How It All Got Started

As a middle-age mother of a soon-to-be teenage daughter, I have been contemplating the implications of entering this new phase of parenting. Along with lamenting over years gone by, I reminisce about my own teenage years. And yes, like so many others, I did think that I was way smarter than my mom. Luckily, by the time I got into my late teens and early twenties I realized just how very wrong I was. There was really nothing that she didn't 'get' better than me.

So extrapolating from these experiences, can I expect my kids to think I am stupid in the near future? Most likely. But the real question is...will there be any truth to this?

Well, after my 10-year (who does NOT have a cell phone) taught me to text, I determined that I very well may be on my way to looking 'out of it', 'out of touch', and 'clueless'. We all know that as kids develop into adolescents their peers become more central to their lives (it was true even way back when). But, what's different, is that technology also plays a leading role and is integrated into almost every practical aspect of their lives from how they get and process information to how they socialize. So in this area, I can't very well rely on the wisdom gained from my own experiences. (When I was a teenager, the greatest technological advance in my household was call waiting!)

So, knowing that I have a window of opportunity before, in fact, my first born enters those teenage years and leaves me in the dust, this exploration begins...to integrate technology into my life. I am already amazed at all the applications I have found that make my role as a mom more efficient and more fun. And as I keep looking for new ways to use technology in my daily life, I always keep in mind the real purpose...simply to stay connected to my kids!

I hope you enjoy reading about my adventure.

P.S. If I find a way to fold and put away laundry from my laptop, you will be the first to know!

MLM