“Sean, I see you’re able to navigate between websites really fast,” I said. “I’d like to be able to do that too. Can you show me how?”

My son looked surprised, but I just smiled and waited patiently. “Sure,” he finally replied. “See, you can open multiple tabs at the same time.” I listened as my techno-savvy son explained something new to me once again, grateful that God was helping this technologically illiterate mom keep pace with her children in more ways than one.

Many parents struggle to keep up with the advances that come so easily to our children. Not only is this learning curve frustrating, but it can also leave an otherwise conscientious mother clueless about much of her child’s interaction with the world. The uninformed mom is left to wonder, Is my child erasing her Internet history? How can I tell? Who is my son texting? Can I find out? And is “sexting” what I think it is?

First Chronicles 12:23–37 lists and describes army divisions that were equipped to wage war. Interestingly, among those listed are “the Issacharites, who understood the times” (v. 32). Today parents must be similarly aware of trends, technology, and influences. Don’t be left ill equipped for the battle. Ask God for wisdom, ask your children appropriate and timely questions, and seek to understand the times we live in.