My Parents Are Aging
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Explain It to Mom/Dad

The one-stop shop for "explain this to my parent." Pick a device, then pick what they want to do (stay in touch, see and hear better, stay safe, everyday basics), and get plain-language steps: six or fewer, one action per step, with a "what you should see" note, a print version for the fridge, and a link to the full guide when there's more to know.

Filter the task list by what you want to explain. Pinned tasks stay at the top.
Output format
"Print" shows the steps alone and opens your browser's print dialog. Large print is for someone who will read it on screen.

match the format to the moment

The explain-it format map

The same task can be taught three ways. Pick the format by what the parent will do with it, not by what feels easiest to write.

  1. On screenFor a task they will do right now, with you nearbyText steps on the parent's own device work when you can stay on the call or in the room, so the parent can ask and you can watch the next tap.
  2. Large printFor a task they will read on their ownLarge print fits the parent who wants to follow along at their own pace on screen, especially with reduced vision: bigger type, fewer words per step.
  3. PrintFor the fridge, the folder, or the "I will do it later" listA printed copy survives the moment: tape it where the task happens, and it becomes the reference the parent and any helper can follow without a device.
  4. The ruleOne task, one format, one placePrinting the steps alone (no chrome) opens the browser print dialog, and the teaching phone skills guide covers the patience and pacing that make any format work.

Where these instructions come from

Each set of steps is written from the current manufacturer documentation: the Apple iPhone User Guide and Google's Android Help, and reviewed on the date shown with each result. Device interfaces change, so every result includes a fallback to the official support page if a menu has moved.

We deliberately keep instructions to the paths that have been stable across recent operating-system versions, and we flag where manufacturers (especially Android and TV brands) differ. If you find a step that no longer matches, tell us and we'll fix it.

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