COMMUNICATE ON THEIR LEVEL:
Digital kids, as was previously stated, have numerous methods of communicating.  In order to communicate with them, parents have to use and get used to those methods of communications.

Just as with learning styles or pizza toppings, every child has a preferred and comfortable method of communication.  In order to best communicate with them, parents will have to make an effort to use that method of communication.  For example, if a child speaks most openly over Instant Messenger, a parent would be wise to set up an IM account and initiate conversation that way.

But as with everything else, preferences and styles may change, so it is recommended to learn and become comfortable with as many modes of communication as possible.

MAKE IT A SHARED ACTIVITY:
The best way to understand the digital world as your child sees it, is to make technology usage a shared, community activity.

Here are some suggestions:

• Play video games together.
• Put the family computer in the living room where it is visible for everyone.  Make sure everyone has his/her own account on the computer
• When your child has to charge or use his/her laptop, require they do it in the living room.
• Send emails or IMs to each other regularly. 
• Call him/her on her cellphone.
• Visit similar website…email each other links or jokes.

MODELING BEHAVIOR:
While being safe is paramount for children in this digital world, we have to remember children model behavior after what they see and that they are very sensitive to hypocrisy and unfairness.  If you are truly interested in your child using good judgment and being safe, you have to emulate that behavior yourself.  For example, if you feel that using the laptop in his/her bedroom isolates your child from the rest of the family and possibly the real world, then you should not use your laptop in the bedroom either.

LEARN FROM YOUR CHILDREN:
Being Digital Natives who are so comfortable in the presence of the technology, children are a wonderful resource of information about technology usage.  Asking them questions or looking for clarification from children not only provides a learning environment for the parent, but also provides the child with a sense of self-confidence and accomplishment.  This idea of learning also provides good insight into the child’s preferred method of communication while bringing the family together.

HERE IS A SUGGESTION:
Buy a computer for your children’s grandparents for their birthday or the next major holiday.  Have your child instruct and show them how to use it for basic tasks like Internet usage and email.  This will bring the grandparents into the community you are creating and it allows the child to feel confident and interact with his/her family in his/her own way.