My 70-something mom loves WWF and I can’t blame her. It’s exciting, it’s engaging, and she can participate whenever she wants. I have to admit, every time she mentions WWF, I think of the World Wrestling Federation, but of course my mom could only be referring to her app, Words With Friends. It’s technology at its best because it connects us.
So does ‘text parenting’, which in my opinion, provides the opportunity for some very good parenting, indeed. ‘Text parenting’ is my term for the parenting we do through texting. It’s when we’re checking in, checking up, and connecting via text or other social media. I don’t mean helicopter parenting or using texting or social media to control our children unduly. Here, I’m referring to the proximity we create through our devices. We ask about their day, we provide support and encouragement, and we’re available when they need a touch point in the up-and-down world of youth.
My new ‘addiction’ is Trivia Crack. Even the title anticipates my delight in the game which is a take-off on the Trivial Pursuit of my generation. Here’s the thing, I play it with my kids. It unites us when we’re not together (experts call this asynchronous connection). We also play it when we’re together, a catalyst for conversation and discussions about history, science, and (how little I know about) sports.
My mom was telling me recently about an opponent with she’s been playing on ‘WWF’ for three years now (three years!!). Her opponent (aka friend) is Eliza who is from Scotland. They are well-matched in terms of skill since they each win and lose about the same amount of times. They joke with each other about losses and complement each other on especially great words and scores. Matched interests, encouragement, support, and continuity: these seem like important hallmarks of a great relationship, with or without technology. It turns out that technology doesn’t divide us, but brings us together in some powerful ways.
Now, I’m off for my next round of Trivia Crack!