Unless you are living with your adult children right now or have never had children, the way we are communicating with them has changed with technology, especially since the pandemic.
There are studies being done to see how Baby Boomers are staying in touch. According to a survey by MedicareAdvantage.com, 41% of those surveyed say they either phone, text, or see their children in person multiple times per day.
My daughter and I text or talk by phone about once a week. My son, who is in the AirForce and lives farther away texts me whenever he can but he’s often busy or flying somewhere. I have to nudge him to talk by phone.
Preferred ways to communicate
The most popular method of communication between parents and their adult children is by text message at 37%. On the phone comes in 2nd at 27%. The least popular methods are by email at 4% and video chat at 6%.
When asked which method of communication parents enjoy the most, in person, not surprisingly, came in hands down at 48%. However, since everyone is locked down that’s not always possible.
The most disliked form of communication between parents and their adult children is social media. My kids are hardly ever on Facebook, which is where I communicate with most of my friends. I occasionally see them post on Instagram.
When the survey asked if they communicated with their adult children as much, more, or less than they preferred. Only 2% said they wanted to communicate less. 55% kept in touch about the right amount of time and 43% said it was less than they preferred.
Talking with your grandchildren
I don’t have grandchildren yet. My kids have been taking their time just like I did when I was their age. But for those who do, 26% said they communicate with their grandchildren multiple times per week. 8% was once a day and 13% was sporadically or never. 46% said they did it in person, so I imagine they must be babysitting. Video chat came in at 25% and 15% over the phone.
Since the pandemic, 43% said they’ve been communicating with their adult children and grandchildren more than they used to with 36% saying they aren’t using any new forms of communication. And 67% of adult children initiate communication most of the time with their parents. My daughter is pretty good in that department. I’m always afraid I’ll interrupt what she’s doing.
How about you? How often are communicating with your kids and how are you doing it? Please leave a comment below.
Since I live with my adult sons (don’t ask, long story), my communicating is “What should we have for dinner?” every night. I love my boys here and know it will end someday. It’s a strange but special time in so many ways.
You’re lucky to have them around during all of this Laurie. Enjoy it while it lasts.
My kids like to text, text, text. I do the calling. My two daughters text at least once a day. Sons much less often. My grandchildren like snapchat and texting. Grandchildren have jumped on TicToc and want me to get an account. I don’t know about that!
I never did Snapchat or TikToc. Too much to keep up with for me. Texting is big here too, Adela. I just have to remember to check my messages.
Thank goodness for FaceTime so I can see my 5-month old granddaughter, who lives several states away. My daughter-in-law and son are good about FaceTiming with me a couple of times a week, and we have always texted. My local son – not as good with the communication! I long for the days we can meet for a coffee and dog walk again. Stay well and take care.
That’s so hard when grandkids are out of the area. My kids have been taking their time so I don’t have any yet, but can only imagine. Thank goodness for technology!
I used to wonder, “why would people text when they have email?” In a way, I still do wonder.. LOL
I totally understand, Carol. Email is so much easier for me, but kids love texting.