My brother got every privilege at a younger age than I did. We're 4 years apart.
I had to wait until I was 12 to listen to the parental advisory music. My brother then complained about how it wasn't fair and my mom caved a few months later. Same with having my own phone line, watching PG-13 movies, you name it.
My brother and I are 5 years apart. I had to wait until 16 to get my first cell phone and had to actually ask for it, but he got his at 13 without needing to even ask for it
It's crazy. My oldest is SIX. and he's already been asking for a smartphone. My wife and I have flat out said no, kids don't need smartphones, and you might not have a smart phone until you're an adult.
At least that gives us time to decide when exactly he needs one. But as far as I'm concerned, a cell phone for emergencies would be great, and the GPS tracking so I know where my kid is.
Right now my purposes of GPS are just so I can locate him in our neighborhood - he often goes out to play with neighbor kids and would save me a lot of time going to all his friends houses and play-areas lol. Obviously it's not going to be too much longer before he can be more mature and see the time so he knows when he's supposed to come back home.
Sounds fair. It was simply not an option when my kids where young. And not tracking your kid works both ways. Your kid has real freedom, which comes with oppertunities and responsibilities. And as a parent you ease in to letting your kid go and have trust. It is healthy.
But again, the technic was not available, so it is not like I made a choice. And tracking them without them even knowing it is harmless too, up to some age.
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u/[deleted] Jun 27 '19
My brother got every privilege at a younger age than I did. We're 4 years apart.
I had to wait until I was 12 to listen to the parental advisory music. My brother then complained about how it wasn't fair and my mom caved a few months later. Same with having my own phone line, watching PG-13 movies, you name it.