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As a mother, my children's whereabouts – and the ability to connect with them – is always top of mind. I’m also divorced with shared custody, so my need to connect is stronger on my days “off.” My son recently turned nine and has been begging me for a phone or smartwatch, and this is the year I finally caved. After much research, endless mom-forum lurking, and comparing notes with other parents, I landed on the TickTalk Smartwatch, which promised to be equal parts safety net for me and fun tech gadget for my little one.
When it comes to choosing a smartwatch for kids, safety and functionality are often top priorities for parents. Personally, I don’t think nine-year-olds need full access to Uncle Google, TikTok trends, or the blackhole that is YouTube. Enter TickTalk! This smartwatch strikes a perfect balance between keeping connected and ensuring parents’ peace of mind.
We like
- Secure communication with FaceTime capabilities
- No Internet Access
- Parental Controls
- Durable Kid-Friendly Design
- GPS Tracking
- Kid-friendly apps including activity tracker, Kids iHeart radio free streaming and reminders
We don't like
- TickTalk’s price point is slightly higher than competitors
- Battery Life: heavily using GPS, FaceTime or iHeart radio requires more frequent charging
- Watch can potentially heat up with frequent use of apps.
The Swiss Army Knife Of Tech For Kids
The TickTalk Smartwatch has been a total game-changer in our household. It dials up safety and connectivity with features like FaceTime and messaging for pre-approved contacts only. For families like ours—who don’t live near extended relatives—this has been a lifesaver. Grandma and Grandpa are now on speed dial, and the watch has given my son a new level of independence. (And yes, it’s much nicer hearing directly from your kid than the ex, no matter how friendly your co-parenting relationship is!)
The lack of internet access is honestly a breath of fresh air. There’s no need to worry about distractions or unmonitored activity, which is huge for me. I also love the ability to set hours of use. Schooltime is sacred, and I’m glad the watch knows it too.
The GPS tracking provides me with extra reassurance, especially should my son walk down the street to visit friends. I can peek at the app and instantly know where he is—it’s like a modern version of the old “call me when you get there” rule.
As for the design? Let’s just say it’s kid-proof. My son’s watch has already survived a juice spill, a drop from the top bunk, and a particularly dramatic soccer match—all without a scratch. The customizable bands and faces add a fun, personal touch, and my son loves showing off his robot theme to his friends. We had fun going through all 17 different interfaces.
Encouraging Responsibility and Creativity
Beyond being a communication tool, the TickTalk Smartwatch has helped my son develop a sense of responsibility. He loves tracking his steps with the pedometer, especially on run club days when he tries to beat his previous records. It’s become a fun challenge for him, and I love seeing how excited he gets to hit his targets.
The built-in camera has also been a hit. As an aspiring photographer (at least this week), my son has been capturing snapshots of the world around him—from his Lego creations to our family dog caught mid-yawn. Seeing the world through his eyes is such a treat, and I love that this watch gives him the chance to explore his creative side.
And let’s be real: it’s pretty amazing being able to text your kid throughout the day. Whether it’s a picture of the family pet, a “good luck on your test” message, or a simple “I love you,” these little moments of connection have become priceless. My son has even started texting me when he needs extra time getting ready to leave or when he forgot something at home. It’s the little things like this that make co-parenting life so much smoother.
Why TickTalk Stands Out Among Competitors
While other options like the Gabb Watch and Verizon GizmoWatch have their perks, TickTalk’s standout feature is its video-calling capability. For families who value face-to-face interaction, this is a huge plus. Many competitors lack this feature, which makes TickTalk a winner in my book.
Unlike the GizmoWatch, which allows internet access and broader app integration (and therefore potentially higher risks), TickTalk focuses on essentials. No internet. No YouTube. No worries.
Call Me, Beep Me…
The TickTalk Smartwatch is perfect for parents seeking a safe, reliable way to stay connected with their kids. It’s especially suited for younger children who aren’t ready for a smartphone but still need a way to stay in touch.
More than just a gadget, the TickTalk Smartwatch bridges the gap between connectivity and safety. By eliminating internet access while offering essential features like FaceTime, messaging, and GPS tracking, it strikes the perfect balance for families looking to stay connected without compromising security.
For me and my son, TickTalk has been a win on every level—a true Swiss Army knife for kids’ tech.
