Parenting in the Age of Technology: 4 Must-Have Products

As technology becomes more deeply established into our daily lives, today’s parents continue to see the role tech now plays in how we raise our kids. In fact, a recent Influence Central study of Millennial Moms said that 77% believe the Internet has made them better parents.

And the tech-parenting partnership begins early, as I saw when I recently covered CES 2017 in Las Vegas. Exhibiters there showed everything from tech tools for expectant parents and young infants to online devices that help promote exploration and early reading.

I’ve included here some of my favorite new products for young children:

Square Panda

Today, most kids learn to read before starting school, so parents increasingly look for tools that help point kids in the right direction. Square Panda does just that by turning an iPad into a phonics tool. By attaching a letter board to the device, Square Panda uses graphics and colors to help kids make connections crucial for early reading. Plus, it becomes a useful resource for kids with reading challenges, such as dyslexia.

NeoBear Magnifier

If given a choice, what kid wouldn’t prefer to see characters come to life versus flat pictures in a book? And to breathe life into static images, the NeoBear Magnifier uses Augmented Reality technology to make images on cards, books, and even on a globe move, speak, and sing.

Spin Tales by Tilt

Imagine going to sleep knowing the characters in your room have the power to come to life? Textile company Tilt incorporated Augmented Reality into the design of Spin Tales by Tilt – in both comforter and rug designs – so kids can use a mobile device and app to watch images and characters move, dance, and interact. With Spin Tales, bedtime stories take on a whole new meaning!

Think & Learn Smart Cycle

With cold and inclement weather upon us, parents everywhere now have a way to help kids age 3 to 6 get rid of some of that pent-up energy – and learn about the world around them. Think & Learn Smart Cycle by Fisher-Price lets kids pedal away indoors while watching educational or gaming apps.

Featured image photo credit: Halfpoint/Thinkstock

Stacy DeBroff

Stacy DeBroff, founder and CEO of Mom Central.com and social and digital consultancy, Influence Central, is a social media strategist, attorney, and best-selling parenting author. A sought-after expert for national media, she trend-spots regularly with national brands and speaks frequently to national and international audiences on a wide range of subjects, including influencer marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, and consumer trends. A passionate cook, gardener, reader, and tennis player, she adores this new chapter of post-college-age parenting.