Mom's Gadgets

I’ll admit it. I’m not a creative parent at all. I have trouble figuring up what activities to do with my kids. I need help discovering how to play with my kids and certainly need help with what I can teach my kids. Maybe it’s just my upbringing. In a traditional Asian family, playing, having fun or spending ‘quality time’ with your kids is unheard of.

That’s why I’m always thankful for the good people who provide play and learning ideas online. Like what my friend Lisa is doing over at Science for Preschoolers. This is such a wonderful resource! I only wish Lisa had created it years ago when my 7 year old was a preschooler. Whether you home school or not (I don’t), this is one site I’m book marking. Sounds like a great way to have fun, learn and spend quality time with your little one.

I own that - I’m one of those forgetful people and it would be nice when the next time you invite me anywhere, if you would use Phonevite. Phonevite is a service where you can remind people of events, appointments and meetings by phone.

You record a message, enter your contacts and Phonevite calls them for you. I think this is more convenient than email because everybody has a phone, including Grandma who may not have an email. Plus, it’s faster. They can even RSVP on the phone by pressing one or two.

I’m thinking when the kids have a birthday party this is one site that’s going to be really handy. Phonevite is free, but if you want to dial more than 25 contacts at one time, it’s 5¢ per successful call.

Photo credit: lusi

You know they say everyone is an expert in something. We all are a bit more knowledgeable than some in certain areas. But now it’s easier and easier to share and earn from your knowledge.

MindBites is a sort of ‘pay per view’ system of your own. Create videos of what you know, upload it. Set a price or make it free then share it. There is no fee to post and host the videos. People who are interested to watch the videos have to purchase credits. Credits cost between $1.69 and $1.99 based on the volume people purchase. You get $1 of the share, or choose to donate that to a charity of your choice.

Granted, earning 50% - 60% is a pretty big bite to give MindShare. On the other hand, your shows are distributed on a ready built network with existing audience. No technical investments or setup on your part. I think if you already own a business this is a great research tool because it has a list of what videos people want to watch and learn about. For example, in the Children and Parenting category - 2nd on the list is how to potty train and third is things to do with a toddler on a rainy day.

Below is one of the videos available for purchase. It’s very cute and educational as well.