FOUR QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN BUYING TECH FOR YOUR KIDS

Any geeky parent knows the joy of sharing technology with their child, be that bringing home the latest game console and playing the new titles together, enjoying smart toys that have a range of functionalities, or watching them build their own computer for the first time in their teenage years. 

That said, as a parent it’s important to not only consider the utility of the tech we bring into the lives of our children, but how appropriate they are as well. For example, it’s important to assess the quality control of each item you buy, such as with products like Onewheel, finding items crafted to the manufacturing standards of your own economic zone rather than a cheap import from abroad can ensure safety. 

However, you might not have time to read the specification sheets of every single item you purchase. You just want to find a lovely and suitable gift you can rely on. So, let’s consider four questions to ask before buying tech for your kids: 

Is It Safe? 

Front and center will always remain the question - is this safe for my kids? After all, an excellent device may seem great and easy to operate for you, but not all kids. An electric scooter, for instance, might reach speeds that you’re not too happy with. It’s important to note the appropriate age of the tech, if they can understand the controls, and put simply, if the dimensions are correctly calibrated for someone their size. 

Are There Parental Controls? 

Ultimately, parent controls allow you to exercise administrative measures over the functioning of the device. That might include time limitations, or preventing children from accessing the wider internet. It’s always good to set these appropriately and check in advance if you will be able to determine the appropriate use of the item you’re interested in. 

Are There Educational Opportunities? 

It’s important to ask if there are educational opportunities in line with using this tech. It might not be the case, and you may be okay with that. However, sometimes smart tech is best when it helps children learn and develop, not just when it helps them spend time in a recreaitonal context. So for example, you might load a small child’s laptop with access to educational sites and games. Alternatively, their small kids tablet might have the same content. You need only look in any local “gadget shop” to see how many cool, kid-oriented science tech toys there are. 

Will It Require Maintenance? 

Charging an e-bike or calibrating a smart instrument like a modern keyboard or MIDI controller may take some time to manage or rectify, and depending on the reliability of the device, it’s important to make sure if your child is mature and responsible enough to manage it. If so, that’s fantastic. If not, it may be worth considering a worthwhile alternative. This isn’t to say you should only buy them indestructible items, it’s just that this is more of a concern when purchasing tech for children. 

With this advice, you’re sure to ask the best questions when buying tech for your kids.

HOW TO GET YOUR KIDS TECH SMART (WHEN THEY'RE READY)

Kids are introduced to and using technology younger than ever before whether at school, at home, or a friend’s house. This is just the way the world is now, and it can have its benefits, especially when you consider how much more reliant on technology humanity may be in the future. Yet, your kids may not be as tech smart as they could be even though they use devices every day, so how can a parent help their kids be smarter about technology? 

Show Them the Internet as a Force for Good 

The internet can have a bad reputation, and it’s easy to see why. If it’s not misinformation spread across every channel, it is trolls trying to get a rise out of the most insignificant disagreements. However, as bad as some corners of the internet can be, it can - and should be - a force for good. 

Throughout history, there has never been a better resource for pooling the entirety of the world’s knowledge. If you can show your kids the secrets for research, recipes, and reconnecting, they will be able to use the internet to its potential without venturing too far into slinging wars about character arcs in a series that will be canceled soon anyway. 

Use Tech Together 

Parents are right to be wary about what their child sees online or how they interact with technology. Too many parents have allowed the tablet to be a third parent, supervising the children without any real idea of what is going on. 

This can improve your child’s tech literacy, but it could also lead them down dangerous rabbit holes. A parent can consider the best ways to use tech to have fun with your kids, which allows you to supervise them without being overbearing. 

Walk Them Through Quick Fixes 

There will come a time when your kids get their own laptop, tablet, or computer, and when the time comes, you want them to be self-sufficient enough to fix any issues. If your kids are old enough to understand the intricacies of a system, you can walk them through quick fixes that will save them from running to the tech store. 

This mostly includes simple solutions such as clearing the app cache and system cache to speed up processing times. Similarly, replacing batteries or keyboards is also much easier than many expect, and it can save them a lot of money. 

Encourage Them to Earn Their Tech Privileges 

Nowadays, you might see kids even younger than your own with tablets and smartphones. They have been given these by their parents because they feel it’s the trendy thing to do. But, giving your kids devices before they are ready can be a mistake. They never understand the value or privilege of these expensive items, so you can encourage them to earn the device by proving they can be responsible. By doing this, they will appreciate and care for their devices much more. 

Tech Smart 

Many kids know their way around an iPhone or can access their games without parental supervision. However, this is just the tip of the tech iceberg. If you want your kids to be maestros at the keyboard, you should show them the true power of technology but make sure they remember there is a real world out there.

SMART TECHNOLOGY YOUR SMALL BUSINESS NEEDS

It is enough hassle running a small business, so you don't need to make things more complicated by utilizing long and winding ways of completing tasks. If you rely on the old methods of managing your small business, you’re likely to slow down productivity and lose control of your workers. In addition to that, you risk security breaches both digitally and in real world situations. This is where innovative technology comes into the picture if you are a digital nomad. 

 Out of the approximately six million small businesses in the United States, only 36% acknowledge that innovative technology forms a core of their business. Is your own business lagging behind?  What are some examples of smart technology that entrepreneurs should be taking advantage of? Take a look at this list of technologies below that are changing the face of small businesses.

1. Sling Time Clock

According to news reports, employee tardiness is a significant nuisance for small businesses. How long have you worried over your employees’ efficiency? While a larger company can absorb the impact of occasional delays and late arrivals, it’s very different for a small business. Imagine the following scenario for a better understanding of this point.

Jasmine is the only cashier for a small retail store. However, she constantly reports late for work, making it difficult for the company to run smoothly. Because she is the only person responsible for this role, the store is shut down until she shows up. This reduces profitability plus can add to labor costs if additional employees are added so the business isn't dependent on Jasmine. Fortunately, employees like Jasmine can be straightened up. As a solution, you can use the Sling time clock technology to track employee hours and export timesheets for later review.

2. Frontpoint Security System

Initially designed for homes, the Frontpoint security system has become a favorite of small businesses. Over the past few years, security system inventors have made a conscious effort to factor in the small businesses around the country. What makes it even better is that, as a user, you can connect it to several devices in addition to your base package. The base package includes smoke or heat sensor, two-door or window and motion sensors, and two sensors for water leaks.

All these can be controlled wirelessly on a customized control panel. Many small business owners who use this intelligent technology admit to the ease of use, mainly because the Frontpoint security system can be monitored on any smart device.

3. Smart Locks

It seems the traditional lock and key system is giving way to more contemporary options. Burglars have over the years mastered the art of breaking standard locks to steal. According to a survey spanning three years (2017 to 2020), smart lock inventors revealed that several small business operators are investing more in this technology. With keyless locks, the user has absolute control over admittance to the shop or business place.

Although you have the liberty to grant access codes to your employees, you still reserve the sole right to revoke their access at any time. Depending on the brand you go for, you can monitor who goes in and out of your business. Remember that the cost associated with burglary is nothing compared to investing in a keyless magnetic swipe lock system.

4. Smart Lighting

You don't need anybody to educate you on the importance of energy conservation when you run a small business. Even bigger companies are constantly looking for efficient ways to cut back on wasteful energy consumption. Research says office or business lighting takes a chunk of monthly energy bills. Therefore, if you find yourself in the category of small business owners who get incredibly high lighting bills, do yourself a favor and think again. Indeed, reducing energy consumption for your business is not all in your hands. Do not forget that your employees must understand the mission too.

Energy-efficient lighting is the answer to a number of these high electricity billing issues. With this option, you have direct control over lighting in your small business establishment. The exciting part is you get to control office lighting no matter where you are. Some smart light inventions are built with occupancy sensors. This means, the moment your employees leave a room, the lights will automatically go off to help you save on energy. With this technology, you will begin to see the vast benefits after months of usage. Without a doubt, this technology is worth your initial investment.

Other smart technologies you can explore for your small business are smart payments, inventory, and stock control, among many others. The objective here is to simplify work, run it smartly and make technology the core of your business.