https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:21:16 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nintendo-switch#post-2924950 Fri, 17 Sep 2021 21:48:30 +0000 LadyDi 2924950@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Can someone tell me everything about Nintendo Switches? I know nothing about gaming systems but am toying with the idea of a switch for my 6.5 year old for Christmas. I know a new Switch is coming out in October but I have missed the boat on pre-sales. Should I try to buy the OLED in October or just buy the "old" switch? Does this require a monthly subscription of some kind? Any game recommendations for a 6 year old? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-kids-kindle-fire-questions#post-2924224 Thu, 01 Jul 2021 08:09:24 +0000 LadyDi 2924224@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Bought my boys kindle fires (ages 2, 3, and 6) and I am overwhelmed by all of the Kids+ content on it. I really don't want to get sucked into ANOTHER monthly charge in a year when the free subscription runs out. SO what are your kids favorite kindle apps and games? I feel overwhelmed and I think I should just turn the Kids+ stuff off. OR tell me if Kids+ is worth it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fire-vs-ipad#post-2924059 Fri, 11 Jun 2021 19:55:20 +0000 LadyDi 2924059@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thinking about getting my kids (6, 3, 2) kindle fires during the prime day sale. The two older ones have iPads that are VERY old and can no longer be updated but they do watch YouTube kids on them and that doesn’t look like it’s an option on the fire. But I think spending a ton of money on iPads (even refurbished ones) for YouTube kids is a ridiculous idea. Anyway. Do your kids have fires or iPads and how do you feel about them? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-social-dilemma#post-2922077 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 11:21:03 +0000 Jessiemuller88 2922077@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Has anyone seen it yet? I watched it a few months ago, and it was really eye opening to see how Social Media platforms are shaping/changing our lives, and some of the ways are frightening. It prompted me to delete all of my accounts (except this one), and I have really felt a sense of relief, now that all the “noise” is gone. I am in no way judging people who use social media. DH still has it. I was just wondering if anyone else has seen it and has any thoughts on it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-use-devices-like-alexa-or-google#post-2920191 Tue, 03 Nov 2020 12:59:56 +0000 mediagirl 2920191@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have them around the house. My kids like to use them for music. My older child uses it for timers and alarms. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-kind-of-tech-items-do-you-lovecouldnt-live-without#post-2920017 Mon, 26 Oct 2020 13:26:08 +0000 josina 2920017@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I feel like I'm 10 years behind on technology. We finally got high-speed/unlimited internet this summer (yay for netflix!). </p> <p>The 'newest' tech I have is my apple watch 3 :grin: .</p> <p>So tell me what you have/love! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/facebook-has-the-mistaken-impression#post-2918836 Tue, 08 Sep 2020 01:21:17 +0000 Corduroy 2918836@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just for fun, I was wondering what the advertising algorithms have wrong about you. </p> <p>Facebook seems to think I have a very large chest and that I'm looking for cycling equipment. My small breasts and I have no plans to take up cycling. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/samsung-tablet#post-2918584 Tue, 25 Aug 2020 23:30:53 +0000 meadow 2918584@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know a lot of moms researched chromebooks/tablets for their kids to use with distance learning if your school didn't provide.</p> <p>Just to capitalize off that research... does anyone have a Samsung Tab A they are happy with? I want to buy one to supplement my screen as a teacher so I don't have to put school apps on my personal phone.... I see so many mixed reviews online and my head hurts.</p> <p>Hoping someone on here has a strong opinion either way on it (not looking for anything crazy powerful for gaming or anything... access school email, flipgrid, and maybe test drive some apps I ask the kids to use on their chromebooks to see how they would look on their phones too since 25% of the kids don't have touchscreens )</p> <p>Thanks in advance! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-your-favorite-app#post-2908880 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 16:57:34 +0000 foodiebee 2908880@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just for fun and curiosity*, what's your favorite phone app that you love/can't live without/always suggest to people?</p> <p>Mine is Marco Polo. We LOVE this app and use it constantly to keep in touch with family. It's so convenient to send grandparents a quick video of my son doing something cute without them having to answer a Facetime call right then if they're busy, and it lets them feel like they're missing less by not living closer to us.</p> <p>*And inspired by GotKimchi's latest post. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tech-question-2-monitors#post-2907767 Tue, 07 Jan 2020 12:40:20 +0000 winter_wonder 2907767@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a technology question that I need help with. I use two screens and absolutely love it. I'm wondering if it's possible for me to rig up some sort of system like this at home but using my laptop as one of the screens? I just feel so much more productive when I have two screens going. Help! Is this even possible? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/smart-bulb-recommendation#post-2906051 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 15:41:43 +0000 catgirl 2906051@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I want to get a couple of smart bulbs for our living room lamps - we don't have a light switch in the living room but DD gets frustrated she can't turn the lights on by herself. I'm looking for bulbs that are compatible with the amazon echo so DD can ask to turn the lights on. </p> <p>Any one have smart bulbs they love? Or that they would avoid? Do you use ones that require a hub? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-to-alexa-what-do-you-use-her-for#post-2900524 Thu, 24 Oct 2019 15:10:03 +0000 graceandjoy 2900524@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We finally caved and got an Echo Dot because it was only $9 along with 1 month of Music Unlimited. We currently don't use anything in the house that supports Alexa, so no turning off lights, etc. What do you use Alexa for? Give me your best tips! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/iphone-cases-you-love#post-2896826 Fri, 13 Sep 2019 09:08:27 +0000 catgirl 2896826@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I pre ordered the new iphone 11 today and it will be delivered on Friday. But now I need to decide on a case and hoping to have it by the time my phone arrives. </p> <p>I currently have an iphone 6 that I have had for five years. I've used the otterbox symmetry the whole time, though I did replace the first case about two years ago. I'm open to the same style case but not completely sold. </p> <p>Was was wondering if anyone has a case they loved. Obviously no one will have experience with the 11 but the previous XR is so similar. I don't need super heavy duty protection but don't like super flimsy cases either. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-do-you-save-text-messages#post-2894108 Fri, 09 Aug 2019 14:47:58 +0000 catgirl 2894108@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have an iPhone and the choices for saving messages are 30 days, 1 year, or forever. I have always had mine set to forever but I'm starting to question if that is really necessary. My messages are currently taking up 21GB of space on my phone, which seems excessive. </p> <p>So, I'm curious - how long do you save your messages? What's your thought process? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hack-laptop-for-kids#post-2879365 Thu, 04 Apr 2019 11:49:42 +0000 Mrsbells 2879365@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Have any of you tried this laptop for kids? Its supposed to introduce them to coding. DD really wants a tablet for her 7th birthday but DH made a good point that a laptop would be better because she gets to practice the typing skills introduced at school. And we have nevrr liked the head down posture from using a hand held device.<br /> There aren't that many reviews on amazon soI am hesitant but it has already received some good awards. </p> <p>Hack Computer - The Everyday Laptop That Teaches Kids to Code <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KZXBKN7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_uwJPCbSVBGJ19" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KZXBKN7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_uwJPCbSVBGJ19</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/app-or-digital-calendar-for-busy-family#post-2886499 Mon, 03 Jun 2019 13:56:57 +0000 pachamama 2886499@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Can anyone recommend an app or some sort of calendar to keep your family's schedule and activities on? Or other ideas? Our fridge isn't big enough for a whiteboard calendar thing.<br /> Something super easy and pretty streamlined bc my husband doesn't like "messing with his phone" a lot. A way to include workouts, doctor's appts, kids' playdates, etc that we can both edit.<br /> Thx! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-using-google-pixel-3#post-2882199 Fri, 26 Apr 2019 12:49:12 +0000 Mrsbells 2882199@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've been long overdue for a new phone and have heard nothing but good things about the pixel 3. I saw they had a promotion going on so I ordered it and I'm excited to get it in the mail. Most people I know stick to iphone/samsung. I only know one person in real life using the pixel. Do any of you use it? Do you like it? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/easy-app-to-make-a-video-with-pictures#post-2879044 Tue, 02 Apr 2019 08:35:35 +0000 Mamaof2 2879044@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I tried using iMovie but it doesn't work great unless the pictures are in landscape.</p> <p>Any other Apps that are super easy? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/amazon-fire-kids-tablet-help#post-2878329 Tue, 26 Mar 2019 19:14:23 +0000 MrsADS 2878329@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just got a Kids kindle fire and ugh, this thing is a pain to figure out. I got it since we have 2 upcoming air travel trips and also my 3yo is having surgery. I want to download some episodes of his favorite shows to have on his profile so he can watch. I managed to turn off the Freetime feature (he will go nuts wanting to watch everything that shows up).</p> <p>I understand I have to download the shows in my profile and then "share" them with his profile. But when I download the show episodes, they aren't showing up in my video library. It says you have no videos downloaded. ?!?!?! But when I go to Amazon Prime Video, it shows up under "downloads" - which is a separate tab from "video library." Is it because I didn't buy the episode, only downloaded it? And I can't share it with him b/c it's not in the video library folder.</p> <p>Any fire experts want to weigh in? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/online-alternative-to-family-video-dvd#post-2876772 Fri, 15 Mar 2019 15:05:43 +0000 bhbee 2876772@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Every year of kids I have made a photobook to make our photos organized and accessible. I’ve done the same with videos so far and created a DVD of from the year. It’s super fun to see them all together, but it just doesn’t feel like it makes sense to keep making actual DVDs. I’m not even sure my in laws still having a working player!</p> <p>Is there an online alternative? I am thinking maybe I can make an unlisted playlist on YouTube, not sure if there are better alternatives. I’d prefer to be able to watch individual tracks vs one long video (it’s probably easily an hour total). </p> <p>Does anyone do something like this and have suggestions? Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/you-can-restrict-your-ipad-to-certain-apps#post-2870585 Tue, 05 Feb 2019 22:22:50 +0000 Hypatia 2870585@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just learned this. If you go to Settings - Accessibility - Guided Access, you can create a pass code and then, after opening the app you want to be the only one available, press the home button three times. After that, the home button will no longer work, and they have to stay within that app. </p> <p> It also lets you circle parts of the screen you don’t want them to be able to access. So you could start a movie in Netflix and disable the back button at the top left, preventing them from selecting a different movie. </p> <p>To exit Guided Access, you press thr home button three times again and then select the End option, entering the pass code when prompted. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-apple-watch#post-2862788 Wed, 19 Dec 2018 14:50:23 +0000 cat620 2862788@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you have an apple watch, do you still wear it? Do you find it useful? </p> <p>I had the first generation of apple watch several years ago, but I stopped wearing it after a few months and ended up selling it. I didn't see the point of it, since I'm never far from my phone. I was also annoyed that I had to charge it every night or it would be dead the next day. </p> <p>I keep seeing ads for the apple watch 4, and it's making me wonder if the new watch is so much better that I could start using one again. I know it's supposed to be faster and have better battery life. The fitness tracking has also greatly improved, and I could see myself liking that feature. However, I don't want to spend a lot of money on the watch only to stop wearing it after a few months again. My husband thinks the apple watch is a fad item and most people don't wear them long-term. Any thoughts on this topic? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-use-facebook#post-2861833 Thu, 13 Dec 2018 09:10:02 +0000 cat620 2861833@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you are on Facebook, how do you use it? Do you post regularly, and if so, what do you post? Do you share pictures of your kids, or do you opt not to? Do you share pictures from vacations or when you go out to concerts/shows/nice dinners? Do you have a small friends list or a large one? Any thoughts on Facebook and how your usage has changed over time?</p> <p>I started my Facebook page when I was in college, so I have lots of pictures of me going out with friends and having fun. There's no drunk or unflattering pictures, but there's still a lot of me at the bar or hanging out on campus. Then, I met my husband, so there are pictures of us together, including our engagement and wedding photos. When I had my kids, I included photos from them as babies up until now. I sometimes post vacation pics (not a lot, but my best ones) and pictures from holidays/birthdays. </p> <p>I'm starting to really think about Facebook and how I use it. I don't know if I want people in my life now, like other mom friends or my husband's family, being able to look through all my pictures all the way back to my bar days in college. When I post things, I mostly do it for the friends and family who live far away and don't get to see us regularly, but now I'm wondering if there's a better more private way to keep them in the loop. Should I be posting pictures of my kids on Facebook? Do the majority of people want to see pictures from our last Disney trip? I have scaled back on the posting to only once or twice a week, but even then I'm having doubts on why I'm posting things and who is it for. Am I bragging about how great my life is? Is that what everyone does on Facebook? I'm curious to hear other's thoughts on this topic. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/apps-for-road-trip-kindergartener#post-2856936 Thu, 15 Nov 2018 14:03:05 +0000 Corduroy 2856936@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My kids get to use tablets for road trips and plane trips. We’re traveling for Thanksgiving and Christmas. So far the kids (5.5 and 3) only watch videos. We haven’t dabbled in apps yet. I’d prefer to get apps they can use independently and without much monitoring. They have Kindle Fires. I’m thinking mostly for my kindergartener girl but I also have a 3yo boy. </p> <p>What apps would you suggest? Bonus points for sight words or phonics related ones. </p> <p>Alternatively- is it a bad idea to introduce apps at all? They are screen monsters so we don’t allow tablets in our day to day life. I’m afraid I’m opening a can of worms. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wireless-printer#post-2856430 Tue, 13 Nov 2018 14:54:16 +0000 DesertDreams88 2856430@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I want to buy a wireless printer on Black Friday. I've wanted one for years because our home printer is 10+ years old. I was searching on Amazon and saw this:<br /> "Depends on whether or not your router supports printing. For example, the Apple Airport Express and Extreme both allow for this. So the answer to your question is yes, if you have the right router. " </p> <p>ummmm how will I know if I have the right router? Mine &amp; DH's laptops &amp; router are only a couple years old, so I assumed it would be simple...... is it? What am I not understanding here?</p> <p>Do you have a wireless printer to recommend? I want to print pages in black and white and color, not photos. I also want to be able to scan. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/iphone-water-bag-of-rice-for-how-long#post-1104282 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 21:35:25 +0000 runsyellowlites 1104282@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Bees who have dropped their precious phones in water &amp; revived them in a bag of rice, how long did you leave them in there?</p> <p>DH dropped him phone in the tub this morning when trying to get him &amp; P out (totally didn't listen to me but whatevs). Anyhoo the music stopped playing immediately but the phone was still on... he was able to get it turned off &amp; it's not sitting in a tupperware of rice (we of course just ran out of bags). </p> <p>The page I read said 36 hrs.... is that right? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/earning-tablet-time#post-2851807 Wed, 17 Oct 2018 10:48:01 +0000 HappyBaker 2851807@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Does anyone have a great earning tablet time method that you use? </p> <p>I just bought my kids Kindle Fire's, in the past we've only let them use their LeapPads on VERY long car rides, but the Fire's have so many great educational (and not) games I think I'd like to let them earn tablet time but I'm not sure what that should look like.</p> <p>I've considered - earning minutes for chores, or making some kind of "caught you being great" chart. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-used-iphone#post-2845633 Sun, 16 Sep 2018 02:50:10 +0000 Hypatia 2845633@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My old 5s is dying and I'd like to buy a used iPhone 8+. Have any of you bought a used phone off Facebook, LetGo, etc.? I know to check for water damage, get the IMEI, and make sure it's compatible with my carrier (verizon). Is there anything else I should do?</p> <p>I've never bought something so expensive secondhand before, so it makes me nervous. But I can't really afford to buy new, so fingers crossed I don't get burned! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kids-kindle-fire-questions#post-2844085 Fri, 07 Sep 2018 08:35:43 +0000 HappyBaker 2844085@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My big kids are 6 and 3.5 and currently each have LeapPad's, which have made our 7 hour bi-monthly trips to my in-laws bearable for the past few years that we have had them! Now that they are getting older though they get bored with the content on the LeapPad's quicker, and it gets expensive to download new shows or buy new games. I'm looking into getting them Kids Kindle Fire's for our next trip - but I can't seem to find conclusively if you CAN use Freetime content without wifi. </p> <p>If you have a Kid's Kindle and Freetime Unlimited, would you recommend it? Can you use it with absolutely NO wifi connection aka in the car? Is it frustrating to the kids that only some things work offline? I've read conflicting reports that say only the available offline content will show up and others say the whole library shows up but just doesn't work when you are offline. Do you have to log on the night before your trip and download whatever content you want them to use offline? (I do this now anyway with their LeapPad's.) Thanks in advance! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/portable-charger-for-iphone#post-2835056 Fri, 20 Jul 2018 09:06:19 +0000 Mamaof2 2835056@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I need to get one for a trip - are they all the same? How do I choose? </p>