As a busy mum, I don’t think I fully appreciated the benefits of having the internet in your pocket until recently. I used to wait until my little boy was in bed before I got the laptop out; but since buying my HTC Sensation, I’ve realised just how easy it is to use Facebook, check emails and do the banking whilst I’m carrying on with all my day-to-day ‘parent jobs’.
How can apps help?
The world of smartphones can be pretty overwhelming, especially when you don’t understand all the jargon surrounding data and apps. So last year, Three teamed up with the UK's largest network of mummy bloggers, BritMums.
In a series of workshops, they explored the benefits of using the internet on the go by creating a parent-friendly app from scratch. After brainstorming dozens of app ideas, the best ones were voted for on Three's Facebook page and the Family Quest app concept was a clear favourite – so Three built it.
What’s Family Quest?
Family Quest is a pirate-themed app that the whole family can use and it encourages everyone to get jobs done – whether it’s household chores, homework or walking the dog.
The best thing about this app is that it’s been created to help the family work together to earn rewards that everyone can enjoy – so it encourages teamwork and responsibility. Ultimately, when the jobs are done you can all have more family time together.
How does it work?
First you add all of your family members as your pirate crew so you can complete everyday tasks to earn virtual gold coins. These gold coins can then be redeemed against family rewards chosen by you – how about a family trip to the cinema at the end of the week? Or even an outing to your local theme park?
You choose how many gold coins each reward is worth, then it's up to you and your pirate crew to earn enough treasure to complete the Family Quest. It’s really fun to use and it beats blue-tacking scraps of paper and stickers to the kitchen wall.
Fancy giving it a go?
Family Quest is available to download from the App Store; so far it’s only available for iPhone.
It’s free to download so try it out – you’ve got nothing to lose!
