parenting Archives | Cool Mom Tech

How do we teach our kids to make good commenting choices? | Episode 2 Out-Tech Your Kids

by Liz Gumbinner | Out-Tech Your Kids podcast, Social Media, Tips and Tricks

“Don’t read the comments” isn’t going to fly when your kids are old enough to watch YouTube videos without you around, let alone managing their own TikTok accounts. But learning how to be a responsible commenter is a skill that comes in handy...

Easy tip for more mindful screen time: Download these lock screen wallpapers for your phone

by Liz Gumbinner | Cell Phones, Social Media

This weekend, inspired by the Cool Mom Picks book club video chat about How to Break Up with Your Phone, I decided to try one of author Catherine Price’s tips to help me be more mindful about my screen time, and more aware of how much I pick up my phone. She...

In defense of teens with headphones

by Kristen Chase | Audio

This morning my teen daughter lost her earbuds. “Did you shove them in your front backpack pocket?” I asked her. “No!” she snapped, then barked “Just pick me up before study hall!” as she stormed off into the open doors of the bus....

How do I keep kids safe on social media? | Guide to Digital Parenting

by Cool Mom Staff | Guide to Digital Parenting, Internet Safety, Social Media, Tips and Tricks

We couldn’t create an Ultimate Guide to Digital Parenting without including tips about how to keep your kids safe on social media. After all, for our tweens and teens, the Internet is social media, and they could sooner give up the games, the videos, and even...

How do I know when my child is ready for a smartphone: 7 essential questions to ask | Guide to Digital Parenting

by Cool Mom Staff | Cell Phones, Guide to Digital Parenting, Internet Safety, Tips and Tricks

We can’t tell you how much debate we’ve seen over the simple question, “when is my kid ready for a smartphone?” It brings out nearly as much stress, passion and well, sanctimony, as questions about breastfeeding or sleep training. Well, after...

How to set these 5 smart Xbox One parental controls

by Kate Etue | Games + Gaming

We’re all for setting some smart parental controls on our kids’ tech, and there are some great parenting controls built into the Xbox One that you might not know about it. From limiting screen time to blocking other users who might be interacting...

Why the notOK app is crucial for teens (and adults) struggling with depression

by Kate Etue | Family Safety Apps

Have you ever typed up a message to a friend, asking them to send some good vibes your way because you’re really struggling at the moment, only to delete it before sending? (Hand raised!) I don’t know if it’s the fear of vulnerability that holds me...

What parents need to know about the new Amazon Teen shopping program

by Kate Etue | Websites Worth a Bookmark

Perhaps you’ve heard about the Amazon Teen shopping program, in which parents can set up an Amazon login for your teens to shop on their own. It includes lots of safeguards to make sure kids don’t spend more than you want them to, but is it a good idea? Or...

Are the video games your kids love safe for them? We can help.

by Cool Mom Staff | Games + Gaming, Internet Safety

If you thought your kids tech-savvy as toddlers, it’s amazing to see how quickly they pick up video games when they get a little older. They know what’s hot and what’s not faster than Mario with a super star power-up. Turns out there are tons of...

NEW: The podcast that helps you be a savvier digital parent in under 15 minutes a week

Hi! We’re Kristen + Liz

Kristen Chase + Liz Gumbinner of Cool Mom Picks

We started Cool Mom Tech in 2010 to help make our increasingly digital lives easier, more organized, more meaningful, and more fun, however old your kids may be.

We love that it's grown to become the go-to source for millions of parents who want commonsense info about tech delivered with a smile.

We even have the privilege of sharing our tips + tricks with The TODAY Show, CNN, HLN, GMA, Nightline, newspapers and magazines around the country, and our favorite -- regular parents who stop us at PTA meetings and ask us how old kids need to be to get a smartphone, and whether they really need to panic about Snapchat.

(Answer: It's complicated.)

We're so glad you're here! And we hope we can help you too.