In 2023, the journal Consumer Affairs reported the average American household contained 21 Internet-connected devices.
Kepios, in 2021, noted in their Global Overview Report, the average American child, aged 8 to 12 years old, engages with internet-connected screens for an astounding 5.5 hours per day. This is particularly concerning when they can significantly affect the mental well-being of our youth.
For most parents, gone are the days of simple baby monitors and screen free play time.
Clearly, parents need to find a balance between technology and their children’s well-being. Despite these concerns, smart technology and screen time are also being used for good.
Thanks to many advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), parents now have access to a wide range of tools and resources to help them raise their kids while keeping their sanity better intact, from newborns right up to the difficult teenage years.
Inventing Smart Solutions for Parents in All Stages
What if AI, a technology often blamed for increased screen time, could actually alleviate parents’ worries?
Childrearing comes with many common parent frustrations, from sleepless nights with newborns to kids avoiding chores and lessons about money and kindness.
A variety of companies create innovative solutions with parents in mind. Here’s a look at how AI provides peace of mind for modern parents in all stages of parenthood.
AI Cribs for Sleep Deprived Parents
Sleep deprivation is one of the biggest struggles, particularly for new parents. Babies adjust to life outside the womb and require frequent feedings and diaper changes. This leads to disrupted sleep patterns for both the infant and parents. Sleepless nights result in exhaustion, mood swings, and poor overall mental health.
AI-powered cribs and bassinets help parents cope with sleep deprivation. These innovative products use sensors and algorithms to monitor a baby’s sleeping patterns, movements, and breathing. If abnormalities or concerns arise, the crib alerts parents via an app. Parents experience peace of mind, as the product lets them catch up on some much-needed rest.
Cradlewise is one of the newest smart cribs for newborns and toddlers up to age 2. Its predictive technology soothes fussy babies the moment they start to stir using bouncing motions that mimic parents’ movements. The company’s initial research shows parents average two additional hours of sleep, a huge achievement for exhausted moms and dads.
Tracking Developmental Milestones and Memories
Most parents want to make sure their child hits all the right milestones, from taking their first steps to saying their first words. If their child isn’t on track, parents want to know how to help.
AI-powered apps like Kinedu and Babysparks conveniently track developmental milestones, while they provide activities and tips for parents to support their child’s growth. These apps use AI algorithms to create personalized plans based on a child’s age, progress, and needs. It’s easy for busy parents to stay on top of their child’s development.
Parents also want to memorialize and cherish their child’s early years. With the help of AI and regular prompts, companies like Queepsake make it easier for parents to document their child’s milestones, funny moments, and artwork. These apps organize photos, videos, and quotes into a digital scrapbook they can easily share with family and friends.
Monitoring Screen Time and Safety
Many parents struggle to balance using technology for educational purposes and excessive screen time. AI-powered parental control apps like Qustodio and Circle help parents monitor their children’s screen time, set limits, block inappropriate content, and track online activity. They can also provide usage pattern reports to help parents have important family conversations about responsible technology use.
This tech is great for kids of all ages but especially useful for parents of tweens and teenagers who may be more susceptible to online dangers. AI-enabled apps like Bark monitor social media accounts and alert parents to any potential risks and concerns, allowing parents to help their kids navigate the digital world.
Encouraging Good Habits
As time flies and kids grow up, parents want to instill good habits that lead to a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. Many useful apps are available for everything from money management to tracking sleep, diet, fitness, and mental health.
One example is ChoreCheck, an AI-powered app that tracks children’s chores and rewards completed tasks with a monetary allowance. ChoreCheck and other similar apps assist parents in teaching their kids about responsibility, accountability, and the value of hard work.
Finding Balance
These days, there is an app for basically everything. While it may seem overwhelming, parents can use this to their advantage. With AI-powered solutions, parents can embrace technology’s good aspects and ditch the bad.
No tech will ever replace a parent’s instincts or spending quality time with their children, but it can certainly make the journey a little smoother.
