Teens Have a New Umbilical Cord
by You cannot insist that they cut the cord. It is as strong a bond as they had as an unborn baby. It is the very breath of life to this new generation.
Get used to it! The now generation of young teens have a lifeline to the world and they hold on constantly. You can fight it if you think you can get somewhere with it; however it is the only connection to the outside world that means the breath of life.
You don’t have to like it. Afterall, it is taking the art of conversation and smashing it into a small keyboard. Communication and social trends are all about the thumbs and as a parent you feel betrayed and angry. Damn it all, what happened to the thrill of talking to each other? Your tech savvy teen is driving you up a wall…how can that teen spend hours texting and barely find time to talk to you? If fewer chores are being accomplished, it is because the thumbs are otherwise occupied. What’s the answer? Bluetooths for everyone?
Then you could worry about that. Will there be hearing problems or a chance for a weird cancer of the brain from using a bluetooth 20 hours a day (yes, they probably text in their sleep)?
Will this phase every become dormant? Maybe when technology allows them to send brain messages back and forth to each other like a science fiction, futuristic, mutant society.
You are not alone with your frustration! Be aware that texting is happening at the dinner table, on the TV shows, in the bathroom during everyday hygiene procedures…it is here and that’s how humans have learned to communicate. Your umbilical cord has been replaced in your teen by a new “cord” that keeps them breathing and getting news from their peers.
You still want to monitor the texting…if it is just about fun and gossip with each of the very special friends in the circle, you have nothing immoral to worry about. When the texting becomes communication beyond the reasonable by your standards, step up! You are still responsible for establishing guidelines. You must still be the influence for good. Society accepts more than it did 40 years ago. Good must win out against immorality and the ruin of the culture.
Text your teen with a bit of praise and encouragement…!
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