Grown ups can be cool too, as long as they don't try too hard.
As one gets older, it seems as if the entire cool factor goes missing. The new generation acts as if they know everything. Teenagers condescendingly tell you that technology is past your time. But all is not lost, use these five simple steps and regain the cool factor.
1. Do not ask your children for advice about technology.
You may have good intentions but this will just emphasize to your children that technology is something that you never had. They will grudgingly help you, rolling their eyes the entire time. So in asking for advice about new technology, you have simultaneously lowered your cool factor in the eyes of your children. If you do need help, I assure you there is nothing your children know that a quick flip through a user manual or a Google search will not tell you.
The user manuals are made for this very purpose. There are hundreds of people who have probably spent hours detailing every step you need on a website or forum. If that doesn’t work, go to a tech store and ask for help. It is their job to help you. They will probably be super friendly because they are hoping you’ll buy something. If they are mean, it doesn’t matter because chances are, you’ll never see them again.
2. Get social networking and use it sometimes but not often.
Facebook is a great way to connect with people who you have not seen or have trouble keeping in touch with. You can see what’s happening in their lives and they can see what’s going in yours. The nice thing about social networking is, it only knows what you want to tell it. Post pictures from a family vacation but not a play-by-play of your day.
Being an adult, you are expected to have better discretion and chances are tirades against your boss and long explanations of your opinions will not win you friends. Having an active but not overused Facebook is a way to seem current and up-to-date on the lives of people involved with you without having to go through long phone conversations. Also, play hard to get when social networking with your kids. Do not friend request them because it’s a sign of desperation and it makes the Internet awkward for everyone. Chances are, if your child has a Facebook, they will friend request you.
3. Gain an opinion on pop culture.
Are you Team Angelina or Team Jen? There is no “No Opinion” category. The exploits of celebrities is important now because of the 24-hour news cycle. Charlie Sheen’s latest bender will be big news to everyone, including your children. Knowing the juicy details will make you seem current and hip.
Know who the characters of “Jersey Shore” are because your kids will probably dress like them for Halloween. In order to do this, watch E! or read a pop culture blog online. Like most things on the Internet, there are hundreds of options, it’s just a matter of picking one you like.
4. Understand teenage references but don’t use them.
Do not try to say words the way your kids do. It’s uncomfortable for everyone and you will probably not say it correctly. You do not want to seem like you are trying too hard. Absolutely no OMGs, LOLs and TTYLs, they’ve become passé. Urbandictionary.com is a website that explains teenage slang. However, be aware you might not like what you see.
If your child wants to see a movie you don’t approve of, tell them that you’ll go too or wait till it comes out on DVD because you’ve been wanting to see it too. They probably won’t want to go anymore or you’ll have had a bonding experience with your child.
5. Be Age appropriate.
This is the most important step. You are an adult so act like an adult. Use technology and pop culture to work your interests. Say that “Pretty in Pink” was your favorite movie but know that Molly Ringwald is the mom on “Secret Life of the American Teenager” now. Follow writers on Twitter rather than the stars of the Hills. Suggestions for adult cool are local and organic food, barefoot running, “Tree of Life” and understanding “Tree of Life, Zumba,” soccer and the New Kids on the Block.
Using what the hip kids do, but acting your age will make you seem cool, because the most important rule to being cool is not trying too hard.