By Jennifer Richardson

EUGENE, Ore. -- As more and more teenagers get cell phones, parents find themselves communicating through text messages.

But a new study found children respond better to your voice than the words on a phone.

Most parents we spoke with agree it's easier to console your child in a stressful situation when you are face to face.

The challenge comes in finding ways to keep that interaction going when your teen is glued to technology.

"My daughter is constantly on hers," said Melanee Chase.

Fifteen-year-old Jordan Chase is always in arms reach of her cell. So, her mom Melanee texts to stay connected.

"Whenever we have an issue and she is upset with me, she will realize she is wrong eventually and then apologize through a text," Melanee Chase said.

But a recent study conducted at the University of Wisconsin found texting really can't replace the comfort that comes from a mother's voice.

Researchers observed young girls texting in a stressful situation.

Those hearing their mom's voice tested significantly lower for the stress hormone than those texting.

"I would much rather talk to her face to face than in a text," Chase said.

"I think in-person communication particularly for adolescents is really important," said Ellie Dominquez.

Dominquez has teenage girls and says the study makes sense because mood doesn't make its way through text.

"You can see for instance if they look terrified, you may tone down what you are saying to them. If all they're doing is texting, you kind of lose the comfort you know parents being able to read their distress level," Dominquez.

"And non-verbal cues and you don't get that over text even texting my friends who are good texters you still lose a lot of meaning," said Matt Fanelli.

Researchers say it's unclear if it's the choice of words or the way you say them in person that lowers the stress hormone.

Just a little science to back up what most mothers know -- parenting in person is much more comforting than a text.

Some people did say the exception may be if you are dealing with working parents. But even then a call should trump the text.