You know that saying, that “moms know best”? Thanks to tech, it’s amazing how in this coming generation that might not be true anymore.
You probably know this already, but I love posting on Instagram. This comes with its own fair share of struggles though, because I’m still a total tech newbie! Funny example, I didn’t know what a stitch was until a few weeks ago! It just goes to show that still I have so much to learn in this constantly growing area of technology. In comparison, my kids are complete pros at anything and everything tech-related, and I’m the one struggling to keep up. How did this happen?
In the past, when we needed help or advice, we always went to those older than us. We sought out our parent’s, aunties and uncles, or even the village wise man to tell us what we didn’t know. From the wise, reliable and more experienced members of the group to the young, knowledge was passed down. Now? That whole cycle’s been thrown out the window. The newest generation of kids, Gen Z and Gen Alpha, have grown up with the world at their fingertips thanks to the internet. Suddenly, we find that the roles have been reversed. Parents are the ones trying to catch up to their kids in this new era of tech-literacy.
Is Technology… Creating Barriers?
Like it or not, us Millennials and Gen Xers are way behind our tech-wizard kids when it comes to AI. It could be questions about school, relationships, or even how long fresh-baked cookies last, a whole generation has grown up using search engines like Google as their guiding star. Instead of seeking their parents for advice like we used to, they’ve gone to the internet instead. They expect you to do the same. Rather than being fountains of wisdom, parents are the ones actually lagging behind their own children, and it might not feel that great.
Kids don’t go to their parents for advice anymore, and parents don’t know how to talk to their kids about technology. If not handled well, a slight misunderstanding can become one big, grumpy mess. I promise you, though, these little bumps in the road are just part of one larger journey.
“While technology creates more connections for us online, it cannot create the one thing that we rely on to create a genuine bond with another – the hormone Oxytocin.”
– My newest book, The Emotional Code
Times Change, and So Can You
The times where we would go to the wise old lady for help are gone. Now, technology has become the dominant source of knowledge and assistance, and that’s alright. The ways we interact with the world and each other naturally change with the passing of generations. It’d be weird if I grew up the same exact way as my Baby Boomer parents, right? It’s the same thing with my kiddos. Because of that, we can clash, but we also try our best to make sure we understand each other. We may not be all-knowing, omnipotent parents like we once were, but we still sure can love our children and support them any way we can.
Next time you have trouble with Instagram? It’s ok for your kid to be the teacher for once. Be candid that you would really appreciate their time. Even if it’s not a complex question, it’ll help the both of you bond and spend some quality time together, and that’s what really matters.
