When Kids Stop Texting Back

Just when I’ve convinced myself I’m a real hip grandma—you know, one who listens to modern music, watches all kinds of current movies, works out at the “Y” to stay in shape—I find that I’m just another senior citizen lacking in all social media skills. The word “hip” in itself is a dead giveaway! Social media has always been tough on me, but lately it is becoming more difficult. Don’t get me wrong. I can email with the best of them, but there is more, so much more I’m missing.

I take all the blame of not keeping up-to-date with social media and new technology. I worked 25 years as an LPS administrator and had the luxury of always having wonderful support staff, all of whom were eager to help me through any roadblocks I encountered. It was easier for me to ask someone to take care of things instead of learning a new task myself. I am now facing the consequences of that decision.

Out With Emailing, In With Texting

I email. My peers email. Former staff email. Our kids email. Our grandkids do not email. The group I want to connect with the most, our grandkids, unfortunately, do not use this form of communication that I have a good grip on.

I text, or should I say, txt. Some of my peers txt. Staff at my former schools txt, but I don’t know many of their numbers. I’m out of the loop. I recently saw the grandma’s list of txt abbreviations. Some of which I can relate to:

LOL: Lots of love rather than laugh out loud

BFF: Best friend fell not best friend forever

OMG!

I continue to be embarrassed when I reread a text I’ve already sent and notice that spellcheck has revised my message. These changes can create a message of unintended content. Some people laugh it off, but I feel terrible because I’ve always prided myself on my ability to communicate. You know—communicating face-to-face, not phone-to-phone.

Texting Grandma Might Not Be the Best Sign

When my grandkids first got their phones, they eagerly responded to my calls. It was fun to hear what they were doing, where they were going, and what was on their minds. Phone calls soon became a thing of the past when texting became the norm. I discovered group texting, and it was a great way to coordinate our get-togethers. Now that three of the four grandkids are in high school, texts to grandma are slowing down and causing major adjustments for me. I’ve discovered my messages are not the most exciting things that catch their attention.

“Happy Friday!”

“Have a great week!”

“What’s your goal for the week?”

Sometimes, the grandkids respond to my messages…and sometimes, they don’t. At first I felt bad, thinking they no longer loved their grandma. Really, I did. Okay, that’s a bit melodramatic. Now, I’ve come to realize I’m glad I’m not the most (or second or third) important person in the their lives. If I was, then wouldn’t it be a sorry day for those teenagers? Now, I realize their world has opened up to new and exciting things. Now, they have their own friends with whom they want to communicate. Friends who share their experiences and who, together, will make our future world. Isn’t that a good thing?

Maybe I’m missing a lot, but the good thing is I know they are growing, learning, and formulating who they will be. I need to accept that and just make sure my texting is as clear as my arthritic fingers can make it.

OMG!