Tips, ideas, and news for creative kids and parents
How a psychologist-turned-product-manager built a drawing app to help kids stay connected, inspired by her own children and the research on healthy screen time.
February 11, 2026 · Elisa Heiken
October 5, 2026
Ideas for cousins who live apart to play together online: group calls that don't turn into chaos, activities that work across ages, and a monthly cousin club.
October 2, 2026
Why toddlers and preschoolers lose interest on video calls, and how to set the call up differently: timing, one activity, a good first minute and a clean ending.
September 29, 2026
How to draw online with friends in real time: what you need, which device works best, step-by-step setup in a browser or on iPad, and ideas for what to draw.
September 25, 2026
Online activities for grandparents and grandkids: drawing on the same page, chess, zoo cams, shared albums, library books and recorded bedtime stories.
September 22, 2026
When your kid's best friend moves away: how to keep them playing together, from regular calls built around an activity to mail, voice messages and visits.
September 17, 2026
Why FaceTime with young grandkids falls flat, and what to do differently: fewer questions, following their lead, shorter calls and something to do together.
September 12, 2026
FaceTime activities for kids that give them something to do, not just something to say: coloring together, building, experiments, pretend play and more.
September 8, 2026
What to actually do on a FaceTime call with your grandkids: show them your world, make something together, simple games, and rituals they'll look forward to.
September 3, 2026
Ten FaceTime games for young kids that don't need props, prep, or a kid who wants to chat. Rules, ages, and the ones that flop.
July 7, 2026
Is ibis Paint X safe for kids? A parent's look at its 12+ age rating, ads, and public art community — plus what age it's right for and safer options for younger kids.
July 7, 2026
Are color by number apps safe for kids? The coloring is harmless — the ads, subscription traps, and data collection often aren't. A parent's checklist plus safer alternatives.
June 10, 2026
Virtual playdate ideas that go beyond the awkward video call. Drawing together, scavenger hunts, show-and-tell, and more — plus how to set them up so kids stay engaged.
May 20, 2026
Seven classic drawing games kids can play together — squiggle game, exquisite corpse, collaborative doodles and more. Works with paper and crayons or on a shared digital canvas.
April 29, 2026
Practical ways to help kids build real relationships with faraway grandparents — beyond the awkward video call. Shared activities that give them something to do together.
April 8, 2026
Fifteen rainy day activities to keep kids busy indoors — a mix of screen-free crafts, active games, and creative, connected screen time that beats passive scrolling.
March 9, 2026
A parent's guide to evaluating drawing apps for child safety. What to look for, what to avoid, and why PaintPal was designed with privacy and safety first.
March 7, 2026
Not all screen time is the same. Research shows creative, collaborative screen time can strengthen kids' relationships. Here's how to tell the difference.
March 4, 2026
Where to find free digital coloring pages for kids, plus tips on choosing the right coloring app for your child.
February 25, 2026
A guide to real-time collaborative drawing on iPhone: how it works, why kids love it, and the best apps for drawing together.
February 18, 2026
A parent's guide to the best free drawing apps for kids, from solo sketchpads to real-time collaborative drawing with friends.