Posts in “Technology” Category

These days people talk on cell phones pretty much everywhere. We may not like listening to someone's personal conversation while seated on an airplane getting ready for takeoff, but it happens all the time and we live with it.

It's been so great now that the sun sticks around later in the evening. After work, Erik takes Kellan outside for a half an hour or more to water plants or take walks. That means I get the house to myself so I can start dinner undisturbed or even sit on the couch and catch up on the day's news online.

Now is the time I admit that I fall into time traps. Sometimes I intend to look up recipes but end up on Facebook or reading about who wore what to some awards ceremony, then Erik and Kellan come home and find me on the exact same spot on the couch where they left me. So much for making good use of my free time!

I love when friends share sites they think I would enjoy so here are a few sites I've been visiting lately, (somewhat) guilt-free:

A Cup of Jo - Talk about a mom who seems to have it all. This site is chock full of fashion and beauty ideas, pictures of the blogger's cute baby and food ideas to boot. I love!   

Ciao Bambino - Disclaimer: My actual favorite travel blog is my husband's, which also includes posts on traveling with children however in the interest of keeping this list outside the family, I have to mention Ciao Bambino. It's a great resource and makes me even more jazzed to travel.

Uncommon Goods - This site just may replace my Etsy addiction. Like the name suggests, you can find all kinds of unique items, many of them eco-friendly. 

Design*Sponge - If you are into lifestyle blogs, this site is a must. It has inspiring home décor ideas, recipes and DIY projects. The site is organized nicely and includes nice photos.

Official White House Photostream - I don't visit this site quite as much as the others, and this is not any sort of political endorsement, but I love the idea of having this kind of access to the leader of our country. I was an intern on Capitol Hill in college so I'll always have an interest in government.

Please share your favorite sites in the comments!

 

It's embarrassing to admit, but I have become an app addict. Well, maybe not an addict, but I won't think twice about playing Doodle Jump just to occupy myself while waiting in line.  Rest assured, I make sure the sound is turned off!

What's so wacky about my newfound habit is that I don't actually like video games. So why have I suddenly found games so irresistible? And it's not just games. If I have to wait even one minute, I'll take the opportunity to check the latest news, the weather forecast for cities where I'd like to travel (my current obsessions are Venice and Stockholm) and even shop online. I barely have time to read the newspaper, but somehow find time to use my New York Times app several times a day.

Not only does Kellan recognize different apps my husband and I use, he even has favorites. Doodle Buddy (a drawing app), iWrite Words (a handwriting app) and MeeGenius (a storytelling app) are fun and preschool appropriate. He also loves "playing" Angry Birds, a very addictive game for grown-ups, and Alpine Crawler, a driving game I can't figure out but it comes with a demo that Kellan likes to watch over and over.

I definitely don't want my child to seek out apps as his main source of entertainment. As a matter of fact, I don't want that to be my main source of entertainment. Maybe I should just carry a good book in my handbag... unless of course I get an iPad.

Are you in the grips of a favorite app? Share in the comments.

Sometimes Kellan picks up my cell phone and pretends to have conversations with Grandma. I love how he cocks his head to one side and babbles,"How was your birthday, Grandma? My birthday was good!" Too bad he clams up, or even runs away when Grandma is actually on the line!

Turns out, that may be a good thing. While the debate still rages on the connection between cell phone use and brain cancer, I think it's wise to be cautious. Researchers have only recently begun researching the effects of mobile communication technology on children.  The Environmental Working Group has tips on how to reduce your exposure to cell phone radiation. It wouldn't hurt to take precautions, especially if you use your mobile phone frequently. You can also look up your cell phone model to see where it ranks on the list for radiation emissions.

I've always been reluctant to put a cell phone right at my son's ear. We always put the phone on speaker. It's not always the easiest way to have a conversation with grandparents, but it does add an element of fun for our kid. Just like allowing computer time, I think teaching moderation at an early age is a step in the right direction. Besides, don't all the kids text these days anyway? I'm still learning all the shorthand for that!

When I see my son "typing" on my laptop I am amazed. He's not yet three and already his little fingers fly around like he's working on a college term paper. And while I try to steer him away from things like iPhones and computers, it's hard to keep him from things that have become essential in our daily lives. He's already asking for his favorite apps - Doodle Buddy and Lunch Box, in case you wanted to know. But I can't help wondering, is all this technology too much, too soon?

A developmental milestone during the toddler years is imitating behavior of others.  So when adults are busy sending text messages or checking emails, our little ones are watching us closely. Talk about monkey see, monkey do. And it's not just our gadgets that are making children so adept. There are laptops for preschoolers, cell phones for grade schoolers, and even stuffed animals kids play with online in a virtual world. Toys have come a long way since my Easy Bake oven.

I'm trying to handle the idea of a having a tech savvy toddler by remembering that it's all about balance. Not just for him, but for me as well. If he doesn't see me on the computer for long stretches, then hopefully he won't be as drawn to it as well, at least not while he's so young.

When my son says, "Play with me!" I try to close my laptop or put away my phone as soon as possible. When he's all grown up, I want him to remember that mom wasn't too busy checking emails to build Lego cars or play hide and seek. I look forward to the day when he'll tell me this. Maybe he'll tell me while we're Skyping, but by then my job will be done.