Internet and phone use, and many mobile phones serve as in-a-pinch cameras. You'll never miss important e-mail or the opportunity to take a great photo of your kids.  (A convenient addition to any mobile handheld device is a belt clip.)

TechMamas' blogger, Beth Blecherman, suggests "all digital moms should go wireless and hands-free.  Make sure you get a laptop and you can work wherever your kids are."  Blecherman recommends hands-free bluetooth devices as well as cellular wireless cards, which let parents catch-up on work from any location while waiting for kids or in-between appointments.

Connecting with others

Many of us cannot even fathom what it must have been like raising kids in our parent's time, much less generations ago: No phones, television or computers. Now with a click of a button from our computers and phones, we can find like-minded parents with similar stories and concerns.  Social networking sites for parents include mamasource,  Maya's Mom, and local parenting networks such as the San Francisco Chronicle's new Bay Area Moms site.  For parents who telecommute, see Digital Landing’s guide to telecommuting.  Co-working parents now have more options as well, with places such as Cubes & Crayons, a workspace/childcare facility where moms and dads can catch-up on work projects as their kids play down the hall.

Whatever your lifestyle needs may be as a parent, new technologies and digital services are evolving constantly to address those needs, keeping you organized, accessible, and entertained along the way.