The Tools Your Children Need to Succeed
Parenting is tough work. You love your children with all your heart, so much so you never want to let them go. But you must. A primary job of parenting is to prepare kids for adulthood — not to just do things for them but to show them how to do things for themselves. Technology, in many ways, has made that job much easier. But it is still a job that must be done.
Are you too busy to help?
Our lives are moving faster than ever before, and the family dynamic has changed. A Pew Research study found women are the sole or primary providers of income in 40 percent of today’s families — up from 11 percent in 1960. The sterotypical and idyllic vision of mom in an apron, happily tending the home often isn’t the case anymore. Moms are busy. They still care as deeply as ever before, but often can’t take time as much time as they would like to show it. Moreover, dads and kids are busy too. Some days, it seems like “Hi and Bye” are the only two words that were spoken.
Healthy online resources to share with your children
cccess, though, your children can still find the information they need while learning valuable research and self-sufficiency skills in the process. Share these links with your kids. Ask them to take notes and discuss their findings with you as your schedules permit:
Top 3 ways to find something out
Learning to Drive: Most teen deaths occur in automobile accidents. That is why this site is listed first. Learning to not just drive, but to drive safely, is one of the most important skills you can teach your child. If you don’t have time or don’t feel qualified, this site offers online tests and can direct you to in-person training. It even offers a section on how to save money on vehicle insurance.
Google Scholar: When your student gets stuck on writing that research paper and is tired of reading the same recycled information on 14 zillion blogs, it’s time for a trip to Google Scholar. These are research papers that a pack punch. You can even include patents and case law studies in the search. These articles come from academic and peer-reviewed journals. Google Scholar is a free and fast way to add real depth to that term project or gain fresh insight to just about any topic.
Public Library: Whether you choose the Internet Public Library or your own local library, technology has changed things dramatically. Many patrons don’t realize their town’s library probably has online resources and databases that can be accessed from home. All you need is a library card, an Internet connection, and a computing device. Call your local librarian and ask. You may be surprise to find you can even download ebooks and audio books on a subscription basis for FREE!
This is by no means an exhaustive list. It is only meant to get you started. For help with math, for instance, Khan Academy has been a mainstay in many homes. The site has added sections that focus on instruction in science, economics, computer, and art. You can even take a course along with your child.
Online resources are abundant and can be a way to bridge the gap between you, even when you must be apart.
