10 Technologies Every Parent Should Know

You wouldn't teach your child how to drive without ever getting behind the wheel. So, get behind your computer and test drive these technologies. Your kids are using them every day.

1. Text Messaging -- If you never sent a text message, try this: Send an e-mail as a text message. In the "To" location, enter CellphoneNumber@teleflip.com (replace CellphoneNumber with actual phone number). Note: A text message can only be 160 characters.

2. Instant Message -- If you don't have Instant Messaging on your computer, download AOL's IM service at aim.com. If you don't want to download the software, try this site: Meebo.com. You'll be able to do instant messaging at the Web site.

3. Learn the Lingo -- Don't know "LOL" from "POS", then you need to check out these sites: NoSlang.com and NetLingo.com.

4. MySpace is Your Space Too -- Set up a profile on MySpace. You've heard a lot about the site. Well, I think you need to experience it first-hand. It will only take you a few minutes to create a basic profile. Now ask your child to be your MySpace friend. That will create quite a conversation.

5. Online Photos -- Social networking sites, like MySpace, contain pictures galore. Some of the popular online photo sharing sites are: PhotoBucket, Flickr, and ImageShack. Take a moment to sign up and upload a few photos.

6. Online Videos -- Check out some of the online video sites. You've probably heard of YouTube. How about StupidVideos.com? By the way, GoFish is no longer a kid's game.

7. iPod, iPod, iPod -- Got an iPod in the family? Be sure to check out iTunes. Hang out at iLounge for a while. You'll learn a lot about the world of iPods.

8. Games Galore -- How can one possibly keep up with the gaming world? Try C|Net's site. It even has videos about games. By the way, the game industry is a $30-billion dollar a year business. And, it's a major at some major universities.

9. Cellphones -- Take a look at it closely. It can take pictures, videos, send text messages, play music and games. And occasionally, it can be used to make phone calls. Want the scoop? At this site, you'll find everything you ever wanted to know about cellphones. Probably a lot more than you want to know.

10. Online Information -- We've become dependent on information that we read online. As an encyclopedia, your kids are using Wikipedia. Now, more than ever, we need to be critical thinkers. Take a moment to read this article: "Of Course it's True; I Saw it on the Internet -- Critical Thinking in the Internet Era".

That's your homework assignment. Good luck. You'll need it.