Search This Blog

Saturday, February 16, 2013

iPhone vs the World: Our Family and Our Teenager

During our Family Appreciation Night tonight, we unveiled some new rules specifically for Big Sissy!

Sissy, 2011


She is an amazing kid, always on honor roll, participates in several sports and always excels in everything she does. To that end, we tend to be lax on her "rules" since she is so "good". But after reading the rules that this mom developed her teenager, we decided it would be best for the entire family to have a rule, or in this case, a SET of rules going forward. Soon enough, all our kids will have cell phones/smart phones, and we want everyone safe and following the same regimen. 

This is what Sissy has the weekend to review. Should she agree, her and Hubby can sign it and she can keep her phone. Should she not, she can hand over her phone until she can pay for her own: 





Please read through the following contract. I hope that you understand it is our job to raise you into a well rounded, healthy young woman that can function in the world and coexist with technology, not be ruled by it. Failure to comply with the following list will result in termination of your iPhone ownership. 


1. It is our phone. We bought it. We pay for it. We are loaning it to you. Aren't we the greatest? ;) 

2. We will always know the password. Please write it on the provided piece of paper and hand it to your dad. He will keep a copy and you should update it as needed. 

3. If it rings, answer it. It is a phone. Say hello, use your manners. Do not ever ignore a phone call if the screen reads "Mom" or "Dad". Not ever. 

4. Hand the phone to one of your parents promptly at 11pm every school night. It will be shut off for the night and turned on again at 6:30am. 

If you would not make a call to someone's land line, wherein their parents may answer first, then do not call or text. Listen to those instincts and respect other families like we would like to be respected. 

5. If it falls into the toilet, smashes on the ground, or vanishes into thin air:  YOU are now responsible for the replacement costs or repairs. Mow a lawn, babysit, stash some birthday money. It will happen, you should be prepared. 

6. Do not use this technology to lie, fool, or deceive another human being. Do not involve yourself in conversations that are hurtful to others. Be a good friend first or stay the hell out of the crossfire. 

7. Do not text, email, or say anything through this device you would not say in person. 

8.Do not text, email, or say anything to someone that you would not say out loud with their parents in the room. Censor yourself. 

9. Turn it off, silence it, put it away in public. 

Especially in a restaurant, at the movies, or while speaking with another human being. You are not a rude person; do not allow the iPhone to change that. 

10. No sexting. Do not send or receive pictures of your private parts or anyone else's private parts. Don't laugh. Someday you will be tempted to do this despite your high intelligence. It is risky and could ruin your teenage/college/adult life. It is always a bad idea. Cyberspace is vast and more powerful than you. And it is hard to make anything of this magnitude disappear -- including a bad reputation. 

11. Keep your eyes up. See the world happening around you. Stare out a window. Listen to the birds. Take a walk. Talk to a stranger. Wonder without googling. 

12. You will mess up. we will take away your phone. We will sit down and talk about it. We will start over again. You & I, we are always learning. We are on your team. We are in this together. 

It is our hope that you can agree to these terms. Most of the lessons listed here do not just apply to the iPhone, but to life. You are growing up in a fast and ever changing world. It is exciting and enticing. Keep it simple every chance you get. Trust your powerful mind and giant heart above any machine. We love you!

Love, *me and hubby

__________________________________
*Hubby

_________________________________
*Sissy

Date: February 16, 2013

This contract is valid for one year and then must be renewed. New rules/regulations may apply ;)

 

Do you have any rules/regulations for your kid(s) cell phones?? What are they??  

No comments:

Post a Comment