Dear Editor:
Joseph Priestly, an 18th century English philosopher, once stated, ‘The more elaborate our means of communication, the less we communicate.?
Talk about a man ahead of his time. Could he have foreseen what would happen to communication in the 21st century?
With all the technology we have, from texting to instant messaging, that were intended to and should make communicating easier, it is strange to see a communication breakdown, especially in our homes, but that is exactly what we have. As a teacher, I run into students who tell me that their communication with their parents consists of hastily written notes left on the kitchen counter or refrigerator. Think of that juxtaposition: The place that once housed our child’s kindergarten painting of a hand outline turkey or their very first A+ on a spelling test instead now holds notes that say, ‘Dinner in the oven? or ‘Clean your room.? The place that used to be the showcase of our sons and daughters work, a public display of our pride, is now the symbol that our lives have gotten too busy to speak with our children.
I am not blaming anyone for this. I know and understand that, especially in this economy, it is getting harder and harder for parents to keep food on the table, clothes on the back, and, most frighteningly of all, a roof over the head of their children. I understand that in order to do so, a growing number of parents are forced to work more hours or multiple jobs.
There certainly is not a one-size fits all answer to this dilemma. For some, texting, email, or those sticky notes on the fridge are the only answer. For others though, those means are a convenient excuse. Believe me, I know that sometimes avoiding the confrontation that can come with communication is the easy solution, which after a tiring day at work can seem like the best route. However, it is not. The best answer is to, whenever and wherever you can, spend time with your child, even if it is just a couple of minutes. Ask them how their day was, how their grades are. Show them that you care about them and their life.
So perhaps we should take a cue from Mr. Priestly. Take a step back. Put down the PDA, turn off the cell phone, and just talk to your teenager. Maybe the simplest and oldest form of communication is the best.
Nate Odinga
Brandon High School teacher