My son was at a friend’s house and texted me to come pick him up. I was already out and about running errands and wasn’t driving the car with the GPS in it (nor do I use it on my cell).
MPJ: Here is the address for the GPS
Me: I don’t have the GPS, give me directions
MPJ: WTH? Why don’t you have the GPS?
Me: Wrong car. Just give me directions
MPJ: Mom! That is ridiculous! Use your cell phone
Me: No, just give me the damn directions or walk home
MPJ: I only know the address. Not the streets!
Me: Ask your friend – I am sure they can give directions.
MPJ: No they can’t! Can you go home and get the GPS?
I did not go home for the GPS. And we did finally manage to find each other but my son did have to walk a few blocks until I found him.
For another example, my daughter visited a girlfriend’s house when she was in high school. The mother of her girlfriend gave her a hunk of cheese and asked her to shred it for pizza. My daughter had absolutely no idea how to do this; stating her mom (me) always bought cheese already shredded. Her girlfriend’s mom was obviously pissy about the whole thing.
Obviously I have completely missed some opportunities to teach life lessons to my children. Especially in the use of non-technology supported directional wayfinding. Or how to shred cheese with a grater.
Nice post, i will share with my friends.