6 Tips For Teaching Your Parents About Tech Without Ripping Your Head Off
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When you were a child and learning about the world, Mom was your guide and expert. Fast-forward to the present and the tables have turned, especially in our tech-driven society. When it comes to teaching Mom (or Dad, Grandma, or Grandpa) to use tech, it's not always so simple. How many times have you told your mom that she can't zoom in on Instagram or she doesn't have to sign texts "Love, Mom"? It can take more than a little patience to conquer your new role as teacher. Even Amy Schumer created a hilarious skit about the experience. So, here are a few ways to keep your cool when doing so.
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Simplify
There are plenty of preinstalled apps on our phones that we never touch. Save yourself 20 minutes of answering questions about these apps by hiding or moving them into a folder. And if you're showing her how to use a browser, first set up the bookmarks that she will most often use. Eliminating unnecessary features means eliminating unnecessary confusion (and questions you don’t want to answer!).
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Be Patient
Keep in mind that your mom is doing something that’s unfamiliar to her, and she has a lower comfort level with adopting new things. So be empathetic, understand her feelings, and communicate that understanding to her. Being patient might mean having a glass or two of wine, but hey, whatever it takes!
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Stick to the Basics
Mom doesn’t need to know everything today. If she is a first-time smartphone user, focus on making and receiving calls. Once she nails that, you can move on to more advanced features, like — gasp! — texting and downloading and using apps.
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Be Upbeat and Encouraging
Frustration is inevitable when meandering into uncharted territory, especially when it comes to technology. Be prepared for this and focus on positive reinforcement. It’s all about small victories!
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Set Aside a Block of Time
Setting aside a dedicated block of time for a tech lesson is crucial to success for both you and your mom. Treat it like any other time commitment that’s important to you by showing up and being attentive. A scheduled meeting also means an end time — the perfect out if you or Mom start to feel frustrated.
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Most Importantly . . . Laugh Together
Remember how well you got along before you starting teaching tech? Don’t lose that! Think of this is an opportunity to create memories and have fun. Learning something new will bring joy, excitement, and confidence, and a chance to make her feel a part of your high-tech world. And if that doesn’t work, you can always watch cat videos together.