Back to School: Best Apps for Parents

Story Created: Sep 10, 2012 at 3:13 PM CDT

Story Updated: Sep 10, 2012 at 3:13 PM CDT

Getting your kids back to school doesn't have to be stressful. These great apps will make your life easier now -- and all year long.

1. School Supply List
This easy-to-use app will make sure you don't forget any supplies this year. It lets you create separate lists for the students in your family and then combine them to make shopping easier -- and take advantage of any sales. You can also sort the lists by items or stores.
Works with: iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad
Cost: Free

2. SaleLocator
Whether you want the best prices on school supplies (or TVs, shoes, toys or just about anything), this app uses your phone's GPS to find sales near you as soon as they're posted for the exact items you're looking for.
Works with: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Android
Cost: Free

3. Cozi Family Organizer
This app's motto is "Family Life. Simplified." And boy, does it live up to it. Cozi does it all -- allows you to share a family calendar, create to-do and grocery lists, and more, keeping everything and everyone synced. Plus, it sends out automatic texts or emails to family members so no one misses an event or appointment, saving you the time and mental effort of reminding everyone.
Works with: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Android
Cost: Free

4. RedRover
This app makes spontaneous afterschool playdates (or any get-together) a snap. You can post that you're at the playground near the slide and invite several friends to join you at once. Another feature we love: It filters locations by whether they're kid-friendly and have clean restrooms.
Works with: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and Android
Cost: Free

5. MyHomework
No more forgotten math tests or last-minute realizations that a miniature replica of the Taj Mahal is due tomorrow. This app will help you and your kids keep track of assignments, tests and more with a simple color-coded calendar and reminders on your devices.
Works with: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Android
Cost: Free

6. iEarnedThat
Trying to motivate your child to clean his room (without all the yelling and threatening)? Skip those old-school sticker reward charts and use this app instead. Simply snap a photo of a reward your child wants (say, a new toy) and this app breaks it into up to 60 puzzle pieces. Your kid can then earn the reward one puzzle piece at a time -- no stickers required.
Works with: iPhone, iPod touch and iPad
Cost: $1.99

7. Is It Contagious?
Should you keep your child home from school because he (or his schoolmates) have an illness other kids could catch? This app, created by the folks at KidsHealth.org and reviewed by pediatricians, answers that dire question about dozens of common childhood conditions from pinkeye to ear infections and more. (Of course, you should always check with your doc too.) In addition, you get essential info on prevention, symptoms, treatment and when to seek immediate care.
Works with: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Android
Cost: Free

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