We're nearly at a loss, unless computer work is our profession, to compete with them and their naturally intuitive skills.
Is it just me or do their brains seem to think like computers? Linearly. Are our deficits because we "overthink" how the computer works and make assumptions about the systems? Do we know too much about so many other things that it interferes with our ability to reign supreme over our iPhones?
There a zillion news sites and services that you can call upon with an App. When the kids need a button sewed on or a hem adjusted, they call someone from Task Rabbit. At this point, Task Rabbit may have been sold already and there are four newer , more hip, techno service suppliers to take their place. My "adult-ness" is showing.
Despite the fact that Dad and I paid for his education, he cuts me no slack. If I hear, "Google it, Mom" one more time, I'm snatching that diploma back from him.
It's horrifying when he pats me on the head and says things such as, "Are you sure you have a Ph.D.?" My response? "I taught you how to use a spoon."
But, he's right. When I Google a question, I see all of those "adults" sharing what they've learned and it helps. I feel self-sufficient and smart. The Kid has trained me well.
Bless him. Several years ago, he gave me an iPad 2 for Mother's Day. I wasn't sure if he was being generous or just plain cruel. I've learned so much, or so I thought. That is, until he starts using it, opens a gazillion new tabs with the speed of sound installs all kinds of stuff, smiles, hands it back to me and says, "Explore. I have confidence in you".
It's amazing how, as a parent, your words come back to you. His words about exploring were, more or less mine, when Dad and I put him on a plane to go 9000 miles away to do an amazing job.
I can't and won't disappoint The Kid. I talked the talk. Now, I have to walk the walk, no matter how much of a techno-moron I feel I am and how much these computers insult me. Our family motto is "never back up, never back off and never back down". My computer should fear my techno-power. Oh, I hope it isn't listening.
Just do the best you can.
TTFN, Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch