What did we do without mobile phones?

What did we do without Mobile Phones?

My first mobile phone resembled a Fisher Price toy. It was not too cumbersome, but still, chunky and somewhat bulky. I boycotted the idea for some time but it was inevitable! If I recall correctly, my first must have been around 1992 when my youngest came into the world. It might have been before?  More often than not, it was left “off,” either sitting in my handbag or the console of my car. Having little ones, a toddler and a baby I had no idea just how valuable a mobile (cell) phone would become in my life. 

How did my parents raise children without a cell phone in the late 60s early 70s?  It is a question we ask in jest (only). Times were so very different. Even growing up in NY, the generation of parents raising children had a lot less concern then. Parents sent their young children for a short walk “around the corner” to the local grocery where you had an “account” to pick up a last minute dinner item, or maybe it was just a surprise for them, “Thanks for helping me clean up today, you can go to Benny’s and get yourself something.” No worry about your little one carrying money or doing anything questionable on their walk. Kids knew to go and come directly home, they didn’t get lost for very long. If they happened upon a friend in their front yard, if they stopped to talk to them, it was for a minute and they were on their way. Kids knew, get there, get what you went for and get home. Parents on the other hand knew how much time it should take and when their young should be home.  Less worry, it was the 70s.

Fast forward. Y2K – how do you decide when your little girl needs a cell phone? We waited a couple more years. In the early 2000’s our little girl was in Middle school and playing PAL sports. Lucky to be a SAHM (Stay At Home Mom), when she participated in after school activities I was also able to participate. I picked her up after practices at school and was there for games; no need for a cell phone as I was still the more responsible one. This left her able to focus on fun, she knew Mom would always be there when she was supposed to. Same with PAL sports, until she was in 8th grade.  Around that time we purchased our little girl her first cell phone. It seemed and felt like the perfect time. You'll know when it is the right time for your children as well. Also around this time we allowed her to go to the mall with her little girlfriends and keeping in touch while I was on one end of the mall and she on the other was great! On the other hand, our son, 4 years younger, had a cell phone in 6th grade.

In this day and age I can’t fathom my kids not having a cell phone. I can’t begin to think of the lack of communication. My little girl is now a beautiful and responsible young lady — I couldn’t imagine not receiving that text, “I’m here Mom. No traffic and a good drive,” when she goes to visit an out of town friend in another state- or even to the mall! 

There is an amazing peace-of-mind that cannot be replaced. Knowing your children (whatever age they are) are safe and sound and where they should be is irreplaceable. 

Next up:  Growing up Techy and how to use your kids’ cell phone to your best advantage through the teenage years.