With the increase in technological advances in the past several decades, today's children are more concerned with computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices than any other generation before them. For this reason, it is often difficult for parents of prior, less technologically based generations to connect to their children. Although many parents are unaware of just how much communication they are missing out on if they aren't connected computer-wise to their children, more and more parents are seeking out ways to reconnect and increase the amount of dialogue between them and their children.

1. Computers More and more people (regardless of age) are becoming dependent on computers for a wide-variety of reasons. Today, it is not uncommon for most instructors to require homework centered on computer usage. Although many critics may argue that this "computer age" has produced a generation of English-butchering, misspelling, children with atrocious handwriting, the reality is that our futures are focused on technological advances which require a deep knowledge of computer use. Teachers are only trying to prepare children for the future. With this understanding in mind, remember that you as a parent have a responsibility to involve yourself in the process of gaining more computer knowledge as well. If you're computer illiterate, take a couple of classes or pick up a few books and start learning how to maneuver yourself with a mouse. Soon enough, you'll pick up the lingo and be in tune to your children's conversations, which you may have previously needed subtitles to understand.

Simply understanding more about computers will not only improve your comprehension when speaking to your children, it will undoubtedly increase your expertise in the use of communication tools such as e-mail and instant message which will help you open lines of dialogue with your children which may not have existed before. If your teen spends hours on the computer rather than the phone they may be more skilled at expressing themselves in written communication rather than verbally. When you get into the swing of "talking" to them through writing, you may find that they are more capable of expressing themselves in open, honest, and rational ways. Plus, you don't have to listen to three hours of ranting teenage rage when you argue. Ah, the benefit of the "mute" function.

2. Cell phones Cell phones have evolved to mini personal computers. If you're family can't afford a computer for each member, getting cell phones will undoubtedly keep you connected to your children in this technologically advanced day and age. Text them to find out where they are and keep tabs on them. Don't fight against the cell phone from a lack of understanding, try to adapt and learn about the benefits which will undoubtedly assist you in communicating with your hi-tech kid.

Remember if you can't beat em, join em! - It is highly unlikely that cell phone or computer use will decline in the near future, so try to stop resisting the changes that have occurred around you and recognize the fact that your children are simply living in a vastly different age where the facilitation of communication has increased ten-fold. Learning the ropes will give you more of an advantage as a parent and increase your ability to connect to your child, contributing to the establishment of a solid relationship between you based on communicationeven if it is computer communication!

Learn more about this author, Krystle Hernandez.
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