The word hangs above a door in our kitchen, to remind me that it is something to work towards in most aspects of our life. Simplify: get rid of the clutter, get rid of the non-essentials, think twice before adding more 'stuff' to our life. It seemed like a good mantra for this year of budgeting, organizing, etc. But, I'm finding the word really applies to much, much more.
Like when the 11 year old requests (begs, pleads, negotiates) for a cell phone. Why, WHY, do children need cell phones? The answer, at least for our family, is they don't. Heck-There are many days I wish I didn't have one, and couldn't be so easily reached. That said, there are instances when cell phones have a use and can be needed, but I lived for years without one, and survived just fine. In fact, I vividly remember my mom's first cell phone- the thing was HUGE....picture a brick. It really held little appeal at the time. Now they are cute, colorful and take pictures. Who wouldn't want one.
Now, as Delaney takes on more responsibility, and find herself in positions where she might need one (for safety reasons) we may re-evaluate. But what I'm noticing is children texting each other, calling each other for no *real* reason. Just because it's available. I see girls at my daughter's school, faces down, fingers flying across the keypad of the phone, texting other girls sitting right next to them. Whatever happened to the old-fashioned art of conversation. Simplify.
We have chosen not to give our child this capability, which drives her nuts, but I hope someday she can appreciate that we made this decision with intent. That we wanted to engage in conversations with her, rather than have her pulling away from us at the age of 11 to text friends and chat on the phone endlessly. There are many (many....) other reasons why we just said no, but this reason was very heartfelt. She'll be gone soon enough, I'd like to enjoy the years we get to have our kids at home with us. Remind me I said this when I'm on here complaining about the craziness that is our life :)
4 comments:
I don't think kids need phones until they start driving. . .so you can get a hold of them if you need to. And for emergencies. You are doing the right thing! I got my first phone in 2003 when I went from a pager to a phone plan that allowed me to do text messaging for emergencies. I still don't like to talk on the phone unless I HAVE to.
I "tapped" you for a meme. . .don't know you do them but you can find more information on my blog. I would love to know more about you! I won't be offended if you are not interested! I normally don't do them either. . .
Hi Laurie-
Thanks for thinking of me :) I actually did (most) of this one....it's somewhere buried amongst the many, many, mundane posts- LOL. I had never been tagged before so I was actually kind of excited.....
Thanks for sharing about the phone- I really do think we made the right choice, but boy oh boy do we get an earful from our daughter :)
It's a tough one! I remember being 11 and nothing being fair.
At the moment I deal with all requests by saying "when you earn your own money you can buy it yourself". Easy for me to say, my eldest is only 6...
inzaburbs-
Yes, we'll probably use that one as well. I also remember how totally unfair my parents were (when I was 11-13, specifically).
Enjoy the 6 year old- I miss mine :)
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