#FlipboardChat Summary: Creative Magazine Ideas for New Parents

Jenn de la Vega / August 19, 2015

Every Wednesday evening, members of the Flipboard Club—an unofficial group of passionate evangelists—hold a Twitter chat about a Flipboard-centric topic. We share the tips and ideas discussed there each week.

Last week, participants chatted about “Creative Magazine Ideas for New Parents.” Here’s what they said:

What are your go-to websites or blogs for parenting information?

Baby Center and Scary Mommy are my top 2! Then of course mags from, Stacy, Mia, Nicole and Anne.
My kids are grown, but I still love reading about parenting.
I just use Flipboard for parenting type topics I am interested in, like Generations. Great info there!
I like Cafe Mom.
Life of Dad Show has long been a favorite.
I get lots of ideas from parents in the same boat as me who share without trying to make money or make a name.
I look for parenting topics on how to teach kids financial literacy and money matters.
AllProDad.com is the one I recommend.

How can new parents benefit from using Flipboard and personalized magazines?

Info, commiserate and educate.
Typing in topics related to the age of your kids can open your eyes to new ideas.
A mag is a great way to share pics & stories with family members, leaving your child’s Internet footprint untouched.
It doesn’t stop with the curating. Parents can talk to each other on Flipboard Mags.
All kids are individuals, so if you can create topic mags, you may find new individuals with more similar experiences.
Curate school clothing ideas, sports equipment or coordinate a resale in a magazine when they outgrow them.
Topics are a great way to fuel your own mag, just read, get ideas, (again) commiserate! do I see a theme.
I wish Flipboard was around when mine were young. It’s a great place to customize your child raring w/mags.
A summer activity magazine.
You can team up,with family members that have kids the same age. A cousin magazine!
I’d keep milestone mags & little personal baby books of all my kids with.

What topics and sources on Flipboard would be helpful for new parents to follow?

Very simply parenting has been one of my go to.
Kids, travel, fun are all great parenting topics on Flipboard.
Don’t forget about the education and homeschooling topics! It’s never too early to start.
“Travel With Kids” should be a topic.
Quick recipes or menu of healthy meals with a shopping list and the phone numbers chefs, nannies and sitters.

What types of material or content can new parents include in Flipboard Magazines?

ANYTHING! That is the beauty. Ideas, inspiration, parenting tips, tricks, and of course guidance from other parents.
Images, stories using the Compose tool, videos, sound clips, flip it all.
New parents can collect info on the “next stage” so that they have a database ready.
Something that involves common parent mistakes and solutions.
Videos would be really cool. I’m imagining videos of your baby’s milestones and funny moments.
What about a mag designed FOR kids? My niece loves to look at pics on phone. What about Disney images, videos, & music?
How to survive and thrive through the ‘terrible twos.’
How to save money while meeting the needs of your children.

What are some creative ways new parents can use Flipboard Magazines?

FLIP COMPOSE. Milestones & memories.
Maybe a big brother/sister mag if there is a new baby. I have one mag that is just pics of my two Grandkids together.
What about fun activities that your baby enjoys? Favorite shows, games, places, etc.
With all the tools available, you can use it as a baby book, minus the lock of hair (with private setting).
Could also make it like a YouTube playlist.
Get together with other parents once a month and share one new, ‘tried-and-true’ Flipboard learning/experience.
One with SoundCloud playlist of lullabies.
Curate a Flipboard for each child with content you want them to know. Then talk to them about it!

How can new parents use the Compose tool to enhance their Flipboard magazines?

Memories, thoughts, learnings and reminders of the type of parent you’d like to be (and the one you don’t want to be).
Ask questions! I’d bet money that every new parent has a ton of questions. Let other parents help you.
I would only do this with private mag, but you can add photos, and leave messages for the child to read when she’s older.
Compose lets you add your own notes and journal items. Tell their story!
Create a record of special events/memories and collective family ‘wishes’ for the future…how to make world better.
Add commentary when adding articles to your mag.

How can new parents on Flipboard make use of group magazines?

If you already have a trusted group of friends, work together to find resources.
Decide who you want to contribute to your kid’s magazine and who you want to view it. Privacy options are yours!
Private group mags can be a spinoff of playgroups. Keep in touch all through the week.
Share all the “firsts” with videos, audio, images, etc.
Work with classroom / daycare parents or moms/dads groups to sharing info.
It would be a perfect way for a daycare teacher to communicate with parents!
Work with a group to show the many ways to raise a child. Not one way is perfect and you can learn from other perspectives.
I think it would be neat to see a group curated mag of parents of multiples, or who adopt from a different culture.

What can parents do with a Flipboard Magazine when they move beyond the “new” stage?

CRAFTS! Can’t wait to paint with my daughter
I think parents can keep the mag as is as a reference for other parents, or let it grow up with the kid.
Keep updating that Flipboard Mag! Baby to toddler to preschooler to kindergartener and beyond!
For school age children, parents can collaborate for year-end class mags (pics, videos, moments).
You can use your baby mags as educational tools. Make them group mags with a new parent.
A mag to keep a kid busy on a road trip. Mix some education in with some fun videos.
A magazine devoted to their hobbies. I was a swimmer growing up and would have loved a magazine all about swimming.