Dear Reader is the addictive wordplay game for fans of Jane Austen and Edgar Allen Poe. Yes, really.
When you think "voracious reader of the classics" you don't generally think at the same time "..and big game, toor!" And yet, that's how I feel every time I open up Dear Reader. Free with Apple Arcade, this fun, quippy, clever, and fairly challenging iOS game of...
Here’s my beef with Snapchat for kids. And it might surprise you.
Over the years, we've shared our concerns with kids on Snapchat, which aren't really that surprising. We all know that it's terribly difficult to monitor. And we've seen our kids deal with the difficult issues that arise with Snap Maps. But honestly, I'm also...
6 unexpected rom-coms on Netflix that you can watch with the family on Valentine’s Day
What you do after the kids are in bed on Valentine's Day -- that's your business. What you do while the kids are still up and wanting to hang out with you though? Well, we can help with that. As the resident cinephile, I've put together some surprising picks for...
A fun family Valentine’s Day playlist that’s all about celebrating love
As you might have heard on our recent Spawned podcast, Valentine's Day after kids (at least for us, anyway), has become quite a family affair. Whether it's lunchbox notes and a special school lunch, little gifts when they wake up, or a family movie (or game night),...
How to hide your Instagram Story from users. Psst: If you can do it, your kids can do it too.
A few months ago, we shared how to set up the Close Friends feature on Instagram, just in case you’ve got your kids (and their friends) following you and wanted to share something that they couldn’t see. Of course, whenever you do that, then you can pretty much assume...
NBD Google just shared some private videos in Google Photos to strangers.
In what feels like a game of "Which Site Will Violate Our Privacy More This Week?," Google remains consistent in their issues with user privacy and released an inconspicuous email to users to let them know that some Google Photos users might have had their private...
Here’s how Facebook is stalking you. And what you can do about it.
If you're like me, you've had a few instances where you know you didn't search for a particular product or service on your phone or your computer, but suddenly you're getting ads for it in your Facebook feed. Is Facebook listening into your conversations? Well, sort...
How to report spam texts and phishing. Because sorry, Amazon is not giving you $130 in freebies out of blue.
"You'll get $130 freebies to do a survey ELIZA," the totally American English-sounding text reads. Every day, sometimes twice a day. They don't even bothering masking the phishing link that doesn't start with an Amazon URL. (Let alone getting my name right.) As it...
The 20-20-20 rule, and why you (and your eyes) need to know about it
Every now and then I'll spot a fantastic article shared by one of my Facebook friends, only to discover it was written a few years ago. Womp, womp. But in a few cases, like this Vice article about what screens are doing to our eyes (and our kids' eyes), there's still...
Bandolier goes pro. AirPods Pro, that is.
If you were lucky enough to snag a pair of AirPods Pro this holiday season (or you played Santa for yourself), then you've got the perfect excuse to get one of the new Bandolier AirPods Pro pouches. Even though we were initially a little skeptical about the Bandolier...
Instagram trick: How to find all those cool Instagram Story filters everyone else seems to have.
We used to say "photos or it didn't happen," but it feels like 2020 is all about "filters or it isn't Instagram." You may have noticed folks you follow using wacky filters -- or oddly flattering filters that bathe them in a beautifully hazy rose gold glow. If you you...
Digital parenting tip: How to teach your kids (and yourself) to spot fake photos
We live in an age of photoshop and photo altering, and quite frankly, our teens and tweens are pretty savvy when it comes to pointing out (and complaining about) a model's face that's been de-wrinkled. But photos of women -- made to look skinnier and younger -- aren't...
Tips & Tricks to Make Life (Way!) Easier
How to hide your Instagram Story from users. Psst: If you can do it, your kids can do it too.
A few months ago, we shared how to set up the Close Friends feature on Instagram, just in case you’ve got your kids (and their friends) following you and wanted to share something that they couldn’t see. Of course, whenever you do that, then you can pretty much assume...
NBD Google just shared some private videos in Google Photos to strangers.
In what feels like a game of "Which Site Will Violate Our Privacy More This Week?," Google remains consistent in their issues with user privacy and released an inconspicuous email to users to let them know that some Google Photos users might have had their private...
How to report spam texts and phishing. Because sorry, Amazon is not giving you $130 in freebies out of blue.
"You'll get $130 freebies to do a survey ELIZA," the totally American English-sounding text reads. Every day, sometimes twice a day. They don't even bothering masking the phishing link that doesn't start with an Amazon URL. (Let alone getting my name right.) As it...
Use this browser extension to show you what Amazon books are available at your local library
If your goal is to read more in 2020, here's a smart browser extension that could help you save a little money this year, because it shows you what Amazon books are available at your local library. Related: 3 free audiobook apps you should know about I know lots of...
4 ways to try a tech detox with your family that actually work
With resolutions and goals for 2020 in mind, we know that a lot parents are thinking about technology and screen time. Wrangling screen time is a huge concern for many of you (and us), as well as the members of our Out Tech Your Kids Facebook Group. Let's just it's a...
The top 10 Cool Mom Tech posts of 2019
We're going into our 10th year of Cool Mom Tech and our 2nd year of our Out Tech Your Kids Facebook group that's almost at 4500 members! We know, we can't believe it either. Every year, we share our 10 most visited posts on Cool Mom Tech. From tech tips and tricks to...
The top 10 Spawned Parenting Podcast episodes of 2019
Every year, we round up our top 10 most downloaded Spawned Parenting Podcasts. As we enter our 5th season (yes 5!), it's fun to look back on what resonated with you, our awesome listeners. And if you're looking to catch up on episodes, or you're new to us (hi!), this...
How to take better holiday photos: 6 fantastic online photo tutorials to make your holidays merrier and brighter. (But not too bright – just the right white balance.)
Every parent wants to know how to take better pictures, especially around Christmas. A few years ago I received the completely awesome gift of a DSLR camera, but I admit I haven't entirely learned how to use it properly. I've taken thousands of pictures in auto mode,...
The new parental controls on the latest iOS 13.3 update are what you might have been waiting for.
If you've got a kid on an iPhone or an iPad, this week's iOS 13.3 update (as well as iPad OS 13.3)has some serious parental controls that we think you'll be happy to know about. Introducing Communication Limits Starting his week, there's a new Communication Limits...
15 fun Amazon Echo skills for the holidays, from fun and festive to really helpful
Just in time for the holidays, we've found 15 fun Amazon Echo skills that can help you stay organized, add a little more fun to your family time, and even put some magic into the holidays for your kids. If you and Alexa are in a rut, just remember: she can do a whole...
12 practical tech gifts that are still pretty darn awesome | Holiday Gift Guide 2019
There are some folks on our lists who love tech gifts, but prefer the more practical tech gifts to the gaming systems or the entertainment consoles. Or hey, maybe they love both but just have some specific needs this year. If that's the case, I've got you covered! I...
12 tech gifts you should probably just buy for yourself already | Holiday Tech Guide 2019
We've got lots of cool tech gifts for big kids and teens, not to mention some awesome STEM holiday gifts for kids as part of our Holiday Tech Guide, but what about us? We love tech too! Except sometimes, the tech gadgets we want aren't super gifty. But hey, we're here...
10 of the coolest tech toys and gifts for tweens and big kids | Holiday Tech Guide 2019
Next up in our Holiday Tech Guide 2019, we're sharing the coolest tech toys and gifts for tweens and big kids. We know that they can be tricky to shop for, so we've done the research for you (not to mention asked our own tweens and big kids their honest opinions)....
The big Black Friday tech deals roundup: The best codes and most outrageous deals
If you’re looking for the very best 2019 Black Friday tech deals and discounts around the web, we've got you covered! These are the best codes and most outrageous deals. No "buy one, get one 6% off." Many of them are good through Monday and beyond. We’ll continue to...
10 of the coolest tech gifts for teens that are all teen-approved | Holiday Tech Gift Guide 2019
We know first hand that finding cool gifts for teens is no easy task. But in our experience, tech is always a safe choice, especially in 2019 when teens are so in tune with what's hot on the tech scene. We're so pleased to present this holiday tech gift guide on...