NOTHING BETTER THAN FAMILY CONVERSATION — IN FACT, AS GRANDPARENTS YOU PROBABLY HAVE MORE INFLUENCE THAN A PARENT. While face to face conversation is still the best way to talk to a grandchild — and time laughing together is superior to any technology — the times are changing fast in the way of connecting with a teenager or young adult. Though the cell phone can be an aggravation at times, it can also be a tool you use to reach out to them. Every child needs to be reminded that their family cares…and if you are a grandparent who can “speak their language” then all the better.

Grandchildren are the dots that connect the lines from generation to generation.  ~Lois Wyse

I’ve put together a list of things to consider when “talking”:

  • EMAIL – By now most parents and grandparents are email savvy. It’s become the standard among adults…but the younger generation already considers email passee. It is still a fantastic way to send longer letters or pictures, links, special coupons, or family history…but I’ve found out the hard way with my teenager that it is not the quickest way to contact a teen.  I use this when I am not in a hurry or when I need to send a longer message. If you know your grandchild’s computer habits then you may be able to get a more instant response.

  • TEXT MESSAGING – Know that special code that teens seem to use? They don’t expect you to use it. No need to say “CUL8R” for “See you later.” They also don’t expect you to write a complete letter in a text. Keep it brief and to the point. If they have to page through a bunch of screens you will lose their attention. You can send a brief sentence or series of questions easily over text format. If you have a standard QWERTY keyboard on your phone you will be able to text more easily. (At least it is easier with my reading glasses. No more of that punching number 2 three times in a row to get ‘C’) Remind your grandchild that you don’t expect or want them to text with you while driving. You may also want to ask them about their school rules on cell phones and texting. (Definitely rules we didn’t have to deal with in school!)
  • INSTANT MESSAGING – Instant messaging is where both parties are online at the same time and using the same chat tool. If you use G-Mail, AIM, MSN Messenger, Yahoo, or another instant messaging tool you can have an ongoing conversation with your Grandchild. As with a phone call, you may want to ask if it is a good time to chat. Keep your comments moderate in length. Never USE CAPITOL LETTERS because that is considered shouting in the technology world.

  • SOCIAL MEDIA SITES (like FaceBook) - Social media sites and communities are a completely different conversation with your teen. With a site like FaceBook you have entered the realm of seeing what your teen projects to the world and shares with their friends. You can be a strong influence in this world, but be aware that you are now making public comments with more than just your grandchild. Depending on your grandchild’s personality and age (by the way, 13 is the age FaceBook requires as the minimum age for accounts) you may be more influential in private messages or private forms of instant messaging versus leaving comments on their wall for all of the their friends to see.

So now you can reach out and touch those grandkids when they least expect it. Perhaps you already use these methods and you want to expand the conversation as they grow into young adults. One last thought about manners while using technology. Your grandchildren are looking to you to set the standard. If you are distracted by a cell phone while driving, they will see nothing wrong with it either. If you leave your ringer on during church services, then they will think you a tech idiot. Even Emily Post is online these days. Take a few moments and decided what example you want to set as you learn new things along with your grandchildren. Sit down with your teen and allow them to teach you how to set any of this up on your computer. This generation was born with a mouse in their hand!

No wonder grandchildren are the joy of your life…they keep us all learning through the years. You will never regret being a part of their lives in any way possible.