These days there’s so much attention focused on the evils of tweens and teens excessive and often inappropriate text messaging habits. With the constant monitoring of our children’s use of their cell phone up against their desire to use texting as a vital method of staying in touch with their peers, it’s no wonder we’re at odds. Texting can be a true source of conflict in many households. So, what about turning that paradigm around by using text messaging to strengthen your relationship with your child? Communicating with your tween is the key to staying connected so why not use text messaging as one more way to engage them in conversation? By embracing the ease and convenience that texting offers, we can connect with out kids through short yet positive exchanges on their own turf and on their terms. Traditional texts like When are you going to be home? or I’ll pick you up in 15 minutes are necessary and very helpful in managing the craze of family life but consider adding texts like Have a great time tonight or I’m proud of you! into the mix. If we constantly nag our kids about texting and then only nag them with our text messages (that’s the way they see it anyway) we have not only alienated ourselves, we have cut ourselves off from what could be one more way to connect with our children. In texting with my own daughter I have found a playful and enjoyable tone that goes on between us that can seems more and more difficult to obtain at home. When I offer up messages like, I’m so excited for you or Can’t wait to hear all about it, I am giving her the message that I care about her, I trust her, I want to talk with her and that I am willing and able to speak with her in her own language, in a way she enjoys. When I am met with replies like U ROCK MOM, or luv u so much I know I must be doing something right.