tweens + big kids Archives | Page 4 of 29

6 of the best new coding toys for kids | Best of CES 2018

by Liz Gumbinner | Tech Toys and Random Fun

I’ve been back several days from CES 2018, the Consumer Electronic Show, and I’m so happy to discover so many innovative new coding toys for kids this year that are giving new meaning to “best coding toys for kids.” Wow, how far we’ve...

How to set up a smartphone for kids: 9 things parents need to do first.

by Cool Mom Staff | Internet Safety, Tips and Tricks

We’re all learning about new technology right along with our kids, which can put us at a bit of a disadvantage. Darn those growing brains. And if you’ve ever gotten a new cell phone and seen how much more your kid knows about it than you do, well, you know...

A Super Mario gingerbread house. Wahoo!

by Kristen Chase | Holiday Picks

The gingerbread house just got a 2017 makeover thanks to this clever Super Mario gingerbread house we found at Michael’s. Seriously, how fun is this? Related: The coolest craft gifts for kids You get everything you’ll need to put together this...

A cute little pet that plays music. We approve, Oprah!

by Kristen Chase | Audio

While I was getting my new shiny iPhone 8 + this weekend, I spotted these adorable My Audio Pet Bluetooth speakers at the T-Mobile store, under a big “One of Oprah’s Favorite Things!” Now, I love me some Oprah, but I tend to be pretty skeptical about...

7 fantastic Android tablet apps for creative kids

by Cool Mom Staff | iPads + Tablets

If you’ve got a kid like mine, it’s a full-time job just keeping up with her every growing interests, many of which happen to be digital. And no, I’m not necessarily talking about gaming and YouTube binge watching. From learning to code to creating...

The new Kudos app is like Instagram for kids. But will they use it?

by Kate Etue | Fun Apps for Kids

My tweens know that I have a pretty strict policy about social media in our house. We won’t even have the conversation about setting up accounts for them on Facebook or Instagram until they’re the minimum age required by the app. And even then, I’ll...

The littleBits kit that lets kids build their own R2-D2 droid. Happy Force Friday!

by Caroline Siegrist | Tech Toys and Random Fun

Our favorite little droid R2-D2 faithfully served Padmé, Anakin, Luke, and Leia, and now, you can add your own little Jedi to the list, thanks to this new Droid Inventor Kit from CMP favorite littleBits. The Droid Inventor Kit, which is recommended for kids ages 8 and...

3 best laptop bags for teens that will last longer than a single semester | Back to School Tech 2017

by Kate Etue | Back to School Tech, Laptop + Tablet Cases

Since more and more upper and middle schools are requiring laptops or iPads in the classroom, we wanted to take a look at the best laptop bags for kids. Our requirements: They have to offer good support for our kids backs with all that heavy tech in there, and enough...

It’s all about that space, ’bout that space.

by Cool Mom Staff | Back to School Tech

It’s back to school time, which also means, back to school shopping time. That’s why we launched the first installment of our annual Cool Mom Picks Back to School guide, full of the coolest space accessories for kids. Yay geeks! From school supplies to...

We’re celebrating the total solar eclipse with these fun gifts. Yay darkness!

by Kristen Chase | Tech Toys and Random Fun

We have to admit that we’re getting pretty excited about the total solar eclipse on August 21. Depending on where you live (or where you’re traveling to), you could experience up to 3 minutes of complete darkness during day. Along with making sure...

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.