Smartphones keep parents organized and in communication with their children-- from sending loving text messages to sharing grocery lists and keeping young ones entertained. As distracting as cellphones can be, many of you enjoy the benefits that come from utilizing mobile technology within your family.
According to a recent survey of more than 2,000 U.S. parents, 42% consider their smartphone the mobile command center of the family to keep things "running smoothly." Families are using cellphones to keep daily life and communication flowing: 41% of parents surveyed use their smartphone to coordinate grocery lists and errands; and 43% said they use their smartphones to keep kids entertained. 20% of dads and 35% of moms use phones to send kids messages of love and affection.
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So, despite concerns that children's over-use of smartphones may cause them to be anti-social, the ubiquitous mobile devices also serve families well by keeping them organized and in touch. In another study, 77% parents said they think tablets help kids learn by developing creativity.
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Cellphones have allowed parents to keep close ties to their children even when they're separated by distance. In June, the topic of widespread "no cellphones at summer camp" policies had parents concerned about how they would keep in touch with their children away at camp. Louis Bordman, senior director of the Eisner Camp in Great Barrington, Mass. (one of the camps that bans electronic devices) said outlawing such devices at camp forces kids to interact with other children.
In addition to keeping your children entertained, organizing your to-do list and communicating with your family, smartphones and the apps that work on them can also be used as emergency kits, baby night lights, baby feeding logs and a bevy of other functions intended for parents.
The survey was conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Lookout, a mobile security company. It was conducted online within the U.S. between May 8-10, 2012 among 2,097 adults (aged 18 and over)
Parents: How does your smartphone help keep your family life organized? Tell us in the comments.
Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, asiseeit
This story originally published on Mashable here.