set grow big kids [6–9 years]

He is doing well in school. Plays hockey and baseball. Oh, and there is Spanish club, too. Maybe he does need a cell phone, for safety's sake. So he could call if he needs me...right?

don’t call me, i’ll call you

It seems like everyone has a cell phone stuck to the side of their head. And when I say everyone, I mean pretty much anyone who can recognize the difference between a six and nine on the key pad. Cell phone users are becoming younger and younger, but is it the right time for your big kid? Consider these tips when deciding yea or nay on the kiddo cell phone:

• not just talking Remember that many cell phones do a lot more than talk these days. There is lots of info that can be consumed from texts and email and internet downloads. Our big kids are technology savvy. If you have concerns that that savviness is greater than their ability to understand and follow the rules you establish, delay that cell phone.

• wait a minute If you decide a cell phone is reasonable for your big kid, great! It doesn’t mean he has to have the biggest, best, hottest model on the shelves. There is nothing wrong with a barebones model that he can speak into and hear those speaking back. And don’t fall into the “but everyone else has blah” trap.