• Making connecting safe for kids

    ByKristin Ben, technology

    My boy has always loved a watch and he’s been wanting to have more freedom to text and call friends. Gabb Wireless’ watch is the perfect solution. As a mom, I know he’s safe with this device. Plus he’s happy. 

    We got the Gabb Watch for him for Christmas knowing the shipping would be delayed. It arrived this week and we’re already fans. He’s happy he can text and call the 10 pre-approved contacts whenever his watch is unlocked. I control who he’s messaging and calling and when he’s able to use these features. Plus I’m able to track his location. Yes, it’s a little more micromanaging on my end from the Gabb Wireless app on my iPhone, but it’s worth it. 

    Our oldest started using a Gabb Phone when she turned 14 last year. (Read our review of that here.) We weren’t ready to take that step with our 12-year-old boy, but this is a good step toward him developing good habits with technology, having a little freedom, and being able to keep up with a few friends. 

    Another perk I didn’t know about before ordering is the tasks feature. I can add tasks (aka chores) I want Ben to complete and approve them once he’s completed them. He earns virtual coins that allow him to play a pet game on his watch. This motivates him to get the things done that end up helping me. So, again, win-win. 

    Unlimited access to the internet is a growing problem among children. Kids are easily exposed to harmful content and unhealthy interactions. We have security measures in place at our house, but we are still particular about what technology our kids get to use and when they have access to it. Gabb Wireless helps us as parents yet allows our kids to be connected in healthy ways. 

    Use the code KRISTIN at checkout to save 25% off either the watch or phone or shop through this link. 

    *****

    These are affiliate links that save you money and earn me money, but we bought both Cate’s phone and Ben’s watch with our own money and truly believe in what Gabb Wireless is doing to protect kids. 

  • How reading on a Kindle works for me

    ByKristin books, review
    2 Comments

    I love to hold a book in my hands and read. It’s like an escape from ordinary life and an adventure into another world. 

    But I also sure do love the convenience of my new Kindle Paperwhite. I know, I know, nothing feels or smells like an actual book. But let’s just assume two different things can be good. 

    This newest Kindle Paperwhite is about the size of a mass-market paperback but much slimmer. It is easier on my eyes than my iPhone or my Kindle Fire, making it closer to reading a book than a screen. And it’s waterproof, so it can go near and in the pool with me. 

    I can adjust the font, letter size, and brightness to make reading on the Paperwhite work best for me. It’s easy to slide in my purse so I can have a big ol’ collection of books awaiting me. 

    Plus reading on a Kindle opens up endless shelves of books, some of which are available free or greatly discounted. 

    I bought the Paperwhite during Prime Day, and even got $5 from Amazon for trading in my original Kindle from 2010 that was just sitting in a drawer collecting dust and barely holding a charge. If you’re thinking about getting a new Kindle, remember you can trade in an old one for a discount on a newer version of the same model. 

    Right after I purchased this new Paperwhite, Elin Hilderbrand released “The Sixth Wedding,” a short story that follows her novel “28 Summers,” which I enjoyed. Catching up with my friends in Nantucket on my new Kindle Paperwhite was fun. I have since read two other Kindle books too: 

    • “The Magic of Found Objects” by Maddie Dawson, which I’d been looking forward to and was pleasantly surprised to get as my free First Reads selection for July. Are you an Amazon Prime member? Don’t miss these free Kindle books each month. They’re typically early releases of novels. 
    • “The Accidental Text” by Becky Monson was a free Kindle Unlimited selection. I have subscribed to and enjoyed Kindle Unlimited before, but I got a free three-month subscription to it with my new Kindle purchase. This is another great way to discover new books and authors.

    (Of course, you don’t have to have a Kindle to take advantage of these deals. Kindle books are just ebooks that you can read through the free Kindle app on your phone, laptop, desktop, or tablet. Although, as I’ve already shared, I think the Paperwhite is the best way to go!) 

    *****

    I bought my new Kindle Paperwhite with my own money. Nobody asked me to review it, but y’all know I always want to share how I incorporate reading into my life. Here are some tips for making time for books and reading more as well as the list of books I’ve read so far this year.

  • Tale of a teenager with a cell

    ByKristin Cate, motherhood

    I’ve long told Cate, who turned 14 last week, she could get an old-school flip phone when she turned 16. Well, I changed my mind. After much discussion and thought, Greg and I gifted her with a Gabb Wireless phone for her birthday. 

    When I thought about my concerns about handing my teenage daughter a smartphone, social media is the biggest no-no. I know, ironic, I blog and post on social media. Most days, I love social media. But I’m thankful I didn’t have to navigate middle school, high school, and college with social media. 

    There were some reasons I wasn’t opposed to thinking about getting a phone for a teenager. I want to teach Cate phone etiquette and give her an opportunity to connect with her friends. I want to be able to contact her if I’m not with her. 

    All of that’s why Gabb Wireless is the right fit for us right now. Gabb sells one phone that looks like a smartphone, but there are no social media apps or games. Cate can text and call her friends, take pictures, listen to music, set an alarm, and keep a calendar. I like that she can be more connected without being tempted by lots of other options on a more expensive phone. 

    Cate’s review of the phone: She likes that she can text her friends even if she isn’t connected to the WiFi at home and listen to her favorite songs we loaded on using a mini SD card. She does wish the photo quality was better and would like a notes app. 

    We have some boundaries in place already. The phone charges in the kitchen, is turned off at night, and isn’t really out when friends are over. Of course, my girl also has been reminded having a phone of any kind is a privilege and not a right. 

    Meanwhile, I’m constantly re-learning how parenting is full of seasons that require new decisions and adjustments. Having an age requirement to have a phone, even a basic phone, isn’t as important as knowing the child and having witnessed responsibility and good decision making. So, here I am ready to see where motherhood takes me next. 

    *****

    This isn’t a sponsored post and nobody asked me to share my opinions on this product. This is just one mom to others about what is working for us. Of course, if you like the idea of a Gabb Wireless, I can save you $30 when you purchase the phone. Just use 2702936829 as the promo code at check out.