Tali 1 made it into the new school (I am still celebrating) and now comes a major life change. He is going to have to start taking THE REGULAR CITY BUS to school. Matter of fact, he needs to take two buses. One bus, then transfer to the 2nd bus.
Back in Brooklyn, I took two buses to school ever since the 3rd grade. In high school, I took the subway by myself. So ask me why the thought of my 5th grade son riding the bus alone is filling me with terror?
Today (after work) my plan is to ride the route with him so he can learn it. With this bus riding comes so many other thoughts…for example, does he need a phone?
This is a point of contention in our house. Mr. 1969 is anti phone and I am pro phone. I think a phone is necessary so if anything happens with his public transportation, he can call us. Mr. 1969 keeps asking me “Did you have a phone when you rode the bus in New York?” *sigh*
I say my baby needs at least a little cricket phone. When I rode the bus, we had payphones everywhere and I always had my dime (shut up, I’m old and it was a dime before it became a quarter!). There are no payphones anymore. What if something happens?
Has anyone dealt with this issue with their child? Weigh in. Pro phone or Anti Phone for a ten year old.
with these kids going crazy on these smartphones/social networks, I think Mr. 1969 has a good point. A basic, prepaid brick/no internet flip phone is a nice compromise. Put $20 on that sucka and let it stay unused until he has an emergency.
Thanks for your thoughts. I agree. A cricket phone with a little cash on it is worth it for my peace of mind.
I also don’t want him to have anything fancy cause the less attention he attracts on the bus the better.
My heart started beating fast for you reading this. I don’t know if this helps but I’ve thought of getting Cole one for when he’s with his father for the how capability of how in the event something happens & I need to locate him.
How =gps
It’s not an iphone or BB for fun. It’s a little phone for emergencies. What’s the harm? I can’t see a downside especially if you get a phone that only calls your cell, your hubby’s cell, home and 911. I think the piece of mind is worth it, especially if it has a GPS tracker. LOL.
I’d get him the phone. I see Mr. 1969′s point, but there aren’t pay phones anymore, and people are da*n fools these days. I’d get him a little cricket phone. I don’t think *I’d* survive if I didn’t.
Thanks guys. The phone would be more for ME! LOL I will feel better if I can call him. I don’t even know where to purchase this type of phone. *sigh*
I’m pro-phone. There would be know way I could turn my child out into the city without one. I don’t even want mine riding the official school bus without a phone. Have you seen what happens on school buses?! If Mikaela’s bus is 5 mins. late, I’m calling her to see why! I think it would give you a sense of security knowing you have some way to get in touch with him while he’s in route. Mr. 1969 needs to remember that this is 2012, not the late 70s/early 80s.
IF you can get a phone that only let’s him call you, your husband, or 911, I’d go for it. If he can text, browse the internet, and call his friends you really run the risk of the phone being more of a distraction than an emergency tool.
Team 1969 !
Like others have said, I understand you husbands concerns as phones can be a distraction in school if they have too many options, games, internet, etc. All he needs to do is call, text & be tracked via gps. He is in a big city & there are bigger risks involved these days. For a 10 yr old,he is pretty mature to be able to navigate the buses anyway so I definitely think he is mature enough for a cell phone.
I am pro phone! I also rode the bus and had no phone but we have to agree that times are sooooo different now and the world is much crazier. Without thinking the worst, what if he just misses his bus? You would freak out when he didn\’t arrive home at the time you expect him to and having the phone would alleviate all the freaking out. A very basic phone would be very helpful. I see both points here but I am a mother so….we are >< .
I would get the phone too! I’m scared for him, because neither I nor my kids ever had to ride the city bus because we have school buses. I know that it’s par for the course in a lot of northern cities, it just terrifies me. He’s a smart young man and I doubt he would use it for anything other than what you tell him to use it for.
I feel you Sixty.. When Bruce Leroy began to ride the school bus by himself he had a basic phone and it was only able to dial the numbers programmed plus 911.. so while WE didn’t have a phone back in the day and there were payphones.. it was a different type of street smarts for us than we had for our kids. We have raised our kids in the suburbs and provided a different life for them.. a basic phone.. I get what Mr. 1969 is saying.. but as a mom we worry differently.. LOL
the fact that it is the city bus and not a school bus yeah he would have the phone LOL
Well my 10, now 11 year old has a phone. Not that she was riding the bus to school but she’s involved in so many activities with dance and track and traveling with those activities that I just needed a way to “be sure”. It’s not traditional parenting but these aren’t traditional times.
He defintely needs a phone. Times has changed!
Hey Sixty! I’m coming out of lurkdom to say GIVE THAT BABY A PHONE!!! I echo what the other ladies have said. Sadly, times have changed and we just don’t live in a society where we can send our children out into the world without some method of getting in touch with them. You guys are doing an awesome job of raising your sons with a sense of respect and responsibility, so I’m sure the privilege won’t be abused. Now go back in there and tell Mr. Sixty that Tali 1 needs that phone so Mama can stay happy. Cuz e’rybody knows a happy wife = happy life.
Oh yeah … and congratulations on all the blessings and achievements you and your family are enjoying!
i agree! i bought my son his first phone when he began first grade; taught him how to use it. he is 11 now.
It seems young, but its a different world. If something happened, would it be better for him to ask a stranger? No. Give him a simple phone that only calls certain numbers. I am even against it having the ability to text (personally) because that is a distraction.
The best advice I received when this happened to me was to get my children the phone over the summer and let the novelty wear off (alot of their friends were gone for the summer also-it helped). Then by the time school comes, with strict instructions, the phone is no big deal. In this day and time, you really need to stay in touch, for EVERYBODY’S peace of mind. Believe it or not, texting WITH STRICT instructions on usage comes in handy too! Don’t forget to tell them to automatically turn the phone when they aren’t traveling to and from school. Your children sound wonderfully responsible-you should be ok. Peace and Blessings.
yes get your baby a phone! I am deaf and my son is hearing and him having a phone (texting me) is a lifesaver!!! i bought him a basic flip phone on my plan, no fancy schmancy stuff, no internet, just calling and texting only. that phone cost me $10, lol! (formerly phillygyrl).
Your new blog layout is niceeee!!!!
Check out this site…
http://www.fireflymobile.com/glowphone/