Bewildered by instant messaging, iPods, online social networking, and other technology your teen is using? This article series aims to help you better understand how you as a parent can relate to your kids technologically, while giving good guidance spiritually.
Ten years ago you could walk across a middle school, high school or college campus and never see a cell phone. Now up to 75 percent of U.S. teens own mobile phones. And parents and teachers find it necessary to create rules and make decisions they’ve never considered before. Is it appropriate to talk on the phone during passing period? What about text messaging at the dinner table? On top of mobile phones, there’s the ubiquitous iPod, with music that comes in digital packages rather than cellophane. And then there’s Facebook. And MySpace. And IM (instant messaging). Not only do teens use them all, they use them all at the same time.
New technology has always bewildered those who have grown up without it. And it almost always raises questions about wise and ethical ways to use it. But this generation of technology — and technology users — may take the cake. It’s easy for parents to throw up their hands and despair of ever getting a handle on it. But what you don’t know about your teens’ technology use may hurt them. On the other hand, staying current on your offsprings’ techno-habits can provide opportunities for both meaningful conversation and personal growth.
This series of articles will help you better understand how you as a parent can relate to your kids technologically, while giving good guidance spiritually.
We want your marriage to be thriving and healthy. Take the free Marriage Assessment from Focus on the Family to learn how to strengthen your bond with your spouse and get the tools to help you need to grow closer together.
The Fruit of the Spirit Devotional is a free series of nine short videos to get you into God’s Word and inspire you to seek the Holy Spirit’s help in loving your spouse.
Lindy Keffer is very fond of her preschool daughter and toddler son, who are worth every ounce of energy it takes to keep up with them. Her husband makes videos for a living and helps with the dishes, which makes her smile. Her favorite thing about living in Colorado is 300-plus days of sunshine per year. She is currently Manager of Connection at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Colorado Springs.
Read More About:
The signs of perfectionism can appear in your child’s behaviors, emotions, and thoughts. Learn how to pair practical steps with emotional investment.
Parents have a lot of options to choose from when it comes to summer camp. However, it can be difficult to determine the correct age to send your child to camp.
New experiences like summer camp can bring a flurry of powerful emotions for your child. Learn how to help your child process their feelings and fears about attending summer camp without running away from the situation altogether.
