As parents, you probably know just how hard it is to get anything done. Even getting the kids to have a proper breakfast before school is a task. Then there are bills to pay, clothes and dishes to wash, numerous things to fix or replace, and a list of chores and errands that never ends. These battles are pretty much what comprise a parent’s regular day. But, if you’re a working parent – mom or dad – that regular day just gets way more hectic. Now, you don’t just have kids, you have a boss and colleagues too. You don’t just have to get the kids ready, you’ve got to get dressed too. Yes. Working parents deserve more than just a bear hug for their efforts both at home and at their workplace. That is why, today, on Working Parents Day, we’re dedicating this piece to these heroes as we look at 7 apps that are sure to ease the lives of our working parents.
Net Nanny: When you’re at work, drowning under a bunch of paperwork, who knows what your child is being exposed to on the internet as s/he plays an online game. Well, an app called ‘Net Nanny’ does. This smart app works by becoming a new browser on any internet device – be it your child’s smartphone or a desktop at home – filtering content through one of 18 different settings that block pornography, nudity, gore, death and mature content. Net Nanny even lets you choose from four pre-defined, age-appropriate user profiles for your filter settings: Child (ages 7 and under), Pre-teen (ages 8-12), Teen (ages 13-17) and Adult. It even alerts you whenever a site is blocked, a block is overridden, or the like happens.
Ringya: Being a parent means you have to keep in touch with other parents. What if you need to set up a playdate? Or, what if you need someone else to pick your little one from school? An app called ‘Ringya’ is well aware of all of this and wants you to stay connected to those who can help. Designed for “larger, more complex groups that have diverse communication needs,” this app is brilliant because it even lets you group chat with those who haven’t installed it. According to Working Mother, what Ringya works by converting actual contact lists into mobile contacts just by snapping a quick picture with your phone. It will even let you search by role if you forget a person’s name!
Mint: For working parents, there’s one kind of problems that never end – money problems. But, an app called ‘Mint’ wants to at least reduce the number of money woes you have to deal with. This money managing app will help you create a budget and stick to it, ensuring you’re set up for success in the future. Further, Mint will get you connected to all your financial accounts, letting you manage everything money-related in one place, even credit. But, the best part is that it helps you break down your expenses and the expenses of your entire family. All you need to do is set a budget every month for a category – like Rs 2000 for school stationery – and work towards sticking to it.
Snap Secure: The only thing that can make parents worry more than money problems is their children’s safety. Meet ‘Snap Secure’ – the app that wants to ensure everyone’s safety, not just your child’s. This piece of technology offers basic smartphone security like your malware scanning, backup for your data, anti-virus tactics and even a GPS-enabled ‘Find My Phone’ feature. But, what is more incredible about Snap Secure is that it lets you add up to five family members to one account – which means you can track data, call, and text usage, and even keep track of where your family members are. If that isn’t enough, the app will even let you set ‘safe zones’ for your kids, and will alert you if they leave them.
HatchedIt: If you’re working a full time job, have kids who need looking after, have errands that you need to complete and events to attend, then ‘HatchedIt’ is the app for you. HatchedIt is basically a family calendar that wants to help manage your entire family’s activities. In fact, you can even include your friends when you use the app, which literally turns your phone into a command centre for managing your loved ones’ busy schedules. With HatchedIt, kids can track assignments, parents can track appointments, and everyone can see what’s next on everyone else’s schedule – so there are no clashes, just easy planning. What’s more is that you can even catch your favourite blogs and the news – and all of this from one simple app!
ChoreMonster: Household chores – those ceaseless, bothersome activities that are determined to suck the joy out of your life. And it’s worse when the kids don’t help. But, don’t worry. All you need to change this is ‘ChoreMonster.’ You just need to create chore schedules with points for your child, and watch the magic! ChoreMonster will not only reward your children with points but with monsters too. You can even add rewards that your kids “purchase” from their point collection – anything from money or ice cream to a camping trip – increasing their incentive for their hardwork. In fact, the ChoreMonster is so effective, it even won itself a spot among Parents Magazine’s ‘App-solute Must Apps for Families in 2015!’
Trekaroo: Finally, which working parent doesn’t deserve a good vacation?! And what could be better than a cozy family trip? Probably an app that helps you organise one! Welcome to ‘Trekaroo’ – the app that lets you plan a family outing or vacation to numerous spots in the US and Canada. Trekaroo will help you look for child-friendly spots to either spend a day at or even an entire fortnight. The app will even allow you to create a customised guide for your trip, help book you explore and book hotels, enable you to search for exciting activities and restaurants and more. That’s not all. Trekaroo even includes reviews from other parents, so you don’t go anywhere blindly. Just the kind of convenience a deserving working parent needs!
The post Working Parents Day – 7 Must-Have Apps For Parents Juggling Kids And Work appeared first on Networked India.