Luke: The women’s underwear section from Sears? That really is very sad… please tell me it isn’t true.

I’m planning on getting my certification as a private detective before the girl becomes a teenager. I did a good job spying on the son, but things have gotten even more complicated.

For example, when we put spyware on his computer he eventually discovered it and managed to completely mess it all up (note my use of technical terms!)

With one son now a sophomore in college, and the other a junior in HS, we have had a front-row seat to the influx of cell phone and internet technology in the lives of the average teenager. I deal with this in a couple of ways.

First, I long ago established Ronald Reagan’s “Trust but verify” strategy, but use it with my sons instead of with the Soviets. Prior to that, we already had long-established lines of communication. That’s important, because you can’t just suddenly spring that on a teenager when you realize that there may be trust issues.

Second, I try to immerse myself, to the greatest extent possible, in the same technology that they’re using. I have a Facebook page, and both of my sons (voluntarily) friended me. I was using text messaging on my cell phone long before they had their own, so I already knew some of what to expect. In short, I’ve made sure that their “world” is a place I’m already familiar with.

These are confusing times for parenting teens, but I’m not convinced that it’s impossible to help them navigate through the mess. – Tim

P.S. Please don’t consider any of this to be bragging. It’s more of “one beggar showing another where he found bread.” When my youngest son finishes college and we’re still talking, then I’ll feel qualified to boast about my parenting.