When teenagers first go away to college or university, it is an anxious time for their parents. Modern technology gives them the tools to stay in regular contact and keep in touch with their children.
Phone and Text Children to Stay in Touch
Most teenagers carry mobile phones so this is an obvious way to stay in touch with them while they are in college or at university. However, it does rely on your child keeping his or her phone on and being prepared to answer it. Texting is often a good compromise as it is less intrusive and gets information across quickly. Teenagers on an unlimited text contract are usually happy to answer messages immediately. Just be prepared to interpret text language and emoticons. Try not to text your children late at night or very early in the morning in case they feel that you are trying too hard to keep tabs on them. The subtle approach is always better!
Send and Receive Emails To Your Children To Keep In Touch
This is a reliable way to touch base with teenagers and students living away from home. Most college students have access to reliable email addresses and are probably in the habit of checking their emails on a regular basis. If you are expecting a reply, say so – young people don't always realise one is expected, even when you ask them direct questions in your message.
Talk to Your Children With Instant Messaging
Nothing beats the feeling of communicating with an absent child in real time. Instant messaging services such as Windows Live Messenger let you do this but be ready to type quickly. Be aware that the language used during an instant messaging session can come across as rather abrupt or even rude. As teenagers often multi-task while online, conversations can peter out when they become distracted by more interesting chat.
Chat Face to Face With Your Children Using Skype and a Webcam
For sociable teenagers, Skype lets you chat freely via internet phone. Persuade them to add a webcam and it's the next best thing to having your child in the room with you.
View Your Teenager's Facebook Page
Many parents will admit to checking their children's progress via their facebook pages or spaying on them as their children might call it. Be wary of being added as their friend as you may gain access to more information than you need about your child's life. A more subtle approach is less intrusive. For example, a sibling is likely to be added as a friend so ask him for occasional updates on his brother or sister, without digging for too much detail.
Follow Your Teenager on Twitter
If your son or daughter has chosen to broadcast his or her life via twitter, perhaps you can justify following his or her activities by subscribing to the live feed. As before, be wary of gaining too much information. Remember there is a fine line between wanting to know your child is safe and well and stalking him or her.
Send Old Fashion Letters and Parcels To Your Children To Show Them You Care
Don't underestimate the benefits of sending a hand written letter, postcard or small parcel to your child at college or university. While he might be unlikely to reciprocate, you will gain pleasure from knowing he will receive it and you may be surprised by how much he appreciates it. Even the most sophisticated young adult can get homesick.
Louise Dop - Louise Dop has been a successful UK-based freelance writer and technical author for ten years. With a degree in Physics and a career ...
Join the Conversation