We recently installed a landline for our kids so they can chat with their friends anytime. Our daughter is 10, and we think it’s about time for her to start to learn to manage her own social life. I remember that I called my friends from our home line all the time—sometimes about homework, planning a meetup, or gushing over a new song. The topics were often silly, but hey, that’s how I learned to build my friendships.
I know some parents opt for smart phones, and that’s totally fine. However, there's a lot of research showing that overuse of smart phones at an early age can impact kids’ health in the long run, both physically and mentally. It’s a personal decision for sure. Technology is fantastic for making our lives easier, but too much of it can be a problem. Setting boundaries on smart phone use is like trying to herd cats. We can't be with our kids 24/7 (and honestly, do you want to?), so installing a more traditional landline seems like a better option than smart phones for us.
I constantly receive feedback asking to add a cell phone pocket to our jackets. But honestly, do they need a phone while they’re playing outside? I don’t plan on giving my kids smartphones until they're 13. If parents want to keep track of their kids, they can always pop an AirTag in their pocket or just do it the old-fashioned way and actually be with them!
Helping our kids build strong relationships is vital, though. Some people are naturally great at it, but most of us aren’t that lucky. I'm certainly not a social butterfly, and I don’t expect to raise social butterflies, but I hope my kids can make great friends who are happy together and can inspire each other to be better people.
What do you think about landlines vs. cell phones for kids? Any tips for helping kids build interpersonal skills? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Claire