Remember way back when you were growing up and VCRs were new? The big joke was that the kids could program it to record better than the parents who’d bought it. It was like that at my house, too. Which led me, a girl, to be more technologically-minded than even some of my male peers.

Computers came easy, too. For a while, there I was on a super track to success in the technological world. I had some basic programming skills, excellent word processing skills (even without spellcheck!) and could even take apart a computer and add hardware.

But then, two things happened: 1) I didn’t own or have access to a computer more than minimally for ten years and 2) the technological world zoomed past and left me so far back I couldn’t even see the dust.

Now, I feel very much like my parents with the VCR. My four-year-old is adept with the DVD player and DVR remote. OK, so I am the one who hooks up everything, the one who shows my husband the tips and tricks to using a cell phone to its fullest potential, and the one who loads the MP3 players with songs, pics and video. So what? I’m the parent who, in a few years’ time, will be the one wondering what the hell my son is texting to me.

What kills me, is that I’m not that far removed from the Net generation. Gen X is the one who came up with most of this stuff. (Still can’t figure out Gen Y’s contribution.)

So, as a student of linguistics, I’m interested in this phenomenon. But as a child of the father who stressed “proper” grammar, I’m struggling. Part of me can study textlingo with objectivity and understand (even if it is hard sometimes) that there are no “improper” languages only dialects. Another part of me screams, cut it out! Capitalize the damn “I,” it’s not that hard.

I take pride in the personal choice not to degrade myself with completely random spellings and proper punctuation. I still feel as if I am not true to myself if I get lazy when texting or IMing, which, of course, leads to lengthy communiqué. So what, I’m different and proud to be so. However, perhaps it is time to learn a new language.

This objectivity doesn’t keep me from being appalled at the liberties these little teeny-boppers are taking with the language. Plus, the fact that some teachers are allowing this stuff in papers really ticks me off. If we are to allow this new writing system, can’t we make it understood that there is a time and a place?

Perhaps we as parents and teachers should stress the art of writing to the audience while honing the skills it takes to fit in. You know, “proper” (standardized) grammar when say, talking to a judge. And that it’s OK to use expletives with your peers, but not their parents.

Here’s a question for all those liberals out there: Would this emphasis put too much pressure on kids just finding themselves? Or is the chameleon-like flexibility a good skill to teach? Is this asking too much from parents who “don’t have time” to really teach their kids?