How to Text Like a "Cool" Parent

NEW YORK (CBS) Everyone knows only the cool parents text.

But before you pull out your phone and start typing, you should follow a few rules, lest you come off as trying too hard or worse, look ridiculous to your kids. (OMG!)

Predicto Mobile(www.predicto.com), a leading online and text message based survey company, offered a few tips for successfully integrating yourself into the texting community.

"Texting is an appealing way for parents to reach their kids while simultaneously boosting their "coolness" factor," says Eyal Yechazkell, CEO of Predicto Mobile. "But parents also need to be careful they don't over do it. Kids are pretty astute and can sense when their parents are trying too hard."

Here are some pointers:

Learn the lingo: There are pre-established acronyms (LOL, TTYL and BRB) but not every sentence is meant to be written using only the first letter of every word.

Don't invade their tech space: Don't text your kids until they text you, otherwise your kids will think you're a poseur.

Use but don't abuse: Don't be the next of victim of text addiction.

Make it all inclusive: Make sure you have an all-inclusive rate plan so you aren't like "OMG" when your cell phone bill arrives.

Just say no: "Sexting" is inappropriate at any age

Don't text and drive: Texting accidents are becoming increasingly common. Recent studies have shown that drivers who text are four times as likely to crash.