Got the back to school blues? Leaving the freedom of summer behind is not just a bummer for kids, but parents too.
Back to school advertisements make school supply shopping seem fun and easy, but in reality, school supply lists are chock full of antiquated, expensive items are little ones seldom use.
That can all be changed with apps.
This year, get creative with your back to school shopping.
Sit down with your kids, and go item by item down the school list and decide whether an app would do the job better.
For instance, paper school planners are pricey, get ripped or misplaced in a matter of days, and have limited functionality.
Replace paper calendars and school planners with kid-friendly interactive calendar apps.
These tools can help teach kids important time management skills using colorful graphics and interactive features.
Planners can be priced at $25, whereas an app may be free or within the $2 range.
Skillful savings! You now have the luxury of enjoying the experience with your child and having him become a part of the experience.
When we involve both parent and child this gives him a feeling of independence and desire to succeed.
Imagine guiding your studies with the 1960's paper planner instead of a school planner which records your voice and has colorful characters to guide you.
We now have the luxury of entertaining and educational apps to guide us.
Imagine memorizing the multiplication tables with flash cards instead of a fun game.
This takes research of appropriate apps but we have educational sites to help research appropriate ones.
This is not limited to just one subject area.
You can do the same with any area of your child's curriculum--strengthen your child's math skills with an interactive math app.
Replace boring flashcards at a nominal cost with apps that count with your child and teach multiplication.
Swap tired, worn workbook pages with apps that reinforce reading skills, and even allow your little ones to practice their handwriting.
Simply peruse the iTunes Store educational category to find kid-friendly apps.
Some helpful search words to use are teacher tools, teacher aids, and school planner.
If you want expert advice, it is wise to check the ratings given by those who already use the app or the countless review sites devoted to ensuring that apps on the market live up to parents' standards.
After you've done your homework, sit down with your kids to do some stress free shopping in the comfort of your own home instead of dragging them to the mall!