The other day, I got the most incredible e-mail. My eldest daughter sent me an e-mail listing the activities she’d scheduled for the coming week—including who she was going to be hanging out with, any money she might need, and other savory details. I have to tell you it was an organized mom’s dreams come true! I thought it was even better than having her tell me a half dozen times or put them on the kitchen calendar. Not only do I have the e-mail document, but I was able to jot things down into my datebook while I was sitting at my desk. I was one happy camper! And she was pretty tickled with herself for beating me at my own game too.
Every once in a while, I realize how much e-mail and the internet (not to mention cell phones, voice mail and all the other technological leaps) have changed my life. My kids, of course, take it all for granted and I do sometimes as well, but all in all—communication is so much easier now on many levels than it was when I was a kid. I love that my kids and I manage to find each other either via e-mail, instant messaging, phone, or by posting messages virtually all of the time and wherever any of us happen to be. We can keep track of schedules, times, etc. all with just a few clicks on the keyboard.
Now that I do a bit of traveling for work, the technological realities of our modern life have become even more precious to me. Even when I’m clear across the country or half-way around the world, my kids can find me and I them. We can share schedules and my kids can give me a heads-up if I need to sign any permission slips or have the money on hand to pay for things. While I still love the handwritten note on the kitchen counter, I have to admit I found the e-mailed schedule to be a wonder!
Also: 10 Ways to Make Communication More Effective
Communication Breakdown? It Might Be That You Are Too Much Alike