How to Teach a Parent to Use a Computer

It can be a hard decision...should you get your parents a computer. If you do get them a computer, will they use it? The answer is, yes, if you teach them how to use it.

Teaching the typewriter generation to use a PC is no easy task. If you are not the kind of person who can be very patient, than I suggest contacting a professional to teach your parent. Getting frustrated with them will only make them feel as though they can't do it. The first time you sigh loud or raise your voice you can forget it, they will quit, thinking they are too old or not smart enough. No one wants to make his or her parents feel that way. Many community high schools and colleges offer senior computer courses in the evenings.

If you do have the patience and want to teach your mother or father to use the computer and access the Internet, than there are some things you will need to know to help you get started.

The first thing that I suggest you do is to make a diagram of your parent's computer. This may seem silly to you or I, but it will make a world of difference in helping your parents understand what is what. If you have a camera, digital or otherwise, your diagram can be a simple picture of their computer with a key or you can use a stock photo of a PC (see Figure 1).

After going over the diagram and answering any questions, move on to turning the PC and monitor on. You will need to explain why it takes so long. As the things on the screen start to change make sure you tell you parent not to worry and that this will happen every time.

Once the computer is on it is time to talk about other terms, such as desktop and icons. Again you may want to use a diagram (see Figure 2).

Now is also the perfect time to introduce your parents to the mouse and how it works. Put an icon on their desktop for solitaire. Through my experience I have found that this is the best program to help them learn how to use the mouse effectively. Of course you will need to sit with them a while and help them to get used to it.

Your parents will probably need a week or two of solid practice with the mouse before you move on. Remember not to rush them, wait until they feel comfortable with one thing before you try to teach them another.