Tips for Children's Writers: Growing Up "Google"

One of the hard things about writing for children, and especially writing middle grade, is capturing the perspective and world view of the characters in the age group. I'm always reminded of this with a jolt when my own kids have no idea what a cassette is or see an old rotary phone in an older movie and say "What's that?"

Some kids I know cringe at the thought of actually talking to someone on the phone -- it's easier to text and/or message someone online.

This kind of mindset is very different from what many writers grew up with, but I think it's important to think about it if you want to understand where your readers are coming from. 

I liked this post by Terry Heick at Te@chThought on June 12, 2014:

40 Things That Have Credibility With Google Natives

It really makes you think about what it's like to be a kid in today's world. Some examples: 

2. Believing that they know technology better than adults (it’s like a secret language)

8.  Brief bursts of communication (as opposed to extended dialogue)

14. Free everything (music, games, downloads, apps, etc.)

What do you notice about the perspective of your readers? Any tips to share?