by Claudine Gallacher, MA

Connecting with kids through slang?

Do you feel out of touch with the rising generation? Parents often feel their kids speak a different language, and kids often complain that their parents don’t understand them.  One great way to connect with your kids is to talk to them about their slang, the new words created or reinvented by their age group.

(And although I am talking about teens here, even younger kids who may not text on cell phones yet still use and know slang terms you may want to understand.)

How many of these words (common in IM, texting, and Instagram) do you know? I sat down with my daughter and got a few surprises! (Had no idea what “thirsty” has come to mean! See below!) More importantly, it was a great way to show that I want to stay in touch with her world.