The world is more technologically advanced than ever, and it promises to continue advancing. While technology offers definite benefits – and younger generations certainly see the value – it can be harder for older adults to adapt; after all, until recently, it wasn’t a part of their everyday lives.
If you and your parents are constantly battling over technology, or you’re struggling to explain to them which is better: Roku vs Firestick, take a stand and help them better understand the value that it offers; better yet, teach them how to use it!
Below, we offer five tips that you can use to help your parents gain an appreciation for technology.
Keep Your Cool
When your mom is nagging you to get off the iPad or to put down your phone, try to keep your calm. Remember, as we pointed out above, she didn’t grow up with it like you are; when she was younger, she communicated with landline phones and the internet was dial-up. Keep your cool and try to keep in mind that you come from two very different generations; try to appreciate where she is coming from and you might actually see that she has a point…
Explain the Benefits
Mom and dad might not have a real appreciation for technology because they simply don’t understand the benefits that it offers. All they say is you spending all of your time on your phone send Snaps and posting on Instagram; but in reality, you’re doing a lot more with technology.
Teach your parents about the value that technology offers. Explain to them how it can help you connect with people around the globe; relatives that live thousands of miles away, for example. Show them how they can use the internet to gain easy access to limitless information. Show them what you’re doing with your technology so that they can gain a better understanding as to why you – and the rest of your generation – have become so technology-savvy.
Communicate
If you’re trying to teach your parents how to use technology, take it slow and communicate with them. Don’t just throw a smartphone at them and expect them to understand how to use it; walk them through the different features and show them what to do. Use language they can understand and relate to. Eventually, they’ll get the hang of it!
Write Down Important Information
Think of teaching your parents how to use technology as a class; you’re the instructor and they’re the students. What do you do in class? You take notes, of course! Encourage your parents to write down the information you are presenting to them; or, write it down for them. Either way, they’ll have something tangible that they can refer to when they have questions after your lesson has ended.
Empower Them
After you’ve taught your mom or dad something new about technology, give them the chance to try using it on their own. Doing so will empower them and make them more confident in their abilities. For example, after going through a session on how to post on Facebook, encourage them to give it a try. Let them do it on their own, but stand by so that you can offer help if they need it.
Summing It Up
Technology can offer numerous benefits for people of all ages. Getting your parents on-board with technology doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. By following these tips, you can teach them how to appreciate it and use it, and everyone will be able to coexist in a technologically-friendly environment.