I remember when I was working at one of my first jobs. It was for a local telephone company in the small town I grew up in. A vivid memory was when my boss and one of the president's of the company got the first cell phone ever seen in the area. It was a huge black box. You could plug it in your car, but when you left your house or car, you had to take that big black box with you.
Today, the cell phone has become a necessity (for some). I was always bugged by having a phone with me at all times. I didn't like being out somewhere where anyone could hear my conversations. I also forget it half of the time that I go out.
All of mine and Josh's kids want cell phones. That is what all of them want for Christmas, but they know that it is not a possibility. I have the worst time with this issue. I hate seeing kids on their phones all of the time. At school, in the car, at home, at church, in the middle of the night! We have always said that we would never get one of our kids a phone. Lately, we have made deals where if they are in high school and have straight A's and in Hannah's and Jonas' case, a 4.0, then we would be willing to get them a phone.
I had an experience yesterday that has made me question this decision. Kelsie had a swim competition to go to after school and was told to call me and give me the location so I could attend (she always has a friend with a phone nearby). I of course didn't have my cell phone with me and she texted that location. Normally, she is finished by 5:30 p.m. and home by 6:00. But last night, I looked at the clock and noticed that it was 7 and she wasn't home yet. She has only had her drivers liscense for six months, so I started getting a bit worried. Josh arrived home before her and I told him my fears and he mentioned that I should have sent my phone with her, which is a first for him. He is completely against kids with cell phones. Needless to say, Kelsie arrived home safe and sound. But I wonder other people's opinion about this and your experience with your own kids. Do they lose their phones? Do they come in handy when you are trying to get a hold of them? I guess I am sitting on the middle line these days.
