Humor, Self Help Review

Moms' Survival Guide to Instant Messaging
by Mary B. Braun
ISBN-10: 0975356704
Review by Heather Froeschl

I consider the generation of today's youth to be an instant generation. They want everything in an instant and they want it now. Mail is too slow, even email is too slow. So today's teens are turning to instant messaging. There are a few programs available for this magic on the computer and cell phones can now be instant message tools as well. So what's wrong with that? Nothing really, except the parents of today's generation of youth might be having a hard time keeping up.

Instant messaging has its own language and while I find it a deplorable habit to get into (my inner editor is screaming) I suspect that it is here to stay. LOL is a common enough thing, but there are plenty more, intricate abbreviations for just about everything a kid wants to say to another kid. Thankfully they aren't too hard to figure out but just in case, "Mom's Survival Guide to Instant Messaging" comes complete with a short dictionary of terms.

Beyond understanding what is said, there are things parents need to be aware of when allowing their kids access. Profiles can be seen by anyone unless they are blocked; this leads to dangerous situations where strangers can "meet" your child online. If you are on dial up networking, the phone bill can get pretty high if your child becomes addicted to instantly conversing with her friends. And then there are the various sound effects that accompany whatever is done on these programs. These can be quite distracting. All of these concerns are addressed in Mary Braun's book in a matter of fact and simple way.

Anyone who has a child on the verge of becoming an instant messager and even those who have already found their kid glued to the screen and tapping feverishly away at the keyboard should pick up a copy of this book. It will at least set your mind at ease that you are not alone in wondering what is all so wonderful about this technology and it might even give you a helpful hint or two. A great gift for moms and grandmoms alike, they might even share it with the dads out there who are anxious to know what ppl r spking about.