Parenting by Text

In this book, you'll explore how to use the one thing that most teens pay attention to - their cell phones - to deliver advice and direction. Even in times of conflict.

Specifically, you'll learn about dynamics that are present in every conversation via something called, "The Communication Cycle". You'll also discover specific needs that are important to us all. Needs that help to shape our identity. Based on these teachings, you'll be able to craft a text that can vastly increase the chances of your teen actually listening to you.

Parenting is hard enough - especially when there is conflict. Why not use all the tools available?

Teens can go through many phases and some of them are more difficult than others. When discussing an issue with my teens, it soon became apparent that face-to-face conversations weren't always the best. Their eye rolling, heavy sighing and sarcastic tone took their toll after a while. I found myself being distracted by the behaviour in front of me. So much so, that I no longer focused on the issue I wanted to talk about in the first place.

After many of these unsatisfying conversations, I decided to try something different. Drawing on the reliable communication methods I had learned through two decades of being in the conflict resolution field, I used texting as my format instead of having a direct conversation. Surprisingly, I soon began to see a change in my teen's behaviour. I felt I was on to something.

This book outlines how to tailor those "tried and true" conflict resolution communication methods via text so that you can communicate with your teens in a unique and effective way.

Mike has lived most of his life in Winnipeg, Canada. He has been in the conflict resolution field since 1999 and is a Chartered Mediator.

When Mike isn't helping to resolve conflict, he spends his time playing Candy Crush and enjoying life with his wife and two kids (now young adults). Other interests include travelling to exotic and not-so-exotic locales and public speaking. In 2017, Mike delivered a TEDx Talk that debunked the saying, "You spend more time at work than you do at home."

Parenting by Text is Mike's first book, though not his last. He has plans to publish a second book of interactive short stories that will spark the imagination of pre-teens, teens and parents alike.