Why can't adults use technology??

Why aren't the adults in your life as good with technology as you are? Do you make fun of them or think they're not as smart as you? Have you ever really thought about why they can't program their cell phone or use an Ipod or set their TIVO?

Before we answer that question, let's go one more. Are there life situations that wish you could handle better? Maybe you wish you could drive or deal with people without all the drama. Or maybe you wish that you had all the things figured out that your parents do - a good job, a spouse, a house.

Ok..now for some answers. Different things take on importance at each stage of our life journey. When we're kids/teens, we have the time to play around with all that "My Space" can do. We create cool sites and really can check out all the features of the technology around us. Yes, you have school to go to each day but once the homework is done (and the after school activities/part time job) you've got more time on your hand than an adult does.

The adult has to go to work, run the household, take you to all the things you can't get to because either you don't drive yet or don't have a car, pay the bills, shop for necessities, cook, clean, and maybe if they're lucky, have some time for a social life. There is really very little time to see all that their cell phone can do. They get one, learn what they really need and move on. So we ought to be a bit understanding that they don't measure up to our tech skils because they just don't have the time to practice.

The adult on the other hand has already lived through their teen years so they know how to navigate the difficult waters of dealing with the things teen must deal with. Plus, they already know how to drive, get a job, kepp a job, find a house, furnish a house, raise a family, cook, and clean. All things that teens must learn if they want to be successful in their lives. Most adults know how to do many more things - some fly planes, some paint, some are champion runners, and some play drums.

I can't say I've heard too many adults make fun of teens because they couldn't do something that really didn't make sense for them to do just then. No rolling eyes because a kid doesn't know how to drive or deal with stress. As adults, we know that with time and practice, teens will learn how to do the things that are necessary. Why make fun of teens because they can't do these things...that would be cruel and just doesn't make sense. We love our kids...why would we laugh at what they can't do?

How about we look at adults the same way? So what if they can't download songs onto an Ipod? If they really wanted to know how, they would. But learning how might take up the time they'd rather spend doing something much more important. Spending time with you...

Bottom line...it's all about how we treat each other. Let's give each other a break...and try to see things from their view. After all, isn't that what we want for ourselves?

PS...maybe you could show them how to download...after all, they're probably going to teach you how to drive!