With our easy smartphone guide for parents, you can learn how to introduce a smartphone to your child slowly. They don’t need to have access to everything instantly. Build it up gently, alongside conversation, compromise and clear boundaries. Here is our story.
You can read the first part of this story here…
Start Simple: Our Easy Smartphone Guide for Parents
Mum (11 years parenting)
“How rude! He hung up.” I exclaim as my phone shuts off abruptly.
“How many times has he rung now?” My husband asks trying not to laugh.
“About six.” I mutter darkly. “I think he’s got the hang of ringing somebody on his smartphone.”
Tomos is going to high school in September so today we are combining two training exercises for him. How to walk from our designated drop-off to school (about a 15min walk) and how to ring us from his smartphone responsibly.
So far he has rung several times just because he can. And he’s not got lost – yet.
He has to walk through a town centre so while he embraces his new found freedom and his new device, we are running a few errands.
And not worrying about him at all. Not even a tiny bit.
“We need to get some cash out for him to take on his transition day for high school next week.”
“Can I do it?” Luc asks excitedly. The only time he has been excited today because being the only one without a phone has caused a mood. A gloomy, my life is so unfair kind of mood.
“Sure.” I agree, regretting it almost instantly. “No, not £50. I just want £10.”
Too late. £50 slides neatly out of the hole in the wall.
My phone starts ringing again. I pick it up and realise I’ve got several missed calls from Tomos that I missed due to the cash machine debacle.
“Mum, why haven’t picked up. I’ve been ringing and ringing.”
“I was trying to get cash out with your brother’s help. Are you okay?” I ask through gritted teeth.
“I got to school ages ago. And when you didn’t answer I waited for a bit and then I decided to walk back to the car. I haven’t got lost once.”
I can hear the pride in his voice. And I’m a little bit proud too. And relieved.
He made it. He’s been sensible with his phone (maybe a tad excessive but that’s to be expected). And the phone hasn’t hindered his ability to problem-solve.
“Meet you by the car, Mum, bye!”
“Wai–” He’s already hung up.
As we turn the corner into the street we parked on, we can see him running up ahead. He pauses and glances back over his shoulder.
My phone starts buzzing again.
“Mum I can see -”
I hang up.
Smartphone Guide for Parents
Not sure where to start – Read our 5 Ways to Buid Healthy Smartphone Habits now.
Before giving your child a new device, take a moment to plan and set boundaries. Here are a few helpful guides to get you started.
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