Secret teen texts
Has your kid ever sent you a touching text message?
Scott Dunlop
Pic: Shutterstock
Article originally in
Parent24
In a new age of communication, most kids, especially teens, have their own cell phones. Not only are these phones being used to organise their social lives (or so that their parents can keep track of them), sometimes they are being used for secret love messages.
These secret messages offer a glimpse into the minds of teens: While teens may be silenced by moodiness, breaking voices or general malaise, there’s something going on inside their heads which we’d never know about, were it not for these smuggled love notes. A conversation via texts or chat may delve far deeper than any one-on-one conversation you're able to ignite.
Mwah, xxx
Despite all appearances, your teen loves you! He may not be up for a big public hug at a school event, and she may not be keen on a huge cheek-kiss at the mall anymore, but text massaging is a private, manageable way for a teen to say “I love you”, mom, or, more likely, “luvya”.
It’s not only teens who struggle to say ‘I love you’. Many parents struggle to express these words, and it could be a great way for a mom or dad who isn’t physically demonstrative to get out the words which are all bottled up.
If your kid is communicating with you like this, that’s something special not to be dismissed. Lots of parents go for years without their love being reciprocated. Now, parents everywhere are saving these little love messages as reminders that their ‘baby’ is still present, even in that adult-ish body.
Tame your inner spellcheck
You may have to ask her for some pointers about the meaning of all of the ROFLs and OMGs, and restrain yourself from correcting the AWSUM spelling, but if you cultivate a phone relationship with your kid, it’s one step closer to being part of the mysterious world of teens.
Don’t forget to keep chatting and hugging and telling them you love them IRL, too.
Why not share some of the treasured texts your kids have sent you in the comment section below?