Introducing the 'textrum', a modern-day tantrum

By Jo Abi|

Parents being targeted

It seemed like a good idea when I bought each of my three children smart phones.

They were about to begin attending three different schools, and I felt a primal need to keep the lines of communication open between us.

If they needed me, I wanted them to be able to contact me.

Read more: The crippling cost of back-to-school technology

At first they used their phones responsibly, letting me know that they were on their way home or that the school bus was running a few minutes too late.

Now it seems they text me about anything and everything.

And when I don't answer IMMEDIATELY, all hell breaks loose.

Introducing the text-tantrum, otherwise known as the 'textrum'.

This one is from my eight-year-old daughter Caterina. She looks cute and sweet and harmless enough.

However the barrage of texts from her this particular day left me wondering if technology was all it's cracked up to be.

I can't even remember what she was upset about but I do remember it wasn't anything serious. I probably told her she couldn't shave the dog or something.

This is Giovanni, nine, with his contribution.

It's just the sort of text you want to receive while you are at working trying to concentrate.

And Philip, 13, has delivered his fair share of 'textrums' too.

Once again, I can't remember what this was about, but I do recall it wasn't anything serious.

I think he was looking for something and couldn't find it, so texted me so I could use my super powers to find the item from work.

I don't think I was able to help him.

Sometimes seeing or hearing the word 'Mum' sends shivers down my spine.

Philip, 13, Caterina, eight and Giovanni, nine. Image: Provided

Sometimes I long for the old days, when tantrums happened in person.

Philip used to throw quite loud tantrums as a toddler, usually destroying toys and electronic equipment in his wake.

Giovanni was a silent protester. His tantrums involved him lying quietly on the ground and not moving.

Caterina preferred hysterical crying. It was loud, dramatic and over the littlest things.

Maybe seeing their 'textrums' brings back memories of those times because most of them happened in front of vistors or in public areas like the local shopping centre.

Nobody told me being a parent was going to be so complicated and complex, and when you add technology to the mix, well, it's damn near impossible to stay sane.

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