Two-year-olds can text. Here’s why you should teach them how:
I may be one of the few children’s advocates in the world who believes that teaching a toddler how to text is a good idea.
But my oldest granddaughter is only 2, and about once a month I get a text message from her via her mother’s phone. Usually, it looks something like this:
And while I try to be sophisticated in my replies to her, I think she mostly just likes getting her own text messages and doesn’t assign much meaning to them yet. Her Mom helps interpret, I assume.
I love this little secret code communication method. It gives me a few minutes to think of her even when she isn’t nearby, and lets her know she’s on my mind and that I love her–even though my thoughts can only take the shape of balloons and snowmen and cat faces.
Long-distance Communication with Children
There are lots of other fun ways to communicate with a youngster long-distance. Snail mail is easy and inexpensive. Do you remember how exciting it was to get something in the mail when you were younger? If so, you may appreciate how much fun it will be for your child or grandchild to receive a letter. I vividly remember receiving a birthday card from one of my aunts when I was about four. Four years old, and I was already old enough to get my own mail! I still have the card today, and there is absolutely nothing spectacular about it except that she was thoughtful enough to think of a 4-year-old and send something to me in the mail.
A handmade card can be extra fun. If you aren’t the crafty type, you’ll find dozens of talented designers who handcraft beautiful cards to sell on Etsy.com for about the same price you’d pay to pick up a plain old drugstore card. I made the one below at someone’s “stamping” party and have waited years to have a grandchild to send it to.
In fact, this just may be the theme of an upcoming birthday gift for one of the grandkids. Hmmm….
What is your favorite long-distance communication method to use with your children when you are away on business? What creative ideas do you have for communicating with grandchildren who live far away? Please leave your great ideas in the comments below to share with other readers.
