Being tech-savvy may be something you haven’t yet embraced. New technology feels overwhelming or may seem like it’ll take too long to “figure out”, and as parents, really, who has extra time? But, there are apps that will save you time in the long run and are worth taking a few minutes to download and figure out.
If you’re still a non-downloader or non-app user, this “How to 101” is for you: You could be missing out on some fabulous apps that could simplify your life and save you time.
Apple App Store
- Open the Apple App Store .
- Search or browse for content using the search bar or recommended items.
- Select an item.
- Purchase an app by clicking on the app’s price and ‘Get’ app.
- If you’re not signed in to App Store, enter your Apple ID and password, and then click “Sign In” (your account is linked to credit / debit card details which will be used for payments).
- If requested, click Billing Info to enter or verify your billing information.
- Click Done to download and install the app.
After downloading begins, the app’s icon and a progress indicator will appear on your device home screen. You can open the app once the download is complete by tapping on the icon. If you have a voucher or redemption code: click Redeem in the Quick Links section, enter the voucher code, and click Redeem.
Google Play Store
- Open the Google Play Store app .
- Search or browse for content using the search bar or recommended items.
- Select an item.
- Tap Install (for free items) or on the item’s price.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the transaction and get the content.
If it’s your first time purchasing an app you will be prompted to set up your Google Account and input Credit / Debit Card details. Alternatively you have the option to link your PayPal account and make purchases using your credit from there. After the installation is complete the app’s icon will appear on your home screen, you can tap on it to open it.
It’s important to note that unlike SMS subscription programmes of the past, purchasing an app is a once-off purchase and will not be a recurring cost to you. That being said many apps have what are called in-app purchases which allows you to unlock features on your app, however this is completely optional and will not be automatically deducted from your account.
Amazon App Store
- Go to the Amazon Appstore from your computer, Fire device, Amazon Appstore app, or the Apps & Games section of the Amazon Underground app on your compatible Android or BlackBerry device.
- Browse or search for apps, and then open the detail page of an app you’d like to purchase.
- Select Buy Now, Get Now, or Download. Then proceed to the payment gateway.
- Amazon Appstore purchases require either a 1-Click payment method, Amazon.com Gift Card funds, or enough Amazon Coins to cover the entire purchase amount (including any applicable tax). You can get free apps without a payment method as long as you’re located in a supported country.
After downloading begins, the app’s icon and a progress indicator will appear on your device home screen. You can open the app once the download is complete by tapping on the icon.
Recommended Apps for Busy Parents
Banking
My banking app literally saves me hours, I can do a payment within seconds. (Search for your bank’s app on your preferred app store)
Weather
Our whole family peeps at the weather app in the morning before getting dressed. We recommend either YR or Accuweather.
SnapScan
Using Snapscan at till points, means I don’t have to queue or wait for change, I snap and go (and opening it via WeChat, gives me 20% of my money back on each purchase).
D6 School Communicator
With our school’s communicator, D6, all parents can be up to date on school news and activities, no fumbling for papers and (lost) slips.
Uber
Uber saves me time, as I don’t have to look for parking, Waze shows me the fastest route to follow and accidents along the way to avoid.
Shazam
Shazam helps me identify songs I like when i hear them on the radio or in a restaurant, and allows me to immediately add them to my playlist.
Instead of paging through huge newspapers, and sifting through uninteresting news, I use Flipboard for curated, well-written, and relevant content, it saves me time and I’m up to date.
So if you haven’t embraced technology yet, make it a priority.
For peace of mind about screen time and giving your child a healthy app to engage with while you cook dinner, embrace technology, give it a try and download the Xander apps. Search under “EverAfrica” on your preferred app store or click on the appropriate icon on our website. Try it and let us know how it goes on Facebook or Twitter.
