Geek + Dad = Tech Kids

This past year I got more involved with my kid's education than I have in the past. But since I'm no ordinary Dad, I had to incorporate my passion into my passing of knowledge to my offspring.

Most Fathers take their kids hunting, dropping a trophy kill (at least in the eyes of the kid), or perhaps fishing at a hidden spot known only by the preceding fathers. Still other Dads coach their kids in sports, pushing a football or hockey or whatever. And there are others still that go camping, hiking, biking, running.

I'm not any of those fathers, because I didn't have any of those types.

While my Dad did take me places, like Irish Hills being the most memorable, and he showed up to a few of my soccer games, he never really had a chance to poor out his passion into me. I blame myself for this, not because he didn't try, but because his passion just wasn't mine.

But I do remember one specific time where we really spoke on a very close level. I had just finished a block in tech school in the Air Force. I had just learned how to rebuild a diesel engine and tune the injectors. It was the only block out of 14 that I got a 100% on the test. I couldn't wait to get back to the dorm so I could call my Dad. I knew he would be so proud, but when I told him what I had learned, I could hear his silence. I know now it was because I had given credit to the school, instead of to my Dad who showed me in the shed the inner workings of engines. My Dad laid the foundation of what I had learned.

It was my Dad who, without me even knowing, instilled just a basic structure upon which life would build the man I am. And now, the man as a father must now learn how to build the basic structure into his own children.

But in today's world, it's tough to be engaged. Most parent's brains turn off when their kid starts talking about building redstone iron gollem farms in Minecraft, or how to breed the newest monster in My Singing Monster. Not me, instead I try to stay one step ahead of technology.

Now here's where the fork in the road separates me from most parents, especially fathers. My generation grew up with no computers in the house, mine included. Our school had only one computer for the entire building and it had a waiting list to use the word processor. So it's no surprise that most fathers would choose to take their children outside, away from technology, into the world.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy camping, hiking, exploring. But I've learned my children just aren't into that. So I'll teach them what their passions are ... technology.

There are two possible outcomes when it comes to old school vs new school. The first is that a world catastrophe occurs and we lose all electricity, being forced back into the dark ages. In that case, technology will be gone and my kids will be left staring at a dead computer with no useful skills.

But then there's the other possibility, that technology makes such leaps and bounds that even the people who clean your office will have to know how to program just to change the garbage bag under your desk. I'm betting this will happen, in which case my children will have not only a basic structure, but will also have the experience needed to keep me out of assisted living! (hint hint)

So this year I started off by teaching my kids history. Well, in the geek world, HTML 1.0 is ancient history, but the kids had fun building their own web site with links and everything. All using notepad!

Then we went on to how easy it is to use Google products. Right now all three kids have their own Blog and website upon which they write entries more often than I do, visible to their family only.

Michael wants to be a programmer, so I'm learning Python with him. Next we'll move on to (shudders) Java. He's already got ideas and plans to write a text based adventure game before moving on to graphics. He's also got his eyes on age 14 when he'll be able to try and get an internship under some developers here at my office. Right now Mike and I are designing a web enabled thermostat for the house. This will teach him basic electronics and give him some experience with programming.

Paige is my little artist and I hope she keeps me in her will because her works will be very valuable after she dies! (Morbid I know, it's a joke so lighten up) She saved up some baby sitting money to buy a drawing tablet for her computer. When I researched the model she had chosen, I taught her how to check reviews, both positive and more importantly negative, we discovered she would be making a bad choice. To support her we doubled her money so she could get the next best one. an hour later she drew a huge dragon and uses it like an extra hand.

Gabe wants to be a "professional gamer" and write reviews about new games, and tutorials for older ones. This is a tough area for me as I am easily addicted to games, and honestly think some of the games he plays are quite stupid. But I still need to support him (even if I pray he changes his career choice!). Believe it or not, there are very successful pros in the gaming world! Who knew?

The point is, our kids, no ALL kids, need to be allowed to explore their future, and we need to be there in their foundation lifting them up in their choices. I know my Dad is proud that I'm a geek, he supported me in every choice I made. I know he would have been just as proud if I had become a mechanic like him.

We as Dads, geek or not, need to embrace the change that is our children, and be involved in it.

So how do you support your kids dreams and passions when they differ from yours? What foundational skills do you think they need for the future they desire?

Jon
</rant>