Calling home may not be enough, nowadays, to maintain an adequate parent-kid relationship in the era of technology, as connecting via multiple channels such as Facebook, smartphone or email seem to better develop the bond.
According to a study, adult children's relationship satisfaction with their parents is modestly influenced by the number of communication tools, such as cell phones, email and social networking sites that they use to communicate.
A lot of parents might resist new technologies. They do not see the point in them or they seem like a lot of trouble.
"But this study shows while it might take some work and learning, it would be worth it in the end if you are trying to have a good relationship with your adult child," said Jennifer Schon, a doctoral student in communication studies from the University of Kansas in the US.
Schon had 367 adults between ages 18 and 29 fill out a survey on what methods of communications they used to connect with their parents, how often they used the technology and how satisfied they were in their relationship with mom and dad.
Among other items, communication methods included landline phones, cell phones, texting, instant messaging, Snapchat, email, video calls and social networking sites.
In most relationships, the research shows that adding an additional channel of communication has a modest increase in relationship quality and satisfaction.
On average, participants reported using about three channels to communicate with their parents.
"So, if you are only using one or two technologies to communicate, adding a third like Facebook or email might hit the sweet spot for relationship satisfaction," Schon added.
The research was published online in the journal of Emerging Adulthood.
