At first, it seems like a dumb idea. Text messaging is for cell phones, right? Why would you send a text message to your children from a computer?

There are a couple good reasons, as it turns out. For one, you usually don't have to pay if you use your computer. (There's typically a charge if you text from your phone. Also, some carriers may charge to accept messages.) And second, you get a full-size keyboard. You'll save wear and tear on your thumbs.

There are a bunch of companies that help you do this. You can start with your carrier. Most major carriers give their customers an e-mail address. It's the phone number, plus the carrier's domain. Or you can use a form on the carrier's site. Just enter the recipient's number.

To use a form, you have to know your recipient's carrier. In other words, if the recipient has Alltel, use the Alltel site. Don't expect Verizon to deliver a message to an Alltel phone.

There are also several independent companies that provide this service. They're similar to the major carriers. Go to their site, or use e-mail.

Here's one caveat: The recipients of your messages pay.  If their plans allow unlimited texting, then fire away. Otherwise, they might prefer that you limit your texting.