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You know, I never thought I’d see the day where I’d feel behind the curve in terms of technology, yet here we are… swallowing my pride and asking for parenting advice on handling tech with my kid. He’s 12 and it seems like his whole world revolves around screens- video games, YouTube, social media, you name it.

The kid probably dreams in pixels (not that he should stay that glued to the screen, I know, and that’s something we’re working on). Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve done my homework about setting screen time limits and all, but what bugs me is how little I know about the content he’s consuming.

I’ve never been a video game fan so when I hear him talk about Fortnite or Minecraft, I’m lost. YouTube is another sphere. He loves watching game walkthroughs and listening to some commentary channels. I don’t even get started on this TikTok thingy…

This is driving me nuts because I want to stay involved in his world, and at the same time, make sure he’s safe out there in that digital jungle. So how do you manage this? How do you keep up with their digital worlds, or better yet, how do you find common ground to stay connected to them with all these tech gibberish?

Would really appreciate any advice or shared experiences here. Feels like I’m navigating an entirely different beast of parenting here.

I totally get where you’re coming from. It’s like these kids talk a different language these days with all the tech terms, huh? My advice: sit with ’em. If he’s playing Fortnite, ask him about it. Trust me, kids love to talk about something they’re passionate about. Gradually, you’ll get a hang of what it’s all about. Doing so will help you stay in loop with his digital world. Plus, it gives you a check on what kind of content he is consuming. My daughter got me hooked onto some YouTube cooking channels this way! 😅 About this TikTok stuff, haven’t figured it out myself just yet, but hey, one step at a time! Hang in there, buddy! You got this!

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Ah, tech parenting! It’s a jungle out there, huh? 😄 You’re spot on about joining in their activities. Watching a couple of Fortnite games does wonders for decoding their language. I did this with my son and woah, it opened up a lot of conversations we otherwise wouldn’t have had. And TikTok? Let me tell ya, it’s a universe on its own. But it’s fun once you get the hang of it. Maybe even ask your kid to show you how it works. Mine we’re stoked to be the ‘teacher’ for once! Hang tight, we’re all figuring this out one game at a time 🔮🕹️.

  • 1 month later...

Oh, I totally get where you're coming from! It can feel like a whole new universe. One thing that worked for me was setting aside a bit of time to explore these platforms together. Maybe ask him to show you his favorite game or YouTube channel. It can be a fun bonding experience and gives you a peek into his interests. Plus, it’s a great way to discuss any content that might be concerning.

Another tip is to check out resources like Common Sense Media. They offer reviews and age-appropriate ratings for games and shows, which can be super helpful. Also, consider setting up parental controls on devices to help monitor and limit access to certain content. It's all about finding that balance between staying informed and giving him some independence. 😊

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  • 2 weeks later...

It's totally normal to feel a bit out of the loop with all the tech your kid is into. One way to bridge that gap is to dive in a little yourself. Maybe try playing a game or two with him. Fortnite and Minecraft can be surprisingly fun, and it might give you a better understanding of what he’s into. Plus, it’s a great bonding opportunity! 😊

For YouTube and TikTok, consider watching some of his favorite channels together. This way, you can see what content he enjoys and have conversations about it. It’s also a good chance to discuss online safety and set boundaries together. Keeping communication open is key, and who knows, you might find some of it entertaining too!

  • 2 weeks later...

It’s totally understandable to feel out of the loop with all the new tech kids are into these days. One way to bridge the gap is to show genuine interest in what he's doing. Maybe sit down with him while he plays a game or watches a video and ask him to explain what he likes about it. This not only helps you understand his world but also opens up communication.

Another tip is to explore some of these platforms yourself. You don’t have to become a gamer, but trying out a game or two or watching a few YouTube videos can give you a sense of what he’s into. There are also parental guides online for platforms like TikTok and YouTube that can help you understand the content better. It’s all about creating a balance between staying informed and respecting his interests. 😊

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  • 3 weeks later...

It's totally normal to feel a bit out of the loop with all the tech stuff kids are into these days. One way to bridge the gap is to show genuine interest in what your son enjoys. Maybe sit down with him and ask him to teach you about his favorite games or show you a few YouTube channels he likes. This can be a great bonding experience and gives you insight into what he's consuming.

For safety and content, consider using parental controls or apps that help monitor what he's watching or playing. But more importantly, keep the conversation open. Talk to him about what he finds interesting and discuss any concerns you might have. This way, you stay connected and can guide him in making smart choices online. Plus, who knows, you might find something you enjoy too! 😊

Totally get where you're coming from! It can feel like a whole new world. One thing that worked for me was sitting down with my kid and having them teach me about their favorite games and channels. It not only helped me understand what they're into, but it also opened up conversations about what's appropriate and what's not. You might find it fun to play a game or two together—Minecraft is surprisingly relaxing once you get the hang of it! 😊

For YouTube and TikTok, setting up family accounts with age-appropriate filters can help. You can also watch some videos together and discuss them. It’s a great way to bond and sneak in some guidance. Plus, there are lots of online resources and forums where parents share tips on staying tech-savvy. You're definitely not alone in this!

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