what to do about my technology illiterate parents?

[OS]

-can't unlock keypad on a cellphone
-can't get an answering machine to work (fax machine was picking up before answering machine)

Don't even get me started on the computer, they have a problem every couple of days. Dad can't do his own backups to a floppy. Mom needs me to check her email for her.

I can't be there to do this stuff for them, forever. I can't be around to push 'menu' and then '*' to unlock a cellphone every time they want to make a call.

 

[AlienCraft]

Originally posted by: OS
-can't unlock keypad on a cellphone
-can't get an answering machine to work (fax machine was picking up before answering machine)

Don't even get me started on the computer, they have a problem every couple of days. Dad can't do his own backups to a floppy. Mom needs me to check her email for her.

I can't be there to do this stuff for them, forever. I can't be around to push 'menu' and then '*' to unlock a cellphone every time they want to make a call.

I can't help notice the irony in this twist to the classic parent's lament, "What will become of my children were something to befall me?"
It is definately a new day.

My mom was on the phone with me last week, (she lives in FLA, I'm in CA) and I was walking her through basic web browsing 101. "Mom, see at the top where it says "Address" next to a big white box?"....
Now she's not totally without computer experience, as she was once an investigator @ PacBell. But, cell phones, email stuff I thought she would have been all over to stay in touch with the Grandkids, neices nephews, etc., she is only now seeing how cool it is.
I guess they just have to come to on their own.
Now to get her to sign up for Text Messaging.... :Q

 

[Nohr]

My dad's around 70 years old now and can't use a computer to save his life. He doesn't even dare to try to turn one on. For the past couple years now he's been happily using a WebTV on his own. I sent him a WebTV for Dummies book and he hasn't had any problems. None that required my help anyhow.

 

[kleinesarschloch]

Originally posted by: OS
-can't unlock keypad on a cellphone
-can't get an answering machine to work (fax machine was picking up before answering machine)

Don't even get me started on the computer, they have a problem every couple of days. Dad can't do his own backups to a floppy. Mom needs me to check her email for her.

I can't be there to do this stuff for them, forever. I can't be around to push 'menu' and then '*' to unlock a cellphone every time they want to make a call.

i can't wait until you're their age and there is some new technology that you don't understand and can't use.

 

[pennylane]

Originally posted by: kleinesarschloch

Originally posted by: OS
-can't unlock keypad on a cellphone
-can't get an answering machine to work (fax machine was picking up before answering machine)

Don't even get me started on the computer, they have a problem every couple of days. Dad can't do his own backups to a floppy. Mom needs me to check her email for her.

I can't be there to do this stuff for them, forever. I can't be around to push 'menu' and then '*' to unlock a cellphone every time they want to make a call.

i can't wait until you're their age and there is some new technology that you don't understand and can't use.

as long as there's AT... i'm sure he'll be fine

 

[Platypus]

As a past teacher, and instructor of the eldery on how to use computers, all I have to say to you is that they want to learn, but you need to put the effort into showing them how, instead of just doing it for them. Maybe you should explain to them one day how to do a few common things, have them write it down, and see how they do.

 

[Ornery]

I'm getting old, and I think I can see what's happening. I use to inhale all the new applications and spent hours learning every little tweak. Now I find, it's just getting to be a bother. If I'm trying to do something in Photoshop, and I need to do something I don't know, I won't hesitate to ask my son first. He can tell me in 2 seconds what would take 10 minutes to figure out using online Help. It just boils down to laziness.

Your parents could live just fine without a cell phone or computer. They're probably trying to humor you by using those things. I'm betting that as far as they're concerned, it ain't worth spending the time learning how to get a real handle on the PC. If it ain't easy and fun, what's the point? That's my guess.