Mary Manz Simon's Blog, page 15

Isolate and connect

We’ve all seen how tech can isolate: merely observe a family out to dinner “together,” when everyone is scrolling a screen.

But tech has become an essential connector, once kids get their first phone, about the age of ten. That’s when they start hanging out with friends in digital space.

Even though 8-12 year olds typically have a growth spurt, they’ll still recognize friends at school next fall with whom they’ve FaceTimed.

Now, if those tweens can just remember how to make eye contact and read body language…

Theme park connections

If your family is headed to a theme park this summer, be ready to meet the Internet of Things: robotics, virtual reality, facial recognition, bar codes, beacons, interactive bracelets and more for “frictionless fun”.

Rides and attractions are quickly upgrading to include the newest connected technologies. Will that help us forget about the increased entry fees?

Unbox for unplugged play

Summer schedules have historically offered relaxed opportunities for parents and kids to have fun together.

Ideally, we should be seeing an uptick in unplugged play. After all, millennial parents put nostalgic toys and traditional games under Christmas trees six months ago. Now, will those gifts actually be used?

Time to start unboxing!

Nostalgic deep dives

A growing number of parents are searching for a sense of continuity.

The newest reflection of the trend to look backwards goes beyond watching favorite, long ago kids TV shows on You Tube or celebrating friendship anniversaries via Facebook.

What really helps parents feel like a kid again? Pumping on a swing, scrambling up a jungle gym and skipping stones in a park lake.

Enter: playgrounds for adults. After all, who wouldn’t enjoy a bit of wholesome fun today?

Baby friendly birthing

Whether a mom delivers in a hospital suite or birthing center, WiFi, gourmet food and in-suite tubs have moved onto the must-have list.

Healthcare facilities competing for business are finally learning that these expectations and amenities can dramatically impact customer satisfaction scores and online chatter.

Clean labels

Summer is a great time to train children to read food and beverage labels while grocery shopping.

Thanks to clean labels, the process is easier today than just a few years ago.

The demand for more transparency and healthier food means our kids can actually pronounce most of the ingredients on packaging. Definitely a step in the right direction.

Snackables

Have you snacked in the last 24 hours?

Research says, “Yes.” Actually more than 90% of us snack often during the day.

Moms complain about kids who “graze” through the summer, during frequent stops in the kitchen, but guess what? Children aren’t the only ones who snack.

Eatable art

This summer, museum exhibits are good enough to eat.

Foodies and kids will be especially pleased to sample art displays at some museums. Changing forever the notion that museums are stuffy and boring, edible art exhibits are attracting attention.

Look for special activities in children’s areas, too, with glow in the dark ice cream and invitations for kids to play with their food. Constructing works of art is especially fun when gummies and other candies are the ingredients.

Snackable summer time

Both the old food pyramid and USDA’s MyPlate have been replaced by consumers who don’t eat according to science.

That’s especially true during summer, when grazing kids roam non-stop through the kitchen.

Parents buying on-trend look for fresh (less processed) nutrient dense, simple options. But even with an Instagram-worthy bowl of organic whole fruit on the kitchen table, kids on the run still scour the cabinets for a candy bar.

At least we try…

Connected in a cocoon

Research says that parents are comfortable with kids having a connected toy or device, but only if it’s safe.

Security and data privacy continue to concern parents of digikids. Worries about online hackers or criminals locating a child through GPS tracking decreases if the “connected cocoon” around kids insures their safety.

A timely thought as schools close and screens open for the summer.