We asked: What are the best apps for managing your family?

GuidesParenting

Oct 1

DISCLAIMER: Hey reader! Please know Synovia Solutions is a valued partner of theCityMoms. Because of this relationship, we occasionally share sponsored content we feel could be valuable or interesting for your family. Read on, reader!

Kid #1 has soccer tonight. Kid #2 has choir practice. Both of them are at Student Council. You have to find a sitter for the baby this weekend. You're stiiiiiiill trying to live off leftovers because who has time to fight your way through the grocery store on a weekday evening?! We don't need to tell you life is busy and neither does anyone else. {Isn't it obnoxious how many apps-commercials-brands-articles are all You're so busy.? Well duh.} So fact is when life gets busy, you handle it in your own creative way by asking friends what works, outsourcing, and moving on with it.US TOO.

So it probably comes as no shock that one of the most common asks {or a variation of} in our private theCityMoms member community is: What apps do you use to manage your family?

Putting aside the obvi ones {hello Target/Starbucks/Amazon/Google cal/Spotify}, what apps does your family use on a daily basis? Here's what our theCityMoms had to say:

1. Here Comes The Bus

Days have changed since we walked miles uphill in the snow to catch the bus, thanks to this app by Synovia Solutions {our post sponsor!}. At its core, Here Comes The Bus is a transportation-tracking app helping notify families exactly when to expect that big yellow bus to pull up. Thru GPS trackers - now standard on most school buses! - Here Comes the Bus translates that information into an easy to follow program, and customizable map, that works on either a computer, tablet or smartphone. It boasts over 375k uses daily, and works with 300+ school districts across North America - local districts using HCTB include Washington Township, Indianapolis Public Schools and Avon. First, check with your district to determine if they participate. Then, download to your device, OR lobby for your district to consider.

2. Waze

Nuh. thing. Worse than packing the kids into the car and having to deal with traffic. Especially when potty breaks are inevitable. Thankfully Waze helps us navigate the streets, road alerts and alternative routes if we need it. Think of this as your Google Maps on Team Mom.

3. Yelp {holla!}

We love us some Yelp. Bring us all the reviews, the intel on what's new and the local hotspots. Is that place kid-friendly? Is it still open? What's the must-have drink when we're out for date night? Yelp not only powers our social outings, but it also happens to power theCityMoms' event calendar write-ups when we're out somewhere new. Most MNO event write-ups on our members-only event calendar also includes intel from Yelp.

4. Cozi

"I have used Cozi for years... Love it!" says Lindsey. As essentially a list+calendar-sharing platform, both the website and mobile app are designed to help families stay organized. Key features include allowing multiple family members to manage schedules with one account, as well as organize and update shopping and to-do lists. Jordan loves it for grocery list shopping with her husband, most especially how adding recipes in lists also cross-pollinates the ingredients to her grocery must-haves as well.

WE'RE FEELING ALL THE FEELS FROM MORGAN TODAY: I swear parenting puts me in a time warp.

5. Parkmobile

Because trying to wrangle kids out of carseats and a parking meter just don't mix, Parkmobile allows us to park + pay from our phones, all while kids are contained. Now waking them up from their carseat nap... argh. {BONUS: Parkmobile also allows parking space reservations on-the-go!}

6. Anything with filters to entertain the kids

Because Snapchat and Instagram filters can keep the kiddos busy for dayyyyyys while we wait for the doctor's appointment, oil change, grocery line to simmer down.

7. Mint

Budget tracking IS sexy after all. And before we snag yet another great Target buy on a must-have kid outfit, Mint allows us to check in on this month's cumulative spend by category + 'effortlessly' as they put it manage finances all in one place. We're big fans. Especially when it greenlights that Target run.

8. SoundHound or Shazaam

Face it: Mom brain is real and sometimes we struggle trying to think of lyrics/artists/what the heck that melody is from other than Rockabye Baby... Both of these apps make it simple to identify the music playing around you, simply by holding your smartphone up to listen.

9. Copy Me That

If you hate scrolling recipe blog posts just to find the essential info like ingredients + instructions without getting bombarded with the time the recipe writer saw a stray dog next to a hay stand and don't you love hay in the fall when it's pumpkin season, why don't we break down the internal workings of a pumpkin before I give you this squash soup recipe? then Copy Me That is your bag. Kye says "It saves recipes (just the recipe, no scrolling though an article), builds a weekly meal plan and creates me grocery list. LOVE IT!!"

10. Like any and all weather apps

Accuweather, Dark Sky, Weather.com - whatever the weather, we need to know if that soccer game is being canceled or our Hunter boots are required accessories for spectating softball. Bring us all the weather apps.

Other honorable mentions:

Cardstar: For storing all your loyalty cards
Any grocery app that allows us to create shopping lists + meal plan throughout the week. Bonus if there's a delivery or pick-up option.
NextDoor: Because, has anyone seen your cat?

Jeanine Bobenmoyer

Jeanine is a mom of tweens, yoga-addict, Michigan native, and avid reader. Her dream vacation includes her family and national parks. Jeanine is a veteran of the advertising industry and a former editor.

As theCityMoms’ Chief Executive Officer, she oversees our brand strategy and business operations, and regularly represents theCityMoms via TV, livestream, and other appearances with our media partners. Connect with Jeanine on Instagram and LinkedIn.