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DEL.ICIO.USAre you texting to stay close with your kids?
An AJC reporter is seeking texting moms to talk about how and why they are communicating with their kids this way.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I know we’ve talked about texting a couple of times, but we have a reporter working on a story and this is what he wants to know:
Not long ago, the popular perception was that texting on mobile phones was just for kids, and that parents were endearingly clueless about how this new-fangled thingie worked.
Now, more moms are turning into texting maniacs. Some with teens figured out it is a great way to keep track of your kids without it seeming like you’re breathing down their necks. Some realized that if they wanted to know what was going on in their kids’ lives, they’d better get texting.
What’s your feeling about texting, and how has it changed? If you’re a texting mom, what are you texting and to whom?
Phil Kloer, a features writer for the AJC, is trying to find some texting moms to talk to for his story. He’s interested to read your comments here, but he’d love hearing from any texting moms at pkloer@ajc.com or 404-526-5448.
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By turnedin2atxtingdiva
September 12, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
I have found that my daughter responds more in a timely fashion when I text her versus calling. I have also turned into a texting diva because I find it easier to text what I need to say without calling. It also cuts down on the length of the conversation. Short and sweet and to the point. I like that.
By CP
September 12, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Long time, no post. Been lurking. Anyway…
My kids are too young to have a cell phone (& probably won’t until they can pay for it themselves,) but I would use anything at my disposal to keep tabs on them, including texting. But as far as parents being “endearingly clueless about how this new-fangled thingie worked,” I’m probably the biggest texter in the house. I’m in my 30’s & it’s an easy way to keep up with friends I don’t see that often - & faster than email.
By ljcrcb
September 12, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
I don’t have young children but if I did I would start texting. My grandchildren are too young to have phones right now, but when they do have them, I bet I will text them. It’s just something you must do if you want to stay in touch with them.
By JJ
September 12, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
I just became a texting queen about three weeks ago.
I LOVE IT…..
It is easier than a conversation. Plus teenagers don’t want to get a call from Mommie while at the football game, or with their friends. Texting is so much fun and really easy once you learn how to do it.
I text my friends too during the day.
By lscott
September 12, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
I’ve been texting for 2 or more years now to my teenage son (16)whom taught me how to text. It really saves time when I want to communicate asap and he’s in class or out at an event. He always responses quickly and to the point using number in the conversion such as 2 for the word to 4 for the word for which makes it ez to read quickly.
By Becky
September 12, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
I’ve been texting for about 2 years now..As others said, you get a better response when texting…I’m not super fast at it, but I get my point across..
Hope that all have a fun & safe weekend..
By Virginia
September 12, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
I text to my two kids who are away at college. It’s a great way to stay in touch with them.
By Band Mom Gone Wild
September 12, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Texting is da bomb! Where I work, texting became a way to communicate with folks at other locations a long time ago. So when my daughter started texting it was only natural for us to text each other. I LOVE IT! I can get answers to questions, she can send me a list of things she wants at the grocery store, I can remind her about appointments, etc. I even went so far as to upgrade to a “Crackberry” and I can’t imagine texting on a regular phone again! Her friends and I text too, like about when I’m going to pick them up and other stuff like that.
We use T-Mobile and they just started this new service called “Family Allowance”. It is wonderful! I can set it up so that she can only send and receive text mssgs at certain hours and I can even block numbers from texting her and she from texting them! (A certain ex-boyfriend, for instance.) The beauty of it is that I can also indicate up to 10 numbers that she is allowed to exchange text mssgs with even during the blocked times so she can always reach someone in an emergency. Very cool!
Sorry for sounding like a T-Mobile commercial but I am all for using any help I can get as a parent!
By deidre_NC
September 12, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
lol i am sitting here texting my daughter right now. she is lots more willing to talk to me via text when she is with her friends. talking takes so much energy ya know lol..its just easier-i find out when shes coming home..where shes gonna be who shes with-if i asked her (verbally0 all these things she would get testy-MOM! whats with the 3rd degree…asking in text doesnt seem to carry the same message i guess. im still grilling her it just doesnt seem like it. i love texting now that i learned how. my kids taught me. also-i live in the mountains and there are places that service isnt great and texts seem to be able to go with less service than voice.i can text her friends if i cant find her-they too are more forthcoming via text…my friends and i also text often. we all have unlimited text plus all verizon network calls are free. (well not extra-no cell service is ever free!!)
By My3Kids
September 15, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this
Only my oldest is old enough to have a cell, however I won’t buy her one yet.
I do text with my nephews every day though. Mostly my oldest one. The youngest one usually only texts me when he wants something. However, my oldest nephew and me are very close, so he texts me everyday to say I Love You and see how I am and my girls and let me know how he is with school, sports, and friends. Bugs the crap out of his momma…lol. He ignores her texts when he is with his friends but will repond to me. if he gets in trouble, he takes his momma’s phone to check in with me.
By mom2boys
September 15, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
I have two kids in college and texting is our primary means of communication most of the time. It’s noninvasive to them, quick and they initiate it most of the time just to tell me a snippet of their day. Love it!
By Cheryl
September 15, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
I have also just mastered the art of texting. I keep it to a minimum with my 18 year old, but it is part of an understanding between us also. As long as I pay for the phone he carries, if I call he WILL answer or if I text he WILL text back. Otherwise, the phoen goes bye-bye Gotta keep tabs on what is going on.
By Mary Beth
September 15, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
Texting is a great way to communicate with your kids. I have been texting since 2002 or 03 when my oldest daughter was in high school. She has juvenile diabetes and it was a great way for us to check on her without being overly intrusive. Now she has graduated from college and we still text. My teenage sons text me when practice is over, where they are going, ask me if they can do this or that and it is a great way to communicate with teens, too! I love it. When people are amazed that I text I just tell them that once their kids are teens, they will also learn to text.
By astounded
September 15, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
Can you text “CODEPENDENT”?…
By Mary Beth
September 15, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
astounded - you obviously have no kids