The Rules This Mom Gave Her Son For Using His New iPhone Will Bring You to Tears
Kids are definitely more spoiled these days than in years gone by, but what do you do about that? On the one hand, you want your
child to have access to technology, but on the other, you don’t want them to be spoiled by it. So where does that leave you?
Well, one mom found the perfect answer. She wrote up a 18 point contract for her 13 year old son, intended as the rules and regulations which should govern usage of his new iPhone.
Here it goes:
1. It is my phone. I bought it. I pay for it. I am loaning it to you. Aren’t I the greatest?
2. I will always know the password.
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 7:30pm every school night & every weekend night at 9:00pm. It will be shut off for the night and turned on again at 7:30am. 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. It does not go to school with you. Have a conversation with the people you text in person. It’s a life skill. *Half days, field trips and after school activities will require special consideration.
6. If it falls into the toilet, smashes on the ground, or vanishes into thin air, you are responsible for the replacement costs or repairs. Mow a lawn, babysit, stash some birthday money. It will happen, you should be prepared.
7. 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.
8. Do not text, email, or say anything through this device you would not say in person.
9. Do not text, email, or say anything to someone that you would not say out loud with their parents in the room. Censor yourself.
10. No porn. Search the web for information you would openly share with me. If you have a question about anything, ask a person – preferably me or your father.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. Don’t take a zillion pictures and videos. There is no need to document everything. Live your experiences. They will be stored in your memory for eternity.
14. Leave your phone home sometimes and feel safe and secure in that decision. It is not alive or an extension of you. Learn to live without it. Be bigger and more powerful than FOMO – fear of missing out.
15. Download music that is new or classic or different than the millions of your peers that listen to the same exact stuff. Your generation has access to music like never before in history. Take advantage of that gift. Expand your horizons.
16. Play a game with words or puzzles or brain teasers every now and then.
17. 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.
18. You will mess up. I will take away your phone. We will sit down and talk about it. We will start over again. You & I, we are always learning. I am on your team. We are in this together.
It is my 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. I love you. I hope you enjoy your awesome new iPhone. Merry Christmas!
xoxoxo
Mom
There’s really nothing left to say. Mom is handling her business like any good mother should. H/T to The Next Web .
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8 Responses to The Rules This Mom Gave Her Son For Using His New iPhone Will Bring You to Tears
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I am NOT in tears; I am in APPLAUSE. PARENTING IS NOT A DEMOCRACY! It wasn’t when I grew up. My mother raised three boys, I being the oldest. She ruled often with an iron hand, gradually loosening the strings as we grew older yet letting us know who was IN CHARGE. This mother is going out of her way to protect her son as my mother did hers and she is to be commended for taking this stance.
Herman Hawkins Jr.
January 1, 2013 at 11:48 pm
Simply Awesome, printing this out for my daughter!
mike Jackson
January 2, 2013 at 11:59 am
Very detail, and so needed in this day and time. We parents to take a stand on nehalf of their children. Thanks for sharing.
Vickie Thomas
January 2, 2013 at 2:33 pm
This is very good, but I noticed that she only mentioned the father a couple of times. If he is not in the home, I understand. But, if he is in the home and involved, what gives?
RobB.
January 2, 2013 at 3:01 pm
Come on RobB.! With a caring and vigiliant MOTHER like that, what’s the problem? Biz IS handled; point blank! If the dad, stepdad or whomever is there, I’m sure he has her back. This was her, “I GOT THIS BABE”! Relax.
Dwight Reeves
January 2, 2013 at 6:42 pm
Bravo!!!!! Sounds brilliant! in my parenting book. that is what’s wrong with our children Today “Not Enough Discipline”. ya’ll heard Bernie Mac on the king’s of comedy we sum punk A**** parents oh and it’s “TRUE” I agree with mom almost 100 percent. #2 i did not agree on at all that’s kinda sounding a bit Nosey mom
and # 5 half days, & field trips…. oh Let him have the phone on those days at Least mom. and Not in any after school Activities. other than those two love your way of thinking. one day your son is gonna Thank you!
lynise31
January 2, 2013 at 6:56 pm
Printing this out for my 14 year old and his pending iphone!! My hands, and applaudes this Great Mom!
Kaebnroh
January 2, 2013 at 9:33 pm
I enjoyed reading it and the only thing, if you really mind, is that she loaned him her iPhone. I def would like to start my child off with something less expensive and gradually allow him or her to gain droid, smartphone status as they age. Very wonderful and insightful instructions that the child may not understand at the time but will def appreciate when older.
Franklin Collins
January 2, 2013 at 10:47 pm