Parenting in the Youthful World of Social Networking - Part 2

Family Matters -- U know it!  This week's topic affects all of us.  The topic is broad, so let's narrow it down to two words:  Community & Connectivity.  These two words are the heartbeat of our communication revolution.  Sure, there are plenty of benefits, but there are also some hindrances.  On the one hand we (yes, the whole family) can inform, question, or chat at great speed with the click of a few buttons… but do we really experience Community and Connectivity  with so few words, lack of emotion, depth and understanding?

Community invites others to be involved, relate, share and rally behind the joys and heartbreaks of life.  Strange that we can text, tweet, or email so many people in five minutes, but it is really difficult to have an engaging 'face to face' five minute conversation.  Community happens when we rally behind a cause.  Family is a worthwhile cause -- Family Matters!  Parents, how are we responding to our disengaged kids at the dinner table or in the car when there are fingers flying on the phone and there is little to no eye contact?  How are we modeling with the TV remote, disengaging on the couch, or reading the newspaper (do we still have those)?   Though our body might be present, our minds and concerns are not even in the room!  Our modeling can be more influential on our kids than teaching verbally.
 
Connectivity:  How common is it to jump in our cars, pop in a DVD, put on the headphones, or have the CD blaring so loudly that no one can be heard?  Remember the old car games of billboards, counting types/colors of cars, I Spy, etc?  Where have they gone? Connectivity is two way….  Connectivity is more than Wi-Fi and high speed internet.  It is more than words and looks, it is heart language.  Heart language expresses itself through empathy, understanding, listening, sharing, caring and really being there -- all expressions that require time, value/ priority and effort.
 
How then do we engage?  It takes being vulnerable, intentional and patient.  Be creative by allowing yourself to be open, available, interested.  Absolutely do not be demanding or manipulative.  Create an environment that is safe, relevant and meaningful.

• Ask good open ended questions
• Be interested without personal motives
• Listen with both your face and heart
• Don't be too quick to fix, advise or explain away
• Genuinely ask their thoughts and opinions

Now, I told you this is a broad topic so please don't hesitate to connect with us here at Camp….let's think, pray and share ideas.  Two scriptural snap shots for Community and Connectivity are Galatians 5:13 and Hebrews 10: 24,25.
 
Here at Camp we handle this by removing all digital communication access and distractions, thus allowing fresh starts/ new beginnings for both campers and staff who find the withdrawal and silence from their tech world both calm and refreshing.  Thoughts, ideas, feelings and a sense of personal responsibility all surface because they got "unplugged and energized."  Periodically we should try it during our busy week!!
 
I salute you in the high calling of parenting -- it's hard work but well worth it…  I promise!!!