“What’s up?” often appears on my cell phone screen. Two words that have become cherished as a communication link in our family. My oldest sons have been deemed “old enough” to have a cell phone. They actually taught me to text several months ago and I love it. I find that this link allows me to keep up with their day….the outcome of a hard test, the news at school (during break of course), etc. Texting is also helpful in organizing our family plans after school as we coordinate extracurricular activities.

The most surprising result of entering the “texting world” has been the communication within our extended family. I might pause at this time to tell you that my children have 4 grandparents, 11 aunts and uncles plus 13 cousins. I have found that my children are texting their aunts and cousins on a regular basis. This communication tool has become a “glue” that bonds the generations within our family. I am thrilled to have updates regarding my niece’s and nephew’s upcoming activities and the opportunity to maintain a connection with them. It has also been interesting as well as, thrilling to see my children communicate with my siblings.

Texting reminds me of teaching a teenager to drive. Parents have to be actively involved in training their child to text responsibly. In this era, technology is at the fingertips of all children. Parents have the responsibility to become educated about the potential pitfalls of texting. In researching texting, late night texting seems to be the pitfall when teenagers encounter inappropriate texting. In an attempt, to protect my children, I require all cell phones to be docked in my bedroom at night. I am also an accountability partner for my children. I periodically check all texts to make sure that the texts are appropriate. This also allows me to monitor the friendships that my children are encouraging. As my children prove themselves to make responsible texting decisions, I will give them more responsibility…..just like a parent entrusting a vehicle to a teenager.

Clearly, texting is the wave of the future. In our family, texting is a generational glue that opens the door for our family to stay connected. “What’s up?”……makes me smile every time.