Kids and cell phones
When my children were infants and toddlers, I used to be horrified by the parents that gave their bigger kids cell phones. I used to look it as pure spoiled. My son is almost 10 years old, he walks my 6 year old daughter home from school. This was not out of my original choice, but because I work full time, and interestingly enough neighbours were not willing to help me out and bring my children home from school, which I would’ve gladly done for them if I could, they have to walk. Being a little bit concerned about their safety, I have given my son my cell phone to take along with him. He keeps it in a special place in his school bag, and it is not to be used at school, nor are his friends allowed to even know that he has it. If ever there is a safety or emergency issue, I have taught him only how to switch it on, call 911, and dial the very next emergency contact number. Each day when they are home safely I take it back from him and put it away. He does not ever use it during weekends or any other time, it is purely there for the safety of their walk home and that’s it. For those of you whose children are infants and toddlers, you are probably quite horrified at the idea, like I used to be. For me, it is just a tiny tiny bit of “peace of mind” for their safe walk home.
Thanks for the suggestion.
You’re welcome! It’s working very well for my family. I hope it works for your too.
I think it is very important for your child to have a cell phone at school.As long as they don’t abuse it. One way is to buy the pay as you go phone for use only in an emergency.
I used to think it was ridiculous for a child in elementary school to have a cell phone. Then one night my husband was away on business and my daughter had a softball game on one side of town while my son had a baseball game on the other side of town at roughly the same time. So I dropped my daughter off first and drove my son to his game. I watched for a little while then left during the game to pick up my daughter. My son’s games usually took much longer because they were all third graders so it took each one several tries to hit the ball and they’d pitch ’til they hit.
For some reason his game ended early and I wasn’t back from picking up my daughter yet. His regular coach was on vacation and the second in command had to work late, so one of the dads was in charge. He saw my son sitting on the bench as everyone was leaving and said “hey kid, do you need a ride?” My son said,”no, my mom will get me.” So the man picked up his things and his son and he left. He left my son (a third grader) alone at the ballpark at 7:30 at night. I was horrified. I bought him a cell phone shortly after.
Lisa McLellan
Babysitting Services, Nanny Services, and Nanny agencies
Thank you for sharing. I have 2 son who are 1 and 3, so I do feel like kids shouldn’t be allowed to have cell phone in school, as I didn’t have a cell phone until I was in college. However, I’m sure I would change when my sons gets older….