My oldest girl, Sophia has been patiently waiting for her turn at a cell phone. It’s the same battle I’ve faced with all of my children as they enter their teen years. They are dying for a phone to feel connected with their social world and I am wanting to keep them safe.
Let it be known that I am not a fan of giving phones, social networking site privileges or keys to the car (for that matter) any sooner than is necessary. I am not one to want to put my children out there open to anyone texting, emailing or contacting them if we don’t know them.
For Sophia, at 14, we were at a point that we needed to make a decision. She is at a school without any other siblings this year and on a completely different activity and practice schedule than the rest of the kids. After countless calls to her friends to find her, we decided to take the plunge and get her a cell phone. I was at my wits end calling six different people to eventually find her and get her a quick message. The safety and sanity reasons to get a cell phone far out-weighed the bad, but still I had hestiations…until I found our cell phone compromise.
We spent about three hours in the Verizon store setting up her phone last week. Why so long, you may wonder? I added controls on her phone. I locked in family, key friends and emergency numbers that she could call, text, and receive calls and texts from. We compromised. I also have the code to her phone so I can log in and update at any time.
Now we’re both happy. She’s got her phone and I’ve got a controlled environment for people to be in contact with her. If you’re not sure if your cell carrier has this option, just ask them. I did! The representative admitted he’d never seen anyone do this, but it didn’t bother me one bit. I had a happy girl and a happy mom walking out of the store which makes it all well worth it.
Come to a compromise with your child so you all can feel safe, happy and connected.