She Caved (kinda)
By Just Add Kids Founder, Paula Herrmann
Last week, I blogged about the ungrateful and entitled generation of kids we seem to be raising in "Well Bred?". The week before that,
it was in regards to my 10 year old daughter's Christmas list, where the Apple iPhone5 topped her very short list. That article was appropriately titled "I AIN'T BUYING iT!" . You do get the whole caps/lower case "i" thing, yes? And by the way, I stuck to my guns.
Today, I ran across this nationally publicized story about a mom who DID buy her son an iPhone. Have you seen this story? Read more...
Gregory’s iPhone Contract 12/25/2012
Written by Janell Hofmann
Original post published at www.janellburleyhofmann.com
Dear Gregory
Merry Christmas! You are now the proud owner of an iPhone. Hot Damn! You are a good & responsible 13 year old boy and you deserve this gift. But with the acceptance of this present comes rules and regulations. Please read through the following contract. I hope that you understand it is my job to raise you into a well rounded, healthy young man that can function in the world and coexist with technology, not be ruled by it. Failure to comply with the following list will result in termination of your iPhone ownership.
I love you madly & look forward to sharing several million text messages with you in the days to come.
1. It is my phone. I bought it. I pay for it. I am loaning it to you. Aren’t I the greatest?
2. I will always know the password.
3. If it rings, answer it. It is a phone. Say hello, use your manners. Do not ever ignore a phone call if the screen reads “Mom” or “Dad”. Not ever.
4. Hand the phone to one of your parents promptly at 7:30pm every school night & every weekend night at 9:00pm. It will be shut off for the night and turned on again at 7:30am. If you would not make a call to someone’s land line, wherein their parents may answer first, then do not call or text. Listen to those instincts and respect other families like we would like to be respected.
5. It does not go to school with you. Have a conversation with the people you text in person. It’s a life skill. *Half days, field trips and after school activities will require special consideration.
6. If it falls into the toilet, smashes on the ground, or vanishes into thin air, you are responsible for the replacement costs or repairs. Mow a lawn, babysit, stash some birthday money. It will happen, you should be prepared.
7. Do not use this technology to lie, fool, or deceive another human being. Do not involve yourself in conversations that are hurtful to others. Be a good friend first or stay the hell out of the crossfire.
8. Do not text, email, or say anything through this device you would not say in person.
9. Do not text, email, or say anything to someone that you would not say out loud with their parents in the room. Censor yourself.
You may read the rest via this link: http://www.janellburleyhofmann.com/gregorys-iphone-contract/
While I didn't buy my 10 year old her desired iPhone. My older two daughters (16 and 17) have had mobile phones for quite a few years, which was necessitated by their bike riding circumstances. Similar, yet not as detailed as this 13 year old's mom's contract, my girls have guidelines that my husband and I still hold firm on. One of which is, turning and plugging in those phones (and the iPod Touch with wifi) to our bedroom by 10pm. This goes for their friends too, that may spend the night.
Well, what do you think? You can give me a call, text, or just post a comment here...
Written by Janell Hofmann
Original post published at www.janellburleyhofmann.com
Dear Gregory
Merry Christmas! You are now the proud owner of an iPhone. Hot Damn! You are a good & responsible 13 year old boy and you deserve this gift. But with the acceptance of this present comes rules and regulations. Please read through the following contract. I hope that you understand it is my job to raise you into a well rounded, healthy young man that can function in the world and coexist with technology, not be ruled by it. Failure to comply with the following list will result in termination of your iPhone ownership.
I love you madly & look forward to sharing several million text messages with you in the days to come.
1. It is my phone. I bought it. I pay for it. I am loaning it to you. Aren’t I the greatest?
2. I will always know the password.
3. If it rings, answer it. It is a phone. Say hello, use your manners. Do not ever ignore a phone call if the screen reads “Mom” or “Dad”. Not ever.
4. Hand the phone to one of your parents promptly at 7:30pm every school night & every weekend night at 9:00pm. It will be shut off for the night and turned on again at 7:30am. If you would not make a call to someone’s land line, wherein their parents may answer first, then do not call or text. Listen to those instincts and respect other families like we would like to be respected.
5. It does not go to school with you. Have a conversation with the people you text in person. It’s a life skill. *Half days, field trips and after school activities will require special consideration.
6. If it falls into the toilet, smashes on the ground, or vanishes into thin air, you are responsible for the replacement costs or repairs. Mow a lawn, babysit, stash some birthday money. It will happen, you should be prepared.
7. Do not use this technology to lie, fool, or deceive another human being. Do not involve yourself in conversations that are hurtful to others. Be a good friend first or stay the hell out of the crossfire.
8. Do not text, email, or say anything through this device you would not say in person.
9. Do not text, email, or say anything to someone that you would not say out loud with their parents in the room. Censor yourself.
You may read the rest via this link: http://www.janellburleyhofmann.com/gregorys-iphone-contract/
While I didn't buy my 10 year old her desired iPhone. My older two daughters (16 and 17) have had mobile phones for quite a few years, which was necessitated by their bike riding circumstances. Similar, yet not as detailed as this 13 year old's mom's contract, my girls have guidelines that my husband and I still hold firm on. One of which is, turning and plugging in those phones (and the iPod Touch with wifi) to our bedroom by 10pm. This goes for their friends too, that may spend the night.
Well, what do you think? You can give me a call, text, or just post a comment here...
Hmm......something to think about/ My 13 year old got his first phone this year, and I'll have to think about some of these rules. Thanks for the food for thought. I guess if we don't talk about these things, we won't learn from each other.
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