Benjamin Davidovici’s Post

Before we get deeper into what Sitaara is, wanted to put it out there as to what it is definitely not. When Manjunath and I decided to build in the parenting / early childhood development space, one of the most obvious directions for us was to build a toy or an activity company. In the age of consumerism and FOMO, any parent would be more than willing to spend money to buy yet another toy, especially if you highlight its benefits in the name of cognitive and motor skill development. (Funny how something that is readily available in all our households like pasta and pulses are being sold as kits for color and shape sorting?) It made all the business sense too - with high disposable income, parents today do not shy away from buying toys and games - a quick and convenient way to keep kids engaged, no matter how much they complain about their child barely playing with them. And now with the advent of quick commerce, soothing a tantrum has never been easier. (in the short term, yes, but far from it being the right approach in the long term). We obviously debated about it because who would not want to build a company that can show real, quick, tangible wins right from the get go. But as parents ourselves, the thought did not sit right with us. Parenting is hard in itself, but what makes it harder in today’s world is the internet telling you all the “must-do” activities your child should do and companies selling you all the “must-buy” toys your children need for their sharper, faster growth. I mean, children already grow up too fast, do we really need to push them to grow faster? And every child is unique and so is their brain and they will all evolve into beautiful beings irrespective of how many flashcards can one memorize by a certain age. As parents, we understand what fellow parents need is far from another toy or activity box being pushed to them. Also definitely not another task on their to-do list - all they want is to spend quality time with their child(ren) and an assurance that they can parent their child in the best way possible because nobody knows their child better than themselves. What would also help is a little reminder that they are not doing it all wrong, afterall. With Sitaara, we are building all that, and much more. No flashcards, we promise :)

✨Monday Inspiration For products built for young children, #parent #referrals are the most powerful yet often under-valued growth channels. When marketing to busy parents, the common approach is to create tools for product searches or run ads where parents congregate. As someone in multiple parent groups—formed during pregnancy, filled with hundreds of moms (and a few dads!)—I see product names come up every day. A simple “I found this super helpful” can spark dozens of passionate responses about features and pricing. Parents are constantly bombarded with ads but don’t have time to sift through endless marketing messages. What do they trust? Honest, personal recommendations from other parents. In groups like these, no one shares products they don’t already love. That's where the magic of parent referrals comes into play. Kids' products are high-stakes—parents don't want to waste time or money on items their children won’t use. That’s why social proof makes so much economic sense. The bottom line: Make your product so good that moms are whispering its name in their groups. Moms love to share, and they will. It’s the secret weapon to reaching busy parents and driving organic, authentic growth. This post doesn’t feel complete to me without a shortlist of tech products for children 0-3 I have personally shared with and gifted to parent friends (no endorsement :) – Hatch Sleep: A white noise maker to begin with that transitions to an interactive color- and sound-changing toy. Lovevery: Age-based learning toys subscription and beloved a la carte items like playmat and play shelf (saves so much time searching and researching new toys). tonies®: A smart singing and storytelling box with a rich portfolio of story characters (a perfect no-screen substitute that keeps kids engaged for a long time :) The Walt Disney Company Me Reader: An interactive e-reader that pairs with physical books for a follow-along reading experience. A perfect gift for adventurous early readers who are eager to explore the storyline on their own. And of course, another shortlist of brands I was recommended to :) Ditty Bird® | MeMa Publishing: Multi-sensory singing books with just a simple press of the button. KiwiCo, Inc.: Age-based toys subscription which I heard recently surpassed $1B in lifetime sales, wow! Pok Pok: Montessori-inspired interactive games perfect for flight time. Mystery.org / Mystery Doug: High-quality 5-10 minutes short videos tapping into kids’ curiosity about anything nature and science. Are there cool products you didn’t see from the lists above? Please comment below or DM me – I’d love to try it out! #startup #growth #retention #earlyeducation #learning

In today's fast-paced digital age. We're navigating the unique intersection where technology and parenting coalesce, and at My Little Genie, we're embracing this transformative journey! Smart Toys, Bright Minds: My Little Genie believes in the power of smart toys to enhance the parenting experience. Our innovative play companions seamlessly integrate technology to make learning interactive, engaging, and, most importantly, fun! Connecting Families Digitally Technology isn't just about screens; it's about connecting families. My Little Genie is creating a digital space where parents, experts, and little ones unite to share insights, experiences, and the joys of parenthood. It's a community driven by shared learnings and digital bonds. Educational Tech at its Best: Our smart toys are more than just gadgets; they're educational tools designed to nurture cognitive development, creativity, and critical thinking. We're leveraging technology to provide a holistic learning environment for children. Empowering Parents with Insights: In the digital age, information is key. My Little Genie aims to empower parents with valuable insights, expert advice, and a supportive community. Together, we navigate the vast landscape of parenting armed with knowledge and shared experiences. Balancing Screen Time: We understand the concerns around screen time. My Little Genie is committed to striking the right balance – offering enriching screen experiences while encouraging off-screen imaginative play for a well-rounded childhood. Join the Digital Parenting Revolution: Connect with My Little Genie on LinkedIn to be part of a community that celebrates the harmonious blend of technology and parenting. Together, let's embrace the digital era with open arms and shape a future where technology enhances the parent-child bond. We invite you to share your digital parenting experiences, tips, and stories. Let's learn from each other and build a future where technology and parenting coexist seamlessly. Stay updated on our LinkedIn page for insights, discussions, and the latest updates on the evolving landscape of technology and parenting! #MyLittleGenie #DigitalParenting #SmartToys

Diamonds in the Rough: The Value of Supportive Work Environments for Parents Navigating the challenges of modern parenthood can feel overwhelming, especially for those balancing careers and family responsibilities. The viral video of a Millennial mom asking how we’re expected to juggle work, meal prep, extracurriculars, and self-care resonated deeply. For parents of neurodivergent children, this landscape is even more complex, with unique challenges requiring constant adaptation and resilience. The pressure to excel in every role—parent, partner, friend, and professional—can be exhausting. Add in the specific needs of special needs children, and it becomes a daunting task. Yet, one thing I know for certain is that parents will always prioritize what’s best for their children. Sometimes that means making tough decisions, like stepping away from a good-paying job that imposes unrealistic demands. However, when a parent finds a company that truly values flexibility, they often become an invaluable asset. These employees will go above and beyond, doing the impossible for a company that supports their needs. They are the diamonds that the company didn’t know it needed. In such cases, these parents are unlikely to walk away for a higher-paying opportunity elsewhere—unless it’s with the same company. It’s essential for organizations to recognize this reality and foster flexible environments that support parents, allowing them to balance their professional and personal lives effectively. By doing so, companies can cultivate a dedicated workforce that is deeply invested in the mission and success of the organization. Let’s challenge the stigma around seeking help and set boundaries that protect our well-being. Together, we can create a community where we uplift one another and advocate for changes that make it easier for all parents to thrive. Whether you’re navigating everyday challenges or facing the complexities of special needs parenting, remember: you’re not alone in this journey. We’re in this together! What changes do you think organizations could implement to better support parents? How can we foster a culture that values both productivity and the well-being of employees?

What kind of mom are you analog or digital? In the nineties, moms were the epitome of analog parenting, relying on traditional methods like handwritten notes, phone calls, and face-to-face interactions to manage their households. Their expertise lay in organizing physical calendars, cooking from recipe books, and managing family affairs without the aid of smartphones or social media. In contrast, today's moms are the embodiment of digital parenting, leveraging technology like smartphones, social media platforms, and parenting apps to streamline tasks, connect with other parents, and access information instantly. While both analog and digital moms share the same ultimate goal of nurturing their families, their methods and tools have evolved significantly with the times. https://lnkd.in/g7uQnj_B #suburb #Motherhood #parenting #genz #parenting #moms #children

How do you strike the right balance between screen time and play time in your household?🤔 As we continue to navigate the digital era, this has become a crucial aspect of parenting. Advancements in technology are a double-edged sword. On one hand, they provide our children with a wealth of information and learning opportunities. On the other, they can lead to an over-reliance on screens and a decrease in physical activity. It's a balancing act that requires careful thought and planning. Let's share our strategies and learn from each other.

Can you believe it? Eight-month-old babies glued to screens! Parents are understandably freaking out, and I don't blame them. Forget baby rattles, it's all about iPads now. This isn't a guess, by the way. A major study just dropped, and the findings are terrifying. Turns out, kids are plugged into the digital world before they even take their first breath. This landmark four-year study of families' digital habits found children are showing interest in devices before they turn one. The research, led by Australian Catholic University Professor Suzy Edwards, found families are routinely incorporating forms of digital technology into their child's life almost daily, including in the morning, after a nap and again in the evening. Look, I get it. We all need a break sometimes. I remember those early morning wake-up calls with my kids – pure torture! But there's a massive difference between plopping them in front of the TV and handing them a device designed to hook them from day one. Let's be brutally honest: these devices are digital pacifiers. They're engineered to be addictive, and we're handing them to our kids like sweets. It's the equivalent of giving a toddler a shot of vodka – we're setting them up for a lifetime of dependence. The researchers in this study have set up an online hub full of free resources to help parents. The site contains 40 new evidence-based resources including videos, apps, books, articles, modules, tip sheets and flowcharts with content focusing on the four areas – relationships, health and wellbeing, citizenship and play and pedagogy. Well, good on them, I say, but I can't see a parent reaching for a pamphlet when their poppet is shredding their nerves at the local supermarket. This isn't about 'screen time' anymore; it's about a full-blown corporate takeover of our children's minds. Why are we letting these tech giants have free rein? We need to fight back! Parents shouldn't be the only line of defence against these billion-dollar companies who are turning our toddlers into addicts. This isn't about banning technology altogether. It's about taking back control. We need to demand regulations, set limits, and teach our kids healthy digital habits. Our children's future depends on it. https://lnkd.in/gQrnjQFv

🏠💻 Navigating the digital world as a parent just got easier! We’re excited to introduce our 2024 Screen Smart program, helping parents set healthy digital boundaries and utilize Meta’s parental tools effectively. Learn more about guiding your teens safely in the digital age. #ScreenSmart #SafeTech

🏠💻 Navigating the digital world as a parent just got easier! We’re excited to introduce our 2024 Screen Smart program, helping parents set healthy digital boundaries and utilize Meta’s parental tools effectively. Learn more about guiding your teens safely in the digital age. #ScreenSmart #SafeTech

🏠💻 Navigating the digital world as a parent just got easier! We’re excited to introduce our 2024 Screen Smart program, helping parents set healthy digital boundaries and utilize Meta’s parental tools effectively. Learn more about guiding your teens safely in the digital age. #ScreenSmart #SafeTech