I know how to keep an 11-year girl quiet on a road trip. All you need is a 5.5-inch piece of glass. Let me translate that for you: I made the leap and got my daughter her first cell phone, and I decided the best time to give it to her was just as we left for a family getaway. Not only did this keep her entertained, but also, the classic game of, “Are we there yet?” was quickly squashed thanks to Google Maps.

Some people have questioned me on why I would get a phone for an 11 year old, but I look at this differently compared to when we got our first phones. It was a phone then, and now, it’s just an app–another function of this device that does so much more. And, a lot of what it does is for me and my wife, not just her. Also, who are we kidding? Our children are online and using our phones, and let’s face it, this technology/Internet thing is sticking around.

Now, I will say I think there is a gap for a lot of children, and it is our fault as parents that we skipped a few steps. I am guilty myself, but I quickly fixed this. You see, my first call to my daughter was when she was in her room one morning. When she answered, I was greeted with, ”What.” Let’s just say, I hung up the phone, went and got both her and the phone, and we had a “little talk.” The phone became mine. 

Did we forget phone etiquette? Parents, let’s make sure that when these phones are dealt out that they come with responsibility and tracking. I can see: What YouTube videos are being watched, what she is searching, what apps are installed, what websites she has been to, and I can turn the Internet off on demand or set a schedule. 

If you need some help with this, text me and I will send you a link to the app that can do all of this. Remember, these devices are a window to the world, and our little ones are not ready to see all there is to see just yet. And please, don’t let your children become a “What” child because I can’t even stand a “What” adult. Text me at (225) 283-4888 for a link to the app. ■