Friday, April 04, 2008

It's Come to This

I understand that as teens become the little aliens they are, there is a communication breakdown. Sometimes, getting more than a grunt can be considered success.

I've tried to take special care in always keeping the communication lines open between me & son. At times it's been tough, especially when what I communicate isn't what son wants to hear, which has been more often the case than not.

Recent commercials I've seen on TV are hitting too close to home. You know the ones I'm talking about, with the kids speaking in text message. Grandma even gets in on the action with "ONYD!" (Oh no you didn't). I bet a lot of parents can relate to those ads.
I've recently become victim myself.

Case in point:
I was on the couch in the living room watching TV. Son was in his bedroom, 10 feet away, thumbs blazing away on his phone. Rather than shout through the wall, I picked up my phone and texted him "Are you going to eat dinner?" His response "LOL, not hungry yet".

How low I have sunk.

8 comments:

Rox said...

I've done THE SAME THING!

Sharfa said...

Thank God Rox! I know you're a great Mom - now I don't feel so bad!

Suldog said...

Oh, no! They've won! Shame!

(Just kidding. If you can't beat 'em ...)

KFarmer said...

My kids had pagers... My Mom just told me what time to be home for dinner or do without~ Jeez. I wonder what's next?

Stu said...

I do the same with my teenager - I either call him or text him if he's in his room. Not all the time, but every once in a while. I believe, in my heart, that it earns me his respect, because I am willing to walk in his shoes, to attempt to live in his world.

In my opinion, the easiest way to make any relationship better is to validate first. Sometimes that validation comes in the form of speech, and sometimes it comes in the form of action.

I say this not to point out something you are not doing, because you may well be validating his every move. Instead, I am attempting to point out something you are doing, which is validating his form of communication. You have not sunk low, you have risen high.

Sharfa said...

Stu - I text with my son all the time, especially since he has the unlimited texting for $20 a month virgin mobile plan. He burns through talk minutes in a day! Texting is the best way I have to keep in touch with him.

I just meant that texting when he's in the very next room instead of getting my fat arse up off the couch, well that is a new low.

Stu said...

Ah. Well then, that's, um, different.

To address that point, I would be willing to go up against you in a slacking contest. Couches are comfortable. They are also alive and should be treated with respect. As their only desire is to provide us with comfort, I would think it rude to deny them this simple pleasure.

Sharfa said...

Stu - I am an extremely polite individual and would never, ever, ever deny my couch the simple pleasure it provides.
The permanent outline of my body on the cushions is a testament to that fact.