Generation Text: Raising Well-Adjusted Kids in an Age of Instant Everything

For today’s kids, technology such as computers, the Internet, cell phones, and satellites is an assumed presence, a fundamental part of everyday life on par with running water and electric lights. Thanks to these advances, a teenager can go shopping on the Web, see something he likes, immediately reach his mother via cell phone, and in a few short keystrokes, type in her credit card number and get a shiny new lacrosse stick. Between texting, e-mail, gaming, instant-messaging, and online commerce, their world is one of constant electronic interaction through which they have almost instant access to everything from information to merchandise to other people. In this culture of instant gratification and overwhelming excess, parenting has become a bigger challenge than ever.

Generation Text examines the ways in which children’s identities are shaped by the world around them…and how, with an absence of meaningful barriers between impulse and the ability to act on them, parents can help children learn to make intelligent choices and manage the potential overload successfully.

Dr. Michael Osit has worked with children and teens for more than thirty years, and has helped families who have been challenged by the new order of access and excess—and the temptations and other dangers that go with it. Featuring real-life examples, Generation Text provides reasonable, down-to-earth strategies for addressing the unique issues faced by children who are surrounded by infinite choices—and very few limits. The book explores:

• The fundamental changes in values, attitudes, and behavior brought on by our 24/7 “instant everything” culture.

• How social networking helps, in both the positive and negative sense, your child form his or her identity. (Yes, it can be a good thing.)

• The impact of immediate gratification. How to teach your children that they do sometimes have to wait—or hear the word “no.”

• The balance between work ethic and sense of entitlement. Help your child become more dependable and conscientious.

• The state of your child’s social skills. Although they’ve grown up in cyberspace, you can (and must) teach them how to thrive in real situations. Believe it or not, technology can help.

• The issue of privacy. With children constantly sharing personal information with friends and strangers alike, how much is too much?

• Setting limits. How to establish a climate of expectations, open communication and honesty, while allowing healthy exploration, independence, and a sensible amount of privacy.

In order to help your children successfully develop key social skills, a healthy identity, and a sense of purpose and accountability, you need to help them make the right choices every step of the way. Generation Text provides the sage perspective and proven parenting strategies for raising confident, happy, and safe kids who will be fully equipped for their future.

Michael Osit is a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked with children and adolescents for more than three decades. He frequently presents seminars and workshops for mental health professionals, parents, and educators on issues such as parenting, child development, and communication. He and his wife have three children. Dr. Osit is based in Warren, New Jersey.

“Today’s kids grow up in a culture vastly different from the childhood of their parents. Technology exposes them to limitless excess as well as important information. Michael Osit’s valuable book provides parents with strategies and tools to help them harness the infinite power of technology in a safe and productive way.”

— Linda Perlman Gordon and Susan Morris Shaffer, authors of Why Boys Don’t Talk and Why It Matter

“Generation Text is an excellent book that will help parents navigate the ‘generation crater’ that exists in families today. With clear examples from his psychology practice, Dr. Osit demonstrates how the abundant technology available can be used to help children develop into strong, stable, moral adults, and avoid becoming victims of the information avalanche.” — Rosalie Greenberg, M.D., author of Bipolar Kids

“With the many ways to connect with people, it often feels like we are more isolated than ever. Technology has provided our children with access to instantaneous information and communication, but in turn, we have created a generation of young people who don’t know the importance of emotional intimacy. Osit provides parents with the knowledge and skills to tackle our children’s expectation of immediate gratification while simultaneously instilling in them the values that we espouse.”

— Logan Levkoff, Sexuality Educator and author of Third Base Ain’t What It Used to Be

“Dr. Osit’s book, Generation Text, is an excellent Parenting 101 course for the 21st century parent, grandparent, care-giver or professional alike. The strategies and management suggestions will illuminate the path to harmony within families and the hearts of children.” — Arnold P Gold, M.D., Professor of Clinical Neurology and Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University

“Peppered with pertinent and often amusing anecdotes, Generation Text provides a clear and concise portrait of the isuues at hand. Clearly, left unchecked, technology in the hands of our children can have deleterious effects on their social and physical well-being. Yet, in an optimistic style, Dr. Osit provides down-to-earth, concrete guidance for parents as they attempt to navigate the complexities of the current generation of young people. With its wisdom and positive approach, I am certain I will recommend Generation Text to parents of teens in my practice, and will undoubtedly reference its pages again myself.” — Janice Baker, Clinical Faculty, Overlook and Chatham Family Practice

Michael Osit (Morristown and Warren, NJ) is a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked with children and adolescents for more than three decades. He frequently presents seminars and workshops for mental health professionals, parents, and educators on issues such as parenting, child development, and communication. He and his wife have three children.