Anyone use TextNow or Google Hangouts to communicate w/child? Seeking advice

[provenance61]

I'm interested in hearing from others who have used Google Hangouts and/or TextNow with their children.  We have Wifi at home and this would be a way for them to use a device to text me (so I could receive texts on my phone when I am out, and communicate with them).  We have a Kindle Fire and also an older iPhone 4S that we use as a ipod now.  I spoke to someone last night who recommended either or both of these applications.  Of course, there's the security thing too though.

 

Thoughts?

 

 

Edited February 5, 2016 by provenance61

[SebastianCat]

I signed up with TextNow when I was considering the same thing for my DS, but got a bunch of spam. He ended up with a hand me down iPhone and just ended up using iMessage. Wifi only has been enough for him to this point.

 

Haven't used Google hangouts.

[MeaganS]

I don't do it with a child but I do with Dh. We just use the Google hangouts app on our phones and they are connected to our Gmail. We regularly text/message each other from the computer or phones. It works great. I think I've done it on the iPad too, but I can't remember for sure. And my chromebook.

[Targhee]

My DD uses Text Free on her old iPhone (iPod essentially). This works well. The hard part is fmaking sure she has it on hand. She is not the type to get wrapped up in texting

 

I haven't done this with DS 10 because he'd be giving out his text number to everyone (impulse control issues). So he will likely be at least 12 before getting that privilege.

[Lanny]

No experience with either, but I  like Google services and would probably consider them more reliable.  My wife likes WhatsApp, but she told me that once there was a delay of one day, to receive a message from my Stepson.  If quick delivery is important, take that into consideration, when you choose a service.  However, I like to send SMS messages and  I believe at times those can be delayed too, especially if going to a different carrier.         

[Ravin]

My DD and I video chat on Google Hangouts. It can be used for text messages too. All you need on each end is Internet and a gmail account (I made one for DD when she was 8; she uses it but I have full access). She also uses it to video chat with some friends; for others she uses Skype. No spam on either this far.

[Lanny]

I suggest you do a Google search for "TextNow vs Hangouts comparison" (without the quote marks).  I just did that to compare Google Hangouts to WhatsApp.  Since my wife loves WhatsApp I will go with WhatsApp. (I got my first Android phone last Tuesday).   Facebook paid $19 B for WhatsApp. Google only offered $10 B for WhatsApp.  Now, I am going to do a Google Search to compare TextNow and WhatsApp.