Surely you’ve noticed that a favorite media buzz topic of late is the co-opting of iPhones and iPads by the toddler set.  While we’ve personally resisted allowing a complete “iJacking” of our mobiles by our kids, given the preponderance of apps that speak to every age on the spectrum, it’s no wonder that app-friendly mobile devices have become the favorite choice of busy moms, and their children.  While this in turn has spawned its own journalistic cottage industry of app reviewers, we thought it was due time to share a few of the apps we consider most worthy from an Executive Mom standpoint.  (And every one we picked happens to be FREE):
 

For Places To Go on the Go

The ParentsConnect app is a helpful mobile version of the former GoCityKids site, that became ParentsConnect when it came under Nickelodeon’s umbrella.  Through selecting a city or using your GPS location, you can access lists of family events, family restaurants, outdoor and indoor fun and stores in the vicinity – ideal for when you are looking foe ideas of where to go when you are already out and about.

AroundMe is the grown-ups version of ParentsConnect; using your mobile’s GOS technology, this app’s greatest convenience is in finding nearby gas stations (to compare gas prices you need a different app), parking garages, supermarkets, movie theaters, restaurants, banks, and more.

SitOrSquat is an app whose success proves that any brand, upon seizing on the right insight and creating the right utility for consumers, can score a hit.  Created by the makers of Charmin, Sit Or Squat lets you find the nearest public bathrooms, with listings (there are now over 65,000) largely coming from the community.  Downside: it tends to be limited to major U.S. cities (so far).

For Multi-Tasking Moms

Evernote has won accolades from the industry and users for being an “extension of your brain.” (And for brains as filled as ours, that can be a gift).  A definite upgrade from Post-its, use it to jot notes, make lists, snap photos and record voice memos.  (We’re just waiting for the upgrade that gets your lists DONE for you)

CareConnector is an app designed to help organize the information and obligation of the 50 million of us in caregiving roles in the country (i.e. childcare, eldercare, or both).  In so doing, it removes at least one stress, which is how to stay on top of healthcare information, prescriptions, doctors’ appointments, and more.  Links take you to the mobile web to connect with a community of other caregivers, and a recent update ensures that all information is password protected.

ShopSavvy (or apps like it, like RedLaser) enable you to be an informed and empowered consumer, without investing in research time upfront.  At the point of purchase, scan a barcode and instantly access reviews of the product, as well as comparative pricing at other local stores, and web retailers.  More than 20 million products are in their database already.  (We used it while buying a webcam and saved $10 on the spot off the planned purchase).

For the Kids, for Good Reason (you can find the games on your own)

KidsRewards provides an entertaining solution to a problem shared by kids and their parents: how to effectively track allowance and the completion of responsibilities tied to it.  You can schedule and track multiple kids, make adhoc payments, and give reward points for extra good behavior.

 

WorldCustomsAndCultures is an app meant for serious travelers, but we think it’s a perfect accessory for a social studies student (or a source of fun trivia for most kids and adults).  Organized alphabetically by country (with their respective flags), you can find thorough and interesting information that will allow your family to become citizens of the world.  (Who knows when you might need to know the appropriate hand gestures in Burkina Faso)?

Tales2Go is like an Audible, Jr. for the iPhone.  You can start with a 30 day free trial (subsequent costs are $2.99/month; or less for a yearly plan), and let your kids be entertained by listening to great stories from leading narrators, from fairytales to series like Diary of a Wimpy Kid.  Ideal for car trips.

Find them all in the Apple App Store.  Now – WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITES?  Tell us!