Comments on: Three steps to get grandparents online

By: Sarah

Sarah — Fri, 07 May 2010 13:27:40 +0000

Good information! From my own personal experience, grandparents have the most difficulty using the mouse and touchpad. I recommend getting them a touch screen so they can simply point their fingers at what they want and select things from the computer screen rather than having to direct a tiny arrow over a tiny button only to miss the spot and accidentally click on something else. Maneuvering a mouse and touchpad can lead them to frustration, and they will quickly tire and give up on the computer. A touch screen all-in-one is not only fun and less intimidating, but it’s also a great option to ensure they will put a computer to good use. It usually comes with a big button shell/interface that sits on top of Windows that they can use to play games and access email, pictures, music, video, and the Internet.

By: Bill Beavers Dog Crates

Bill Beavers Dog Crates — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 17:38:12 +0000

Wow, a post packed with great information. I find that many grandparents are already of an age where change is very difficult. On the other side are those that embrace change (the internet) and move ahead to their credit. I am of the latter group. I’ve found it great for improved communication with not just grands but my children as well.

By: Susan Adcox

Susan Adcox — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:01:03 +0000

This is a great article! My father, who is 94, still uses his computer. He became ill last year and wasn’t able to use it for a number of months, but recently he wanted to get back to it. We had to retrain him a bit. You are so right that the grandparent must be in the driver’s seat. I sit right by my dad, but I resist the temptation to reach over and click for him. No matter the age, we learn by doing!

By: antje wilsch

antje wilsch — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 02:17:13 +0000

Hi Shayne! I just sent this article to all my aunties and uncles who – most of them not grandparents yet – but still don’t really use computers to keep in touch with their own adult children. I think the initial fear is what prevents most of them from trying. The computer is ‘odd’ for someone who’s never used one, so patience and explaining thing that are by now to most people just second nature are good advice!!

By: Dawn

Dawn — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 04:36:37 +0000

That’s what our Dad used to tell me, Shayne. And to get the story straight, “I had never even heard of FaceBook.” Now I have my own BlackBerry cel phone with internet and everything else on it. And, I LOVE text messaging. It’s instant. And these kids (& us) can do it from anywhere. Thanks for all your encouragement! Dawn

By: Global Sun Oven

Global Sun Oven — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 06:59:38 +0000

I must admit I didn’t think there is a site on this topic, I must congratulate you! I am young but have around me people that struggle with a computer, not understanding what’s the story. I am always happy to see someone older than me learns how to surf the internet and finds great joy in it. Congratulations again for this website!

By: Grandpa Shayne

Grandpa Shayne — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 01:23:38 +0000

@Emily – Thank you. So you’re saying that I taught you everything you know, right?

By: Emily

Emily — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:34:58 +0000

Then again, there are a few of us whose parents know more about tech stuff than we do, right Dad!