I may slit my wrists if I have to give my mom computer help via the phone one more time.

[zonkers]

I say the same instructions every time. It's like fucking ground hogs day.

[Lionessa]

1. Then be smart and write it down and forward it to her.

Or be stupid and slit your wrists.

[Flaxbee]

2. but, the problem often is, (or it is with my mom), she won't remember how to get to the message

So, I'm usually screwn, too.

My mom is terrified of the computer. Afraid she's going to launch WWIII somehow.

[GreenPartyVoter]

4. Or write it out and attach useful screencaps to boot.

[mockmonkey]

3. Whatever you do...

don't let that BING application get added to it. My Mom had it on her laptop and it ALWAYS changed things and she couldn't handle changes. She just wanted to use e-mail. She is easily befuddled.

She no longer uses the internet. Thank you Jeebus!

[Gidney N Cloyd]

5. Libraries and community colleges, etc., often offer computer classes for seniors.

You might want to treat her to a few sessions if only to raise her confidence and get you both on the same page with the terminology.

[cbrer]

6. Hmmm. Your screen name

Implies you already went nuts! Or you're a fan of Doonesbury! In any case...PUT THE RAZOR DOWN

Print instructions (large type) and laminate them. Send them to her and install them somewhere useful.

Buy her a gift card from Geek squad. They're very nice, even when they have to remind someone to turn the power on.

Be glad your mom's still alive. I think about mine every day.

[2theleft]

7. Or, pay the $20 per year fee for a go to my pc type service.

You can log on and fix everything and not have to walk her through whatever she has done. It has saved me a TON of sanity.

You have to admire her for trying!!

[vanlassie]

8. Son? Is that you?

Could you fix my Google for me?