Adventures in Parenting

Practically every parent I talk to have a problem with getting their children off the computer.

While the computer can be a great asset for learning and recreation, we can easily think of many ways it can be misused. Too much time on the computer is not only a poor use of time, it also does not promote physical, social, or emotional well-being.

Some teens I know are on the computer from the time they come home from school to the time they go to bed, taking only a 15- minute break for dinner. From blogs to Facebook, IM to forums, YouTube videos to iTunes, there is certainly plenty on the internet to keep anyone’s interest for hours on end. And we haven’t even named the number of addicting online games that are available. Even I myself can be in front of the computer for hours and lose track of time. I can easily neglect housework, cooking, volunteering at school, visiting a sick friend, etc.

The computer is much more enticing than the boring routines of life.

What can we do to help teens get a “real life”?

In order to help them get a wider experience in real life instead of a virtual life on the computer, teens need to get a job outside the home.

My daughter got her first job this summer in a retail clothing store.

Her first paycheck was $20.

But the gain cannot be measured by money.

She said, “I met some really nice people. And I am not so afraid of approaching people to talk to them anymore.”

She also learned to dress a little more professionally, learned to fold shirts and towels beautifully, and learned to use an electronic cash register.

She learned what’s it’s like to keep a schedule and what it’s like to get tired from working. She learned to deal with difficult people, to work with people on a team, and to answer to a boss.

Work is not just about a paycheck.

It’s easy to motivate your teens to get a job. Simply do not give them any money. When they ask for money for the movies, tell them to get a job. When they ask you to buy shoes, tell them to get a job. When they ask you to buy (fill in the blank), tell them to. . . that’s right, get a job.

See the next post on practical ways of helping your teens get a job.