5 Reasons Every Family with Adult Kids Should Have a Family Text

Elena LaVictoire details five great ways to use group texts with your adult children or siblings.

When cell phones first became a thing, I remember thinking, “Who would ever use the text feature when you could just call someone up and talk to them?” That was only about 20 years ago. Now texting is commonplace, and I admit I am an avid texter! My unexpected favorite part about texting is how it keeps my family connected even though they are scattered around the country. Now reading those exchanges is my favorite part of the day.  

So, if you haven’t started a family text with your adult children or grown siblings, here are 5 reasons to start one. 

Instant connectivity in an emergency.  

A few years ago, a good friend of mine was hit by a car. She suffered some bruising and a nasty concussion. Her phone was battered as well. While her husband was able to contact me right away, it was harder to contact all her children. With the Mom Phone out of commission, all that great contact information was harder to find. Subsequently, there was a delay in contacting the kids about the accident. That wouldn’t happen today. My friend’s family has an active family text thread, available on all of their phones. They can transmit important information instantly in an emergency.  

While Mr. Pete and I are still very healthy, it is comforting to know that if something happened to either of us, the other could get ahold of our children right away. Likewise, our kids can get ahold of the fam with one simple text. This brings me peace of mind.  

Planning made easy.  

Our family plans a big vacation all together every two years. Getting everybody’s ideas and schedules over text makes life a lot easier! The kids also use it (without me and Mr. Pete) to plan Christmas and birthday surprises. It’s a lot easier to plan Secret Santa when everyone is connected on the Family Text.  

Integrating new family members. 

I have three great daughters-in-law and I’m proud to say, they rock the family text. I know if I post something, one or more of them will answer me back with a like or a comment. They understand LaVictoire humor, and each lady can give as good as she gets! Family texts wouldn’t be half as fun without the participation of these great gals! They have taken family culture and made it better! 

Support.  

We had two big events this year: a new baby was born, and a son suffered a severe ankle fracture. It was wonderful to see the kids support each other through these events. We all gush over the cute new baby pics, and sincere concern was expressed for my son’s wellbeing and recovery. Being able to express these things to each other has pulled us together tighter as a family.  

The family that laughs together ... 

Of course, some of those comments were irreverent and hilarious. The gift of emojis and GIFs certainly spiced up a lot of those conversations. But just simple comments have been funny too.   

Son #4 on the occasion of his 25th birthday: I now have a fully formed cerebral cortex.   

Son #2: Honestly, they’re overrated.   

That’s not a conversation I would have been privy to without the family text chat. But it was great to see them cut up with each other.  

Click to tweet:
Got siblings or adult children? If you haven’t started a family text with them, here are 5 reasons to start one. #CatholicMom

I’m sure newer technologies will come along in the years ahead. Anything that can help our family stay connected will be a blessing, and I look forward to using them! 

Copyright 2023 Elena LaVictoire
Images: Canva