The Extraordinary Tourist
Kids today are smarter than their parents?
Saturday, July 01, 2006
How often have you heard it said that kids today are smarter than their parents? I’ve heard it quite frequently in the media – even Dr Phil has said it. I say speak for your self. It’s not true and don’t let the media fool you.
Today’s kids may have access to more information that may give them more choices but in my experience, they only take in what they want to hear and still make stupid, uninformed decisions. Just like we used to at their age.
Like any cross section of people there will be exceptions. There are kids that are genuinely smarter, more mature and responsible for their age. However the vast majority know everything they need to know by the time they turn fourteen. They’re ‘adult’ enough to be responsible for all their own decision making so parents should just let them do what they please…right? Just like we thought at fourteen.
Don’t be fooled. Just because your son knows how to download MP3’s onto an ipod, or your daughter can chat to five friends at the same time on her mobile phone, this does not make them smarter. They just know about different stuff to you. Chances are they have no idea about wash cycles, settings for different fabrics on an iron or that vacuum cleaners have different heads for different surfaces. Many would not have a clue about fixing a leaky tap, unclogging a toilet or cleaning up a beetroot stain.
This generation is no smarter than any generation that came before. Having access to more information does not mean that your kids are accessing more information. They’re still just as self absorbed and worried about ‘being cool’ as you probably were at their age. Our kids are not smarter than their parents. Don’t let anyone tell you different – not even Dr Phil!
Comments:
Hello...
I just signed up to this site and was curiously looking through other blogs. I just wanted to tell you how much I liked your work. It's really soulful. Best wished from across the globe.
H.W. Dudgeon
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posted by H.W. Dudgeon :
July 02, 2006 4:39 AM
Thanks very much, always great to know my work is getting seen internationally. I apprciate that you took the time to let me know.
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posted by TET (David) :
July 02, 2006 8:49 PM
Quite true TET...we all have something to bring to the table, and those which came before us have passed the food with much wisdom. We stand on our parents shoulders, and so forth, and so on.
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posted by LadyBuggArtist :
July 08, 2006 4:27 PM
Hear, Hear! We have the wisdom of experience, which, hopefully, we will all gather as we mature! Most do, some don't - some never do! I always thought I was more mature for my early teens, not being allowed to run with the crowd, but our technology was the 'new' transistor radio of the sixties, as big as a small shoe box, but not as wide, with 'convenient' carry handle for portability!(no ear 'phones in those days) Next it was the 45s smaller records, as against the huge dinnerplate size bakalite 78 LPs, which became vinyl in the 70s, but with more than one song on each side.
I am doing my best with the technology and have come a long way with the computer, and am pleased that I am abreast with the computer age - thanks to TET - but I didn't think I would ever use the computer when he gave me my first old one! (have a spanking new one now after 6yrs!)
The mobile 'phone my daughter got me leaves me in a bit of a whirl, even though it is only a basic pre-paid one, but I have done some text messages which takes me quite awhile with the small letters, until I have memorised where they are!
Now - where is that digital camera that I have had for 12mths with the info book at the ready on the coffee table! I'll be into it soon! Really!
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posted by :
July 14, 2006 1:55 AM
I agree.. with two small boys I'm sure they will know a lot more than I will by the time they are 14 in terms on technology and how things work (my 6 year old is currently learning powerpoint at school.. I'm going to get him to teach me!) having said that, it certainly doesn't prepare them emotionally for life, that is the parent's job. I still believe that it is the parent's decision to decide what their children are exposed to in terms of technology and entertainment. My kids are only allowed to watch kids movies that I deem situable for them and play games on websites that I choose. Not sure how long I will be able to control their environments for, but do you know what? I'm never asked for the latest "cool" toy that is plastered all over the ads on kids television.
Lauren.
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posted by :
August 13, 2006 7:20 PM
That just screws with my head knowing that a six year old is learning powerpoint in school. Even though computers were still new in my younger days you couldn't get near a course teaching you how to use one until Secondary School...and even then you had to choose it as an option (which I didn't because art was my focus).
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posted by TET (David) :
August 14, 2006 12:31 PM
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