Technology: Good for Kids with Special Needs and Parents
Photo Credit: Photo Credit: http://flic.kr
Technology is changing faster than we can keep up with it. New gadgets come on the market almost daily. Guest blogger Sarah Gray is here with an overview of tech products that can enhance the lives of kids with special needs and their families.
Technology: Good for Kids with Special Needs and Parents
Today’s parents live in an age of technological wonder and can use this to their advantage. It has become a little easier to monitor children’s health and wellness, ensuring that they sleep properly and stay on schedule. Technology has also changed the possibilities to entertain and stay active with children.
Video Infant Monitors
Whether you put your special needs child down for a nap or it’s time for bed, you can end up spending a majority of your evening physically checking in on your infant. Video monitors allow parents to watch over their children from the comfort of their own bed or couch. Technology has also progressed to monitoring your child’s breathing and heart rate. If you’re worried about your child getting out of their crib or you just want to see them play, video monitors are ideal for checking out their antics.
Pillows
Nursing pillows, such as the Mombo Comfort & Harmony nursing pillow, are ideal to better position and support your child during feedings. These nursing pillows have come a long way from the typical pillow that you might remember. For example, the Mombo nursing pillow comes with a vibrating option that also allows for you to soothe and comfort your baby.
Tablets
Educational toys have expanded for today’s children. Tablets, smartphones, and notebooks are educational toys that can introduce your child to the world of technology. You’ll also find instructional games that help with cognitive development. Many of the tablets also have access to movies and streaming live shows.
Books
Whether you select a book from the library or favorite bookstore, you can introduce reading as an integral part of a child’s life. However, technology has also changed how parents read, with the introduction of eReaders and eBooks. Downloading and searching for various stories can be simple and done with a click of the button. You can also view these various tales with bright and colorful illustrations.
Smartphone Apps
When it comes to scheduling and staying on task, it’s easy to miss important appointments and events. However, smartphone apps like Remember the Milk are optimal for the parent who needs to schedule every minute of their busy day. The phones also have various alarms and ring tones, so you don’t miss an engagement. The smartphone apps are also excellent for consulting and assessing whether a childhood ailment or injury is serious. While it’s not a substitute for someone in the medical field, you’ll find the apps to help alleviate fears and concerns.
Tracking Devices
GPS trackers can be synced to a cell phone via the internet and placed in a backpack. This grants a parent the opportunity to safely keep an eye on their child at all times. This is especially helpful when children become more independent and possibly engage in outside activities. High-tech gear has become an important part of parenting today.
Whether your special needs children are infants or teens, you’ll find many of the above tools to make parenting easier. Many of the technological gadgets today can also be used to educate, entertain, and aid in your child’s growth and development.
Your Favorite Tech Products?
Have you discovered apps, gadgets, and websites to make life better for your kids with special needs? Share them in the comment box. Thanks!
Do you like what you see at DifferentDream.com? You can receive more great content by subscribing to the quarterly Different Dream newsletter and signing up for the daily RSS feed delivered to your email inbox. You can sign up for the first in the pop up box and the second at the bottom of this page.
By Sarah Gray
Subscribe for Updates from Jolene
Related Posts
How Do I Teach my Kids to Interact with People Who Have Disabilities?
Jolene gives practical pointers for people who ask, “How do I teach my kids to interact with people who have disabilities?”
Choosing Acceptance and Advocacy as Parents of Kids with Disabilities
Choosing acceptance and advocacy as parents of kids with disabilities can be hard, but it’s necessary to our kids and to ourselves.
Caring for our Bodies to Meet the Needs of Those We Love
Guest blogger Heather Braucher explains how caring for our bodies can meet the needs of those we love as well as our own.
0 Comments