Remember when we used to get on the payphone after school to ask our parents if we could stay after? Seems like so long ago, right?
Now that we are done making you feel old, new-age kids couldn't even tell you what a payphone is because they are armed with technology!
Communication with our children has become instant, as we are able to send text messages and use apps that go directly to our child via cellphone.
In a survey taken by Parentfurther.com, they found that 1 out of 3 parents believe that a child should have a cell phone before the age of 12.
Cell phones these days are very advanced, and offer different apps to download so that you can communicate with your child in various ways.
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram were once the only 3 major apps, but there are a lot more that you can use to stay "in the know" with your kids.
Take a look at these apps that many parents are using to keep the line of communication open with their kids.
Kik Messenger
Kik is an app that lets kids text for free. It's fast and has no message limits, character limits, or fees if you only use the basic features. The texts don't come with a fee through most carriers because they are streamed through the app. This works well if you have multiple kids and want to keep the costs down.
ooVoo
ooVoo is a free video, voice, and messaging app. Users can have group chats with up to 12 people, and it's all free. The service allows you to only chat with approved friends, so you can monitor who exactly your kid is talking to.
Messenger
Getting in touch with your kids via Facebook Messenger is one of the easiest systems to date. Not only can you live chat, like many other services you can tell when a message has been "read" or delivered. You can also send pictures, video and audio messages to your kids. And of course, all of the emoji's you can dream of.
Snapchat
Snapchat is more for sharing fun moments with your child. You can take a photo or video, add a caption and send it off. These moments only last for a few seconds after they are viewed, but they are a fun and quirky way to keep the line of communication open with your kids.
Periscope
Periscope lets you see exactly what your kids are doing though a live-stream. This app allows android users to have the "facetime" experience that iOS users have. Periscope also has broadcast capabilities so that others can see what you are doing in real-time. So if Dad can't make it to a soccer game, he can simply click on the link given and watch in real-time as long as someone is recording. Oh, and grandparents in other states can join in too. Periscope is a great way to let family and friends in on special moments they may not be able to attend.
These are just a few of the new apps you can use to keep the line of communication open with your kids. Like most apps, they do come with precautions. Parents should remember to monitor the use of these apps with friends.
