My son has discovered girls.  I know this because I just received a bill for $150 in text messaging charges. 

I thought I had an unlimited plan, but it turns out I had a limited unlimited plan for a limited time only such that if I exceeded my unlimited plan limit I would be charged a limited message fee.  So theoretically my bill could be, well, unlimited. 

At least this is how it was explained to me by the nice service representative at Verizon.  Thank goodness she didn’t text me this explanation.

Based on my limited understanding of my unlimited plan, I did some quick message calculations.  I was astounded.  Don’t you ever sleep?  I am surprised your thumbs aren’t tied in knots!  Who all are you texting? And what are you texting about?

I didn’t expect him to answer—he is fourteen.  But I did want him to squirm before I asked my real question:   What’s her name?  

My son thinks I was born yesterday.  Sadly, he is right.  When I was his age there were no cell phones and there was no Internet.  If I wanted to communicate with girls outside of school I had to use something called a telephone; which is pretty much why I avoided talking to girls outside of school.  

I would have given anything to send abbreviated acronyms with my thumbs because at fourteen, that was pretty much all I could handle.  My evolving social vocabulary was strewn about my head in fragments and didn’t really have a neural pathway out my mouth.   My wife says not much has changed.

But I understand that communicating something as simple as “Hi” appears a lot cooler across a cell phone screen than over a squeaky set of vocal chords.  So I changed my limited unlimited plan to accommodate his unlimited limited social vocabulary.  And the other day he actually called me. 

“Dad,” he said informatively, “I just sent you a text.”

Then he hung up. 

Oh, btw, her name is Jessica.

The post Limited Vocabularies appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

As a daddy to six children who range in age from 13 months to 26 years old, I have been through it all. And I know it can be difficult with the ever-changing stages of life, growth and maturity to stay connected to the kids you love so much. Here are a few easy tips to help you stay connected with your little ones – and your not-so-little ones!

Off to College: You have been so used to seeing that smiling face daily, that now that your baby has gone to college, you are probably going through withdrawals. Thanks to Facebook, Skype and Twitter, you can stay connected from afar. Keep in mind that posting something on Facebook is posting something in front of the entire world, so try not to be too embarrassing. Save the “don’t forget to floss” and “wear clean underwear” bit for the Skype session later.

Teenage Mania: In high school and middle school, it is all about keeping up appearances. Being Facebook friends with your parents is a total no-no. Take advantage of the fact that your sweet angel still dwells under your roof and have family dinners and family activities as much as possible. As a daddy of a teenager, you want to give the kiddos their space while still hovering closely with a watchful eye. Outside of the house, make sure you attend all the important events: sports games, school plays, band recitals, parades and school conferences.

School Days: Kids in elementary school are just grown babies in a sense. At that age, my daughters were still naive enough to ask me to French braid their hair. Whether you’re trying your hand at the French braid – which, trust me, is quite difficult – or you are helping your child with his or her math homework, take advantage of all this special time together. At this age, being a scout leader or a coach is also a great way to spend time, communicate and bond with your little ones.

Weebles, Wobbles: Toddlers are amazing. They are learning, exploring, playing and loving. It is your responsibility as a daddy to roll up your sleeves, get on the floor and just play with your toddler. The sky is the limit, really – at this age, kids will play with anything. Get outside, explore, ride bikes, try new things – but most importantly, have fun being a daddy!

New Baby: If you have an infant in your home, you are exhausted. Push past your fatigue and enjoy the simple pleasures of bonding with your new baby. Be a part of the feeding and the bathing of your baby. Help put your baby to sleep and help soothe him when he wakes in the night. Connecting with your infant child creates a bond that will last a lifetime.

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of six, offers his five cents-worth of advice to expectant and new parents. Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and daddy gear for dads, and the Daddyscrubs.com blog where he covers topics about parenting and the latest baby and kids gear, all from a dad’s perspective.

The post How to stay connected with your kids through the years. appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.