ABCnews.com
I'm totally with this mom of 5 who attached an 18-point contract to her son's new iPhone, as reported in the New York Daily News, and as seen on ABC's Good Morning America. While I've never put it in writing, I have the same rules with my kids when they get cell phones. Rules and responsibilities should be part of the privilege of having access to a phone. I'm fully aware that cell phones are not a necessity, but I admit to caving to their convenience. In the process, I hope I'm use them as a teaching opportunity. We've had plenty of slip ups in our cell phone journey--there's no question in my mind that 13-year-old's are not mature enough to make a lot of the decisions they face with cell phones. That's one reason parents should monitor and regulate their use: it's our job to help them make those wise choices.
The simple acknowledgement that it is too easy to become addicted to technology and miss life as it is happening is my favorite part of this mom's contract with her son:
“Keep your eyes up. See the world happening around you. Stare out a window. Listen to the birds. Take a walk. Talk to a stranger. Wonder without Googling.”
Way to go, Mom. Stand strong. And be the parent.
