I giggled recently when I read this quote, “I changed my password to incorrect so whenever I forget what it is, the computer will say your password is incorrect.” This quote makes perfect sense. We are inundated with passwords to protect all the technology we use in our lives!
When you think of the word technology, what comes to mind? Computer, Cell Phone, iPad, Digital Camera, Camcorder, Gaming Station. Technology is anything created by humans to make lives easier and solve problems.
So why are so many people hesitant to embrace technology if it’s meant to make our lives easier? Grab your remote, laptop, iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, Xbox Controller and follow these helpful hints to incorporate TECH TIME with your family.
INCORPORATE TECH TIME WITH THESE HELPFUL HINTS:
LEARN AND PLAY TIME: Are your kids constantly glued to their iPads? Are you having trouble limiting their screen time? Why not divide the applications into separate folders: “Brain Food vs Junk Food.” Have your children help you sort the applications and engage them in the process so they better understand the difference between the two categories. Next, establish “family usage rules.” Consider setting the device timer and when it goes off the child must choose a different type of activity. Technology should really be used as a tool to enhance the learning experience and make it interactive.
READING TIME: In honor of National Reading Month, why not encourage a love for reading with a fun app by Story Bots. Your child is featured as the star in these interactive books that include different modes of “interaction,” depending on the child’s age.
“ME TIME”: – As a mother of 2 school-aged children with demanding schedules, I spend a decent amount of time in my car. I’m always looking for new ways to pass the time while driving around or waiting on the school “car-line.” I know I should probably embrace the silence, but why not make it more of a “mind-engaging” activity? Have you heard of Podcasts? Most are free to download and are available on a variety of topics. Whether you are looking for something entertaining, educational, or motivating, I guarantee there is a podcast available. Click here to see the top-rated podcasts. Apps like POD CRUNCHER, help to organize your podcast playlist. So next time you are in your car on the way to work, running errands or in between shuttling your kids around, hit play on your favorite podcast. Kids will love the podcasts too…a great way to keep them occupied during a long car ride and learn something new at the same time! My kids really love the “Brains On” Podcast, especially the farts and boogers episodes. While they were giggling the entire time they listened, both of them actually learned some interesting facts.
FAMILY TIME: Is your family running in a million different directions? Why not try an application like Calendars 5 by Readdle. It is a personal calendar and allows you to “color code” your activities and makes juggling your schedule a whole lot easier.
WELLNESS TIME: How safe are the products you are using on yourself and your family? Not sure? Check now with this very user-friendly app. Visit the ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP (EWG) website and download the SKIN DEEP Cosmetics Database app. This database allows people to search over 73,000 personal care products on the market to see their safety rating. Ratings are scored on a 0 -10 scale. This is a MUST HAVE step in your detox routine. This is one app that everyone should download!
MEALTIME TIME: Are you constantly going to the grocery store and forgetting half the items you need? Why not use a helpful app like Any List to organize your lists. This app allows you to store your lists, share them, and cross items off as you purchase them.
Confused about where to begin? Curious about my favorite podcasts or additional apps? Feel free to contact me at andrea@fullyinformedlife.com, and I will gladly help you establish your TECH TIME.
Hopefully these suggestions have inspired you to embrace tech time and make it a valuable experience for you and your family. As Sean Gerety said, “The technology you use impresses no one. The experience you create with it is everything.”
