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    Texting Etiquette

    Quick + clear + warm.

    Common senior texting mistakes

    • ALL CAPS — sounds like yelling.
    • Period at end — younger people read as cold/angry.
    • Multiple texts in a row — pings repeatedly.
    • Sending screenshots without context.
    • Using "..." — younger people read as ominous.
    • Forwarding chain mail — never. Don't.

    Better practices

    • One thought per text.
    • Skip the period for casual texts.
    • Heart emoji + thumbs up = friendly.
    • "Tapback" reactions instead of "OK" reply.
    • Voice message for emotional things.
    • Don't expect immediate reply — kids text on their schedule.

    When to call instead

    • Long stories.
    • Emotional topics.
    • Time-sensitive medical/safety.
    • Anything with potential miscommunication.
    • Birthday wishes — call beats text.
    • Bad news — never text.

    Slang decoder

    • "lol" = laughing (often just acknowledging).
    • "omg" = oh my goodness.
    • "tbh" = to be honest.
    • "idk" = I don't know.
    • "np" = no problem.
    • "ttyl" = talk to you later.
    • "k" alone = often dismissive. "ok" warmer.

    Be yourself

    Don't force teen-speak. Grandparents text formally — that's charming, not wrong. Just keep messages short + don't spam. Kids treasure thoughtful texts.