Parents, Use it or Lose it
Written by Jen Friday, 25 February 2011 17:58
Blog
Technology, that is. And the ability to reach your teens in their world.
I'm a tech flunkie and I'm not proud of it. Two minutes into my husband's explanation of how to tap into a wireless network away from home and my eyes go glassy. I no longer care to learn the method, which involves all sorts of complicated terms and tiny pieces of equipment. As soon as my spouse sighs in exasperation and says, "it's so simple," I've decided that it's a waste of time and energy. And I know that this is wrong. My Lenten pledge this year may very well involve my computer, a cell phone and a football helmet (‘cause things don't always go my way and this desk is hard).
Yet, I have to admit that the more I try to learn, the easier it gets. I marvel at the many ways I now communicate with my two older children...email, text, cell phone, Skype (rarely), Facebook. Wow.
I recently had a pretty good conversation via text and email with my eldest child about religious tolerance in the world, our role as Catholics, my role as a parent and the importance of regular Mass attendance. I think we both learned something about each other in the most unconventional manner. While I would prefer a face-to-face conversation with my children any day, the reality is that if we parents want to communicate with our teens, we'd better learn to talk as they talk or lose them to a world we don't understand. Ditto for grandparents. Want to communicate more with your grandkids? Text them.
Incidentally, another great way to communicate with your kids is the old pen and paper trick. Lunch bag notes, post-its left on the bathroom mirror (or the milk jug) and for those away from home, the ancient method of stuffing a letter into a stamped envelope. Some things never change. College kids still love to get real mail they can hold in their hands.
My proposal to fellow parents (tech flunkies and wizards alike): Let's encourage kids to use a pen and telephone (you know, the one that transmits actual voices), but also give our best shot at mastering texting language and social media. This way, we all win.
