5 Reasons Why Digital Apps Outshine Traditional Methods of Parenting Management

Paper systems have their appeal. They’re wildly flexible. A paper and a pen can turn into literally anything (the bullet journaling trend is proof of this)! They can be made highly visible. Lastly, paper solutions are highly affordable. In our modern world of grocery pick-up, calendar reminders, and diaper subscriptions, paper hasn’t leveled up its game very much (though I do love some good graph paper).

Why should you give it up if it’s so flexible and affordable? Because it’s not the only thing that is flexible and affordable. And the sacrifices you’re making by not taking advantage of digital apps are more significant than you think.

Have you ever wanted to add to your grocery list but are in the school pickup line? What about when you couldn’t remember if your daughter had the pink tights she needed for her dance recital? And I hope I’m not the only one who depends on neighborhood, school, or church flyers to remember key details of upcoming events.

Here are five reasons you will be glad you went digital. And, trust me, you won’t be sacrificing affordability or flexibility (though those should be bonus reasons for going digital since they’re still available benefits).

1. Accessibility

2. Efficiency

3. Collaboration

4. Single Source

5. Searchability

Accessibility

No more carrying papers around, misplacing them, or forgetting them altogether. We already take our phones everywhere! Leggings now have pockets. What will they think of next? (Our two favorites– the OG and the dupe). Take comfort in your errand outfit with pocketed leggings and the fact that your phone is within reach anytime you’re out and about.

Efficiency

Efficiency happens as a result of accessibility. You get more done with less time and effort because you can take action the moment you think of something. Nothing is getting in your way of taking care of that task or logging that information.

Collaboration

Information silos are real - not just in business but also in our personal lives. Life moves fast. And we forget to tell our partners about crucial details to help us live more harmoniously. So, we end up taking on the full burden of that information. Or we end up texting that partner at a time when that information isn’t actionable. Maybe they’re driving, in a meeting, or taking care of another honey-do item. None of these things set up either partner for success.

Instead, true collaboration looks like storing information, tasks, and reminders in a single place and then revisiting the items in the context that makes each person most successful (i.e., able to be productive or responsive). This can look like an evening or morning sync. It may need to happen once a week. Or maybe it’s location-based. My husband and I have a Costo list in the Pixie app, so I know I can add to that list at any time, and whoever goes to Costco knows just where to look. No more “Hey, I’m at Costco. Do we need anything?”

Single Source

We teased this when it comes to collaboration. You can see now how each of these benefits bleed into the other and just what you compromise when you rely on paper solutions.

In Pixie, when a note or board is updated, your partner will see updates in real-time. No updated texts or lost paper grocery lists (which only exist as a solitary item unless you have a copy machine at home and like to send your spouse copies of your loose papers).

Searchability

Sticky notes and loose papers are not easily searchable (thanks, Captain Obvious). Nor is someone else’s brain. But anything digitized can be searched. And believe it or not, this is one of the most significant advantages of going digital. The best organization systems in the world can still fail if something is difficult to find. Guess what? Our brains don’t often think about something the same way twice. Search allows our brains to think more flexibly and still get the outcome we’re looking for.

Bonus Reason

Don’t forget that when you move digital, you don’t have to sacrifice the things you love about paper. Many apps are still affordable (free or low monthly cost) and flexible, just as you’ve always wanted.

Pixie gives you all of these benefits and more. It’s time to level up your parenting by using a tool that’s always accessible, efficient, collaborative with your partner, a single source, and searchable.

Create your system, and customize your boards, notes, and lists to fit your family’s needs. Download Pixie today for free.