35 replies to this topic

[Chief Dick]

True conversation with my 6 year old a couple of weeks ago:

Him: Daddy, when can I get a cellphone?

Me: Do you know how to use a regular phone?

Him: (gets big silly grin on his face) No.

We both just started cracking up.

[Yukon Cornelius]

no phone

[untateve]

my sons each got basic boring phones when they started middle school because they leave for school sometimes after my wife and I leave for work and they typically get home before we do.  In middle school, there is no extended day program.  They are dropped off by the house by bus but I still wanted them to be able to communicate with me.  Both asked for a smart phone--both were told if they paid full freight, they could have one.  Both don't have one.

I have been told by my sons, particulary my younger one, that I'm harsh and unfair.  I told him it was his fault and he should have never picked me as a father.  He said that he didn't pick me.  I told him that I was here in the house first, along with his mother, and he showed up so 'who picked who?'.

And my kids (age 12 and 15) don't get an allowance.  They are responsible for mowing the lawn, cleaning the pool, doing the dishes, sweeping/mopping the floors, and doing their own laundry.  I've told them that they are part of a family and family members contribute.  When they nagged me, I told them they could have allowance but they would need to pony up for rent, electricity, food, gas, vacation airline tickets, etc.  The conversation ended.  When they want money, I come up with a special job and put them to work.

[Chief Dick]

untateve, on 24 April 2012 - 08:23 PM, said:

my sons each got basic boring phones when they started middle school because they leave for school sometimes after my wife and I leave for work and they typically get home before we do.  In middle school, there is no extended day program.  They are dropped off by the house by bus but I still wanted them to be able to communicate with me.  Both asked for a smart phone--both were told if they paid full freight, they could have one.  Both don't have one.

I have been told by my sons, particulary my younger one, that I'm harsh and unfair.  I told him it was his fault and he should have never picked me as a father.  He said that he didn't pick me.  I told him that I was here in the house first, along with his mother, and he showed up so 'who picked who?'.

And my kids (age 12 and 15) don't get an allowance.  They are responsible for mowing the lawn, cleaning the pool, doing the dishes, sweeping/mopping the floors, and doing their own laundry.  I've told them that they are part of a family and family members contribute.  When they nagged me, I told them they could have allowance but they would need to pony up for rent, electricity, food, gas, vacation airline tickets, etc.  The conversation ended.  When they want money, I come up with a special job and put them to work.

AND you are DMD's favorite. AND you have an egg.

You are amazing.

[dfv87]

_{14 yr old daughter is asking the same thing (for an iphone)... I do cover her basic phone texting now but I won't go smart phone for her unless she pays for it. Stay strong! If we cannot "cripple" our children emotionally and socially we are not being good parents!}

[Sunday Couch Potatoe]

buddahj, on 23 April 2012 - 04:49 PM, said:

Both my girls (15 & 11) have iphones. They got them for their birthdays. They don't pay anything towards their plans, since they're add-ons to the main plan for $20 each/month (unlimited texts & data). But if they break it, they have to pay for the new one.

This... except boys are 16 and 13

[Sunday Couch Potatoe]

Chief Dick, on 24 April 2012 - 12:58 PM, said:

True conversation with my 6 year old a couple of weeks ago:

Him: Daddy, when can I get a cellphone?

Me: Do you know how to use a regular phone?

Him: (gets big silly grin on his face) No.

We both just started cracking up.

[Puddy]

dfv87, on 26 April 2012 - 05:07 PM, said:

_{14 yr old daughter is asking the same thing (for an iphone)... I do cover her basic phone texting now but I won't go smart phone for her unless she pays for it. Stay strong! If we cannot "cripple" our children emotionally and socially we are not being good parents!}

Uh...what?

[untateve]

Chief Dick, on 24 April 2012 - 09:26 PM, said:

AND you are DMD's favorite. AND you have an Egg.

You are amazing.

This is your most accurate post ever.

[TimC]

I remember back in 1973 when I was 7 and I asked my Dad for a phone.  Without saying a word, he looked me in the eyes with his caring and gentle eyes, even through the bloodshot of drinking whiskey all day, I could tell he wanted to make me happy this one time.   He told me to close my eyes, sit down and I'll get a surprise.  He took the cord wrapped it around me like he was hugging me.  It was special for me...and for him too, I'm sure.  He then stumbled back and grabbed a box that I'm sure contained my shiny new phone.  Unfortunately, he fell and hit his head and was passed out for over 4 days.  I sat there staring at him for 4 days unable to move a muscle tied to that chair by the phone cord.  Sure, I was thirsty and hungry, but the thought of that new phone kept me going.  He finally woke up, took one look at me, grabbed the scissors and cut me loose.  I didn't see him the rest of the day.  Later that night, there were 2 cans with a string strung between them that he had made.  I still use that phone to this day.  I've since attached an old keyboard to it to be able to text.    Once in a while I'll grab the kitchen telephone and spin, spin like a tornado, to wrap the cord around me to remind me of that so very special day, and just sit and smile at the memories.

[nuke'em ttg]

TimC, on 29 April 2012 - 11:44 AM, said:

I remember back in 1973 when I was 7 and I asked my Dad for a phone.  Without saying a word, he looked me in the eyes with his caring and gentle eyes, even through the bloodshot of drinking whiskey all day, I could tell he wanted to make me happy this one time.   He told me to close my eyes, sit down and I'll get a surprise.  He took the cord wrapped it around me like he was hugging me.  It was special for me...and for him too, I'm sure.  He then stumbled back and grabbed a box that I'm sure contained my shiny new phone.  Unfortunately, he fell and hit his head and was passed out for over 4 days.  I sat there staring at him for 4 days unable to move a muscle tied to that chair by the phone cord.  Sure, I was thirsty and hungry, but the thought of that new phone kept me going.  He finally woke up, took one look at me, grabbed the scissors and cut me loose.  I didn't see him the rest of the day.  Later that night, there were 2 cans with a string strung between them that he had made.  I still use that phone to this day.  I've since attached an old keyboard to it to be able to text. Once in a while I'll grab the kitchen telephone and spin, spin like a tornado, to wrap the cord around me to remind me of that so very special day, and just sit and smile at the memories.