tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post5686588508542239296..comments2023-07-22T04:25:04.122-05:00Comments on Not Quite What I Had Planned: CUL8TR! ROFLMAO! SDOISJNFODAVFBIDHNFOE!!!Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325715096763265816noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-14195165261844900342008-07-14T18:05:00.000-05:002008-07-14T18:05:00.000-05:00I don't have a cell phone, I have a leash. It has...I don't have a cell phone, I have a leash. It has all the bells and whistles, internet, email, texts, camera, ......oh yeah, it can also be used as a phone.<BR/><BR/>My office can always find me. My mother can always interupt me. Well, you get the picture.<BR/><BR/>How I wish the Brayden could look past the peer pressure and fast forward about 10 years and see herself with her own 'leash.' But until then, Kristy, be the parent and stand firm. She doesn't need one. <BR/><BR/>TerriAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-24480924170994893862008-07-10T14:55:00.000-05:002008-07-10T14:55:00.000-05:00Hey Kristie;My 2 cents worth...way after you poste...Hey Kristie;<BR/><BR/>My 2 cents worth...way after you posted! My 13 year old (who never ever speaks to another soul outside our family) wanted - had to HAVE - the Rumour - the phone that is made specifically for texting. Guess who he texts - me. Only.<BR/><BR/>He paid for it with his own money and pays the $10 fee every month. The only thing we cover is the $5 fee for unlimited texting. Now the coolest thing this phone has is a built in MP3 player - his Dad has the same phone (2 for 1 deal) so he's thrilled it has an MP3 player as well - 'cause then he'll have a use for a cell phone!<BR/><BR/>If this child was more social, was on the phone all the time, and texting at the wrong time (church anyone?!) we probably wouldn't have let him have one. This is a "security" issue for a very anxious child.<BR/><BR/>Now how do I explain that to the other 4 children I have in my house? Well, 2 of them are too lazy to work for the money so I'm safe - until at least they're 30.<BR/><BR/>Kimkimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03325949453703869105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-16229764523676496382008-07-10T14:25:00.000-05:002008-07-10T14:25:00.000-05:00I'm with you...although my oldest is only Kendrie'...I'm with you...although my oldest is only Kendrie's age. I don't think kids who are 11 need a cell phone. I don't know what the 'age' should be and I agree with another poster that every famil is different. I don't see my kids having one until they are driving though.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-86140785774327361692008-07-09T14:35:00.000-05:002008-07-09T14:35:00.000-05:00My daughter claims she's the ONLY 12 year old with...My daughter claims she's the ONLY 12 year old without a cell phone. She actually wants me to work so she can be home alone after school and then she'd NEED the phone. When she gets one she will be responsible for paying for most or all of it. <BR/>AliAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-6601114858300546772008-07-06T22:07:00.000-05:002008-07-06T22:07:00.000-05:00I just have to laugh......two of my four have cell...I just have to laugh......two of my four have cells. I have learned to text since this is the way the communicate. We just had major issues last night with this. We have rules such as no texting at meal times and when we are talking to them. But one rule that was just made was the phone has to be off at midnight on non school nights. Since I am asleep and this is a quiet thing I did not know this was going on until recently. I am with you totally and really hate this new way of communication of our kids. It is sad that they do not really talk to each other like we did in the old days of phones!mommaofakkchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18025005026125377555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-75848890536646117432008-07-03T20:15:00.000-05:002008-07-03T20:15:00.000-05:00Oh, by the way, you and your readers will LOVE thi...Oh, by the way, you and your readers will LOVE this.....<BR/><BR/>We have some friends whose son recently got a cell phone bill for......are you ready?......<BR/><BR/>$2800.00Kelleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05468606643272226231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-40847155139992838512008-07-03T20:13:00.000-05:002008-07-03T20:13:00.000-05:00I had to add my two cents on this one as the cell ...I had to add my two cents on this one as the cell phone begging has commenced at my home also - again. <BR/><BR/>Actually, I have a 15 year old who has a cell phone. He got it for his 13th birthday but mostly, at that time, because he was playing football for his new school (where we didn't know anyone). Practices were after school and the time(s) that they ended would vary. I felt better with him having that phone and being able to call me anytime, anywhere. This was also about the time he started going to boy/girl type parties and movies alone (with other kids that is). <BR/><BR/>My 10 year old has claimed that he is the only kid he knows without one; however, when we investigated further, we found LOTS who don't have one. And, yes, we've had that, "are you sure it's not their parents'?" conversation. Actually, a lot of times we have found that they DO belong to the parents but the children don't admit to it. In addition, on two separate occasions, we have discovered children who are carrying old cell phones that don't even actually work. <BR/><BR/>All this to say that we don't really have an exact magic age that we will buy one for Boy #2. It will be at the time when we feel that, circumstances considered, it is time. I am definitely not opposed to them having them (times have changed) but we're not buying them just to fit in.<BR/><BR/>By the way, the deal with my oldest was that we bought that first phone and if (WHEN) something happened to it, the replacement was on him. He, of course, wore it into a water park and ruined it so he had to save up for the replacement and, uh, two others since then.<BR/><BR/>We do have unlimited texting and I myself have become quite adept at it actually. I have actually enjoyed him having it as he has been/is going on various Youth trips, etc. (and basically just breaking out more as he gets older) and I can always get in touch with him.Kelleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05468606643272226231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-55567308112332535882008-07-03T18:11:00.000-05:002008-07-03T18:11:00.000-05:00My kids got cell phones when they were teens and a...My kids got cell phones when they were teens and at the age that they were away from me at times. We bought them net 10 phones. Fifteen dollars a month, 150 minutes. Text messages take half a minute. They got phone cards for Christmas and birthdays but they had to buy their own cards other times. I did buy them cards if I had called them a lot on their phones. We are lucky in that cell phones do not work at home or at our kids schools so that cuts down on phone time.katyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17344546666806346254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-34423042651618074132008-07-03T15:55:00.000-05:002008-07-03T15:55:00.000-05:00As always Kristie, I'm with ya.... I think that c...As always Kristie, I'm with ya.... I think that cell phones are yet another way that we are assisting our kids in growing up entirely too fast...... Heck, I don't even remember talking on the rotary telephone at 11 years old except when my parents gave me permission.............. Call me a doofus, but I just think it's TOTALLY RIDICULOUS that kids so young have access to computers, telephone, etc with NO supervision..... just NUTSO!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-15146050890887346052008-07-03T15:21:00.000-05:002008-07-03T15:21:00.000-05:00I cannot believe that 11-year-olds have cell phone...I cannot believe that 11-year-olds have cell phones. I don't have kids yet, and I would say that there is no WAY I will let them have cell phones until they can drive, but by the time I have kids, they will probably be getting cell phones at age 5 or something, so I'll just end up putting my foot down at age 10. Wow, that's just insane to me.Carolinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06554987689002177445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-78255380368432829062008-07-03T09:38:00.000-05:002008-07-03T09:38:00.000-05:00My kids both have cell phones but they are 24 1/2 ...My kids both have cell phones but they are 24 1/2 and 22. The older one pays entirely for her own, even though her phone is still on our plan. Saves us money. Our younger one does not pay for his. However, he is still in college and has very little income and we feel he needs to save his money. In turn, when he is home for the summer, as he is now, he mows, does other things and basically helps as needed in turn for his 'keep'. When he graduates next spring (YAY!!!!!!!) he will be expected to pay his entire phone bill every month. They didnt get phones until they were about 17. WE were the haggy old parent that wouldnt let their kids have phones. Waaaaaaa! They had to purchase the actual phone, but we paid the bill each month. Any extras, like texting, downloads, etc. were paid by them. Oh yeah, and once our daughter went OVER with her texting, to the tune of about $290 in one month!!! I blew a gasket, she got UNLIMITED texting and she paid the whole thing. Sucks. I send a few now & then, but basically just replying to my kids. It works for us!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-55354813502193668052008-07-03T07:43:00.000-05:002008-07-03T07:43:00.000-05:00Well, If Braydon's school is a good school, and he...Well, If Braydon's school is a good school, and her friends at that school have phones are good, sensible, friends I think you should let her have one. She's a new girl in a new area finding her way around and making new friends. I don't think giving her a reason to stand out as different would be good at this point. It's only a phone. Maybe you could say 'yes on your next birthday' and then you've set your limit for your other children that they know they could have one when they are 12. That's what I'd do anyway. XXLeecehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00292000278206480506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-63366495367971978632008-07-03T00:23:00.000-05:002008-07-03T00:23:00.000-05:00No cell phones in our house until you have your li...No cell phones in our house until you have your license (not a learners permit, either...full fledged on your own driving). There's no need for one beyond that. <BR/><BR/>And texting...oh my. It absolutely drives me crazy.<BR/><BR/>My sons have phones (they drive), my husband has a phone (he drives), I don't have a phone (because driving might be the only time that I have quiet!), and my 11 year old daughter begs every single day for a phone. <BR/><BR/>She's not accepting the pattern here.Beverlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01908174734913638803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-44944132994979870372008-07-02T23:44:00.000-05:002008-07-02T23:44:00.000-05:00I just had that same discussion with my 11 year ol...I just had that same discussion with my 11 year old, who is the ONLY person in her entire class who does not have her own cell phone. And I gave her exactly the same reasons you gave. And, I can vouch for taking off points on assignments...I'm a Jr. High teacher, need I say more. The students were furious over the loss of points, trying to justify use of abbreviations because I knew what they meant. Regardless, this is English class and you will use proper spelling, grammar, etc on all written assignments or you will earn points off. OK, sorry...that was one of my pet peeves. Hold your ground, these kids are too young to be all wrapped up in a cell phone!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-63176530490987279972008-07-02T22:48:00.000-05:002008-07-02T22:48:00.000-05:00Totally agree with you on waiting until she is old...Totally agree with you on waiting until she is older and can help pay for it. I know a family that just got their daughter going into FIRST grade one of those cell phones that calls home, emergency, but doesn't make calls to any other number... still crazy. <BR/><BR/>The texting thing for my husband and I is the way we stay connected... When I am at work, I can't stop to talk on the phone, but if he sends me a text I can respond when I have time. (I cook at a daycare) Plus, I keep my phone on vibrate when I am in class so if there is an emergency (daughter with medical issues) he can text me and I can know what's going on without disturbing the whole class unnecessarily. But my dad has a phone for work that he NEVER turns off and talks during family meals, etc. and that drives me crazy! It all has to be done with common sense courteous behavior to make it work right.<BR/><BR/>Just my two cents...<BR/>Heather L.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-35749093985258585912008-07-02T22:30:00.000-05:002008-07-02T22:30:00.000-05:00I have four kids - 14, 12, 8,7. All (even the you...I have four kids - 14, 12, 8,7. All (even the youngest) have asked for phones, and all have gotten the answer "let me think about it - no." The texting is a huge issue with me. I have heard of eighth graders arranging "hook-ups" by text, since no one else will know. Blech.<BR/>Hold your ground, girl.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-66504814641078853262008-07-02T22:25:00.000-05:002008-07-02T22:25:00.000-05:00Hot topic! My girls got cell phones when they were...Hot topic! My girls got cell phones when they were 18 and 16 and both were driving to school and work at night...and I could keep in touch. BUT, BC, (b4 cell fones,) I did hear that "THEY WERE THE ONLY KIDS IN THE ENTIRE HIGH SCHOOL THAT DID NOT HAVE CELL PHONES!"<BR/><BR/>Now it is perfect because I can call them while they are away at college and always get them. If I need to get in touch I can text and if they are in class they are not interrupted....I love texting...and they send me thoughtful words and pictures....but sorry, middle school is too young in my book too.Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06295499795085860012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-24412571374071233402008-07-02T22:12:00.001-05:002008-07-02T22:12:00.001-05:00In my humble opinion 12 years old is not too young...In my humble opinion 12 years old is not too young to have a cell phone. While my own daughters didn't get them until they started driving (5 and 7 years ago!), my god-son who is 12 recently was added to his mom's plan. Charlie golfs. And plays baseball. And basketball. And mows lawns to help pay for his hobbies ... it makes life much easier that he can call his mom if he needs a ride (or just needs his mom) or if even she's trying to catch up with him and his busy day - she works full time and has to travel (locally) some, so it helps them stay connected. I remember when cell phones first came out thinking what a luxury they were ... never did I dream the day would come my daughters and I would each carry one! But now that they're in college I've actually gotten rid of my land line and gone cell all the way. They can call when they want or when they can (oldest is in NY doing a nursing internship this summer) or text if they want to touch base but don't have a lot to say (my 20-yr old is big on doing this, and really I'm just glad she likes to stay in touch!) Use them to your advantage and try not to regard them as such an evil thing ... I think you will (reluctantly :) learn to appreciate the benefits of your kids having them. <BR/><BR/> ******** janeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-42587729358494840802008-07-02T22:12:00.000-05:002008-07-02T22:12:00.000-05:00We decided for our family that 13 was the age you ...We decided for our family that 13 was the age you could get a cell phone. Both Cam and Haley have one now and we have unlimited texts. I'm glad they have one and also glad we waited until their 13th birthday.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-51928450110974208822008-07-02T22:06:00.000-05:002008-07-02T22:06:00.000-05:00200% agree with ya!! As a 7th grade teacher I fin...200% agree with ya!! As a 7th grade teacher I find it especially annoying when I catch students texting instead of learning!! <BR/><BR/>PARENTS- KIDS DO NOT NEED CELL PHONES AT SCHOOL- THEY HAVE ONE THEY CAN USE IN THE OFFICE!!!!!!!!!!!!<BR/><BR/>Had to get that off my chest!! <BR/><BR/>AngieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-40687408314008773502008-07-02T21:50:00.000-05:002008-07-02T21:50:00.000-05:00I have a good friend whose daughter always tells h...I have a good friend whose daughter always tells her "I am the only one of all my friends who doesn't have a cell phone." The mother's response is always: "Well that's lucky because if you ever need to make a call, you can always borrow one." My eldest is 13 and a rising 8th grader. He has asked for a phone but we've decided he has to wait until high school for all the reasons you mentioned.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-50621486794672910622008-07-02T21:19:00.000-05:002008-07-02T21:19:00.000-05:00I just read the post about the bomb threat in scho...I just read the post about the bomb threat in school and trying to reach a child. In our district we have strict instructions about no cell phones during a lockdown, including staff, in case of a bomb being set off by the signal. We did have an incident a few years ago where someone sprayed pepper spray in the hallway and we had lots of kids with burning eyes and some coughing. It was nothing that couldn't be helped by getting them into clean air, but one 7th grader took it upon herself to use her cell phone to call her dad (a firefighter)to tell him about it. In about 2 minutes, we had police, rescue, firemen and paramedics pouring into our building and it made my school nurse and I look like asses! I think the middle schoolers should be searched at the door and all phones taken away!!! Whew, had to get that off my chest, after about 7 years it still pisses me off about that kid!<BR/>Sheila in MnAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-62794821992289902702008-07-02T21:12:00.000-05:002008-07-02T21:12:00.000-05:00Our oldest got her own cell phone when she was 17 ...Our oldest got her own cell phone when she was 17 and got her first JOB (prior to that when she started driving she would borrow mine or my husband's). She had to pay $10 per month and she was never late paying me for it. Our 2nd is 12 1/2 and not begging for a phone yet. However, my old personal cell sits at home on the counter because I carry a work phone. I didn't disconnect my personal cell because I knew he would be getting it eventually. He has used it occasionally if he is going somewhere that we aren't going to be. <BR/><BR/>Texting... um yes I sometimes do and it started when the oldest got hers (she is in college now). On average she texts me or I text her back maybe 20 times per month.<BR/><BR/>Good Luck with whatever you decide.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-74542049528918670012008-07-02T20:49:00.000-05:002008-07-02T20:49:00.000-05:00Hot topic in my world as well.My oldest child is 1...Hot topic in my world as well.<BR/>My oldest child is 13 yrs old and received a phone for Christmas this year.<BR/>He was only in 8th grade and DID NOT NEED one...but next year in HS he will need one and I didn't just want to hand one to him and say, "good luck in HS..." I wanted to be able to give as a gift...so that is why he got it early.<BR/>He does have unlimited texting, which I thought was so ridiculous in Dec...now I am glad I did...the cost would have been prohibitive for all of us! That said, I think he sends and receives way too many texts and he isn't even close to the incredible numbers I have heard from other people.<BR/>I also maintain the right to read sent/rec'd texts at anytime...just to moniter what is happening the 13year old world. I currently hold the "meanest mother in the world" title. (though his friends have admitted to him that THEIR mothers do the same thing!!! IMAGINE!!! Maybe I am NOT the worst parent in the world afterall?)<BR/>Finally, I do not, nor does my husband have texting on our phones. If he needs to talk to me, he dials my number and speaks to me.<BR/>On a positive note, b/c he is a little older, I have started to leave him at baseball/soccer practise and he has been allowed to stay home alone briefly and the phone does give me some sense of security.<BR/>The little kids: 12,11, and 8 all bug me for one...no way. Not until right before HS. Like you, they are either in School or with me or a trusted friend...not necessary.<BR/>I am afraid, though, that the kids are getting them younger and younger...My kids will probably be the LAST PERSON on the PLANET to get phones...<BR/>I will be meanest mom for a LONG time to come!<BR/>Meg <BR/>MilfordAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095574.post-1302947508583970612008-07-02T20:48:00.000-05:002008-07-02T20:48:00.000-05:00We got our kids cell phones when we felt they were...We got our kids cell phones when we felt they were old enough/responsible enough to go the park, etc., without us. This is a simple way to "keep in touch". They also came in handy when the older 2 have been playing sports after school -- time change of game, back at school to be picked up, etc. Texting is part of our plan. I really don't like it but it has also come in handy for my oldest to get out of a "sticky" situation. He was able to text me to call him on phone and tell him he had to come home. His friends weren't being the brightest and he wasn't able to just walk away. So it has it pluses and minuses! Good Luck!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com