Let's Talk About Text, Baby

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Let's Talk About Text, Baby

Sunday, November 18, 2007

filed under: jill mullikin-bates

One Mom's fear that texting has replaced the art of conversation for her daughters.

I can remember as a child being paralyzed with fear when i had to pick up the phone to decline a party invitation or resolve a conflict with a friend. It was the kind of awkward confrontation I used to completely dread.

But now, as a mother of two tween daughters, I suddenly find myself on the opposite side of the issue. I'm struggling with the fact that my 13-year-old recently sent her friend an email apologizing for hurt feelings at school and that my 11-year-old sent a last-minute text message explaining why she was bailing on her playdate. Part of me is jealous that I didn't have email or cell phones when I was growing up to help avoid all those embarassing conversations. But looking back, I realize now that it was these difficult social interactions that made me stronger. They taught me about accountability, responsibility and the art of finesse. I want those things for my daughters.

AOL released the results of a poll this week saying that 43% of instant-messaging teens text things they wouldn't dare say in person. By giving our daughters computers and cell phones, are we raising a generation of responsibility-shirking social recluses?

5 comments so far | Post a comment now >>

the real problem is parents who over indulge their kids with high ticket items like cellphones and lap tops. you ought to be ashamed.

- lynn

Posted 11/19/07 12:11 AM

Whoa! Kind of harsh don’t you think? We are all trying to find that balance in this new world of technology. Times are changing and we have to evolve as well. Things are not the same as they were when we were young but we just have to do the best we can. Let’s support each other as moms!!!

- Audrey

Posted 11/19/07 01:36 AM

Boy, are you naive. They are learning technology in first grade at school. I wish this was just about high priced items!

- Joni

Posted 11/19/07 12:56 PM

I applaud her for wanting better for her kids. I think we’re all just trying to do the best we can.

- Michelle

Posted 11/19/07 02:50 PM

Wow - that was a pretty angry statement, Lynn. Computers are more than necessary at that age. And even though my kids are too young right now, I can imagine they might need to have cell phones at that age. The point of the story seems to be that a mother wants to do the best for her kids and help them grow up as well rounded people. Let’s not lose sight of that.

- Sheri

Posted 11/19/07 11:54 PM