Lessons in Texting

Cache is an unusual teenager. And I am thankful. Lately he has been making sure my texting learning curve is heading in the right direction.

With Cache's bedroom right next to the storage room it is sooooo very convenient to send a quick text asking him to bring me something I need for dinner making. I loved this new convenience until he said to me, "Mom, we're in the same house. If you want to talk to me, come and visit." I get it. Lesson 1: Texting shouldn't replace interaction even if it is more convenient and we already talk a lot.

After sending him a text something akin to 'thx', he replied: "Mom, the English language is being corrupted because of texting." Lesson 2: Spell and punctuate correctly.

I mentioned to Cache one day that I had texted Caleb during school. It wasn't a time sensitive message and I don't do it often, but it was just something I wanted answered at some point so I sent it. His response? "What kind of mom are you? You are just adding to the problem." Lesson 3: Make sure I'm setting the example. Cell phones are hindering education and when I text my child during school it sends the message that texting during school hours is acceptable.

One final lesson from a member of our stake presidency: "Being trivially connected has great consequences." Definitely food for thought with the ease and overuse of texting among teens. (I also appreciated the direction given in conference on this.)

Having kids with cell phones puts a greater responsibility on me to teach correct usage, etiquette and accountability. Thankfully my oldest has me heading in the right direction.