When I was a teenager I was more focused on working and trying to get my first business going as a dog groomer than anything else. My parents did not have to worry about many of the risks of online threats as many parents do today. The only communication device I had outside of my parents phone was a One Way Beeper which received messages and I had to scramble to a Pay Phone to be able to answer especially when it was my mom.
The Urgent Message
I remember my Mom and Dad had a unique way of letting me know how urgent or important it was for me to call them back. If the message said Urgent I knew I had to do my best to get to a phone or to the house as quick as possible because they needed me.
My parents where very relaxed (sometimes I think too relaxed) and I grew up with a feeling of being trusted. My parents would never breath down my back trying to monitor me because they trusted my judgment . My parents never used the word urgent in a text message or communication if it really was not.
Good Communication
My clear communication with my parents while I was a teenager always helped me convey any concerns. On the other side when they needed something and said it was a priority or urgent I knew I had to drop everything and get in touch with them. Till this day I still respond the same way when my parents need me.
When I was a teenager I remember how some of my friends would ignore their parents messages. At that time we had a fraction of the distractions we have now. I see a priority in establishing the importance of setting a tone in those messages that are important.
How do you communicate the sense of urgency or priority to your kids? What words are sent in a communication, which let’s your kid knows that they need to drop everything and contact you as a parent?
photo credit by Wendel F.
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