parents' lifesavers Archives | Page 2 of 32

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...

The new parental controls on the latest iOS 13.3 update are what you might have been waiting for.

by Liz Gumbinner | Family Safety Apps, Internet Safety

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...

25 things kids should know before they get a smartphone

by Kristen Chase | Tips and Tricks

Whether your kids have had a smartphone for awhile now, or you’re considering getting them started with one, it’s important that they understand how to use it. And as we all know, when it comes to a smartphone, it’s not as simple as dialing a number...

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...

Keep your eyes safer with these blue light blocking screen protectors

by Kristen Chase | Fitness + Health

As someone who works on a smartphone and computer all day long, I’ve become very diligent about wearing my blue light blocking glasses. I even have a pair for my kids, but no surprise here, they rarely remember to wear them. And well, considering I leave mine at...

iPhone trick: Here’s how to hide photos in your iPhone photo gallery

by Kristen Chase | Tips and Tricks

If you’re like me, you’ve gone into your iPhone to show someone a photo, and as you scroll through the thousands of images, you realize you didn’t delete those photos. Yes, you know what I’m talking about (actually, I’m talking about my...

iPhone trick: How to search your photos quickly using multi-keyword search

by Kristen Chase | Tips and Tricks

I currently have just under 12,000 photos on my iPhone. I know, I know, but when you work in social media and have four adorable children, it happens. As you might guess, even with the handy location feature, as well as moments, favorites, and face recognition,...

What you need to know about the new iPod touch. Yes, you read that correctly.

by Kristen Chase | Cell Phones

Just when you might have thought Apple was done with the iPod touch, they announced a brand spankin’ new one. You’re not alone in the head scratching because they haven’t updated the iPod since 2015. That’s like 20 years in Apple years! But...

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.