For a lot of parents, the Internet is a godsend. Have a few minutes of spare time? Read the latest parenting hacks. Looking for breastfeeding info? Google for tips. Looking for inspiring quotes to get you through the day? There’s Pinterest. But the thing with going online is that there’s so much information out there that when you sit down in front of the computer with the intention of writing and sending emails, it’s not hard to end up doing something else like watching videos on YouTube or pinning on Pinterest.
Without further ado, and in no particular order, here are the best apps and websites to keep us parents up-to-date.
1. Huffington Post
You have your news, the latest updates on #parenting, and a bit of humor in between. It’s a great, reliable source of information on the latest Internet memes to actual news updates. Dare we say that it’s a one-stop-site that you can also download as an app on your tablet or smartphone.
2. Calm.com
This one’s kind of like a bonus. It won’t keep you entertained or up-to-date but it sure can give you a feeling of calm and serenity. We all know how hard it is to find your inner Zen when the kids are all over the place and there’s a pile of laundry that’s taller than you are. So if you can’t have a getaway to somewhere nice and peaceful, just go to this website (or download the app) and let it do its magic. Bonus points: it can also calm down hyperactive kids come bedtime. If you’re looking for options, another great similar app is Doze.
3. Mental Floss
If you’re looking to amass more knowledge, trivia, and amazing facts, Mental Floss is a great site to check out every now and then. If you’re into pop quizzes, there are lots of interesting quizzes on the site to keep you sharp.
4. TechCrunch
For parents who double as tech geeks, this website is a great source of information on the latest software, apps, and trends in the tech world.
5. AllWomenStalk
This is an amazing site to keep your girly side entertained. Everything from weight loss (and weight gain) tips to tips on the cheapest cruises available are detailed in this website. It’s like a free, online magazine that caters to different facets of your personality.
6. Slate
For the latest on politics, business, and the arts, Slate is a great place to start. Like HuffPost, there’s also an available app so it’s easier to check out the latest news and articles.
7. ParentHacks
This is a great website that contains tips and tricks from parents all over the country. Some tips are interesting while some might weird you out. But if you have the time to spare, this is one of those websites that collects everything a parent might need to know.
8. Buzzfeed
If you want to know the latest memes that your teens are interested in, Buzzfeed is THE place to go to. However, Buzzfeed is a very entertaining website that caters to all age groups, despite all the current pop culture references. So visit at your own risk! And yes, there’s also an available app for free.
How about you, what are your go-to apps and websites that keep you informed and up-to-date?