Miss Your Teenager? Texting is the New "Lets Talk"

I have two teenagers and I miss the day to day talks we used to have. The kids were always home, hanging out together, perhaps their friends would come over. As my son got older the less we talked and I missed that a lot. Lately he has been texting me often and at first I felt "pick up the damn phone and call me!" however, my attitude has changed. If this is the way the kids want to chat with the ol' man I'm cool with that. You see it wasn't an occasional text but a conversation that went on for several minutes. Both my teens tell me "stuff" and you parents understand what that is. It wasn't a "be home a little late" message but a meaningful talk with my kid who was trying to talk to me about what is going on with him. If this is how we are going to talk and how I am going to stay connected, then I am all for it. My daughter text me for about 20 minutes the other day and I loved every minute of it. She also told me stuff about her, thoughts stories, funny things that happened that day. It was great! To all parents of teenagers, join the texting revolution. Stay connected to your teen. They are watching the phone. Send an "I love you" just because and when your oldest child says "I love you too Dad" (or mom) you know you are connected. Just not the way it used to be. Technology may be the way we can still be a close family no matter how far apart we may be.