So I am back with an update on my 10 year old son and his phone. I blogged all about purchasing the phone and enhancing communication with my son here, remember? Well now it's time to let you know how it's actually going. I can honestly say that I am thrilled with my decision. In my opinion, 10 year-olds and cell phones are a great idea!
Adrian and I have always been close. That tends to happen in a single mom with a son situation like ours but recently we have become even closer! We actually hang out now that he's 10, almost 11, and there is so much to talk about. We do spend a lot of time together, especially since I shuffle him all over town for his various after-school activities so we spend lots of time like this...
I am not going to lie, he is on his phone a lot. He has been using Samsung Galaxy J3 Prime to watch videos, play games and chat with friends. Since I have his service through Walmart Family Mobile and their $49.88 Unlimited Talk and Text, and TRULY Unlimited data◊ plan (Powered by T-Mobile's nationwide 4G LTE network), I don't have to worry about overages or extra fees. As long as home work is done and attitude is in check, he can use his phone!
He recently started fifth grade and I feel so much more comfortable that I can communicate with him directly now that he takes his phone to school with him. In case of an emergency, I can contact him. That is serious piece of mind for moms everywhere!
We do have some ground rules to his cell phone use:
1. All homework and chores must be completed before using the phone.2. No phones during family time (during dinner, on the weekends, visiting grandparents, etc..)3. If he is disrespectful, the phone gets taken away immediately.4. No cell phone use during classes. 5. I can check his phone, text messages and search history whenever I want.
So far, things have gone very smoothly. I only had to take away his phone once because of a disrespectful attitude one afternoon.
So, honestly, if you are thinking about getting your 10 year old a phone, do it! 10 is a good age for them to learn the responsibility of having a phone and taking care of things. My son treasures his phone and makes sure he always knows where it is. This has helped him learn responsibility, which I think is super important for all kids to learn. The $49.88 Unlimited Plan from Walmart Family Mobile is truly unlimited! It's also easier than ever: No contract. Clear monthly service plan prices. You pick a phone. Pick a plan. Activate & Go.You can even switch and keep your phone. There are no activation fees. No late charges. More data (on most plans). This plan also includes a $7.00 VUDU** credit monthly. Adrian and I use this credit on our "family night in" when we hang out at home and watch movies!Disclaimer: All prices for phones and plans included in this post are accurate as of the date of posting; however, these prices are subject to change. Please refer to this page or your local Walmart for current pricing**Limited time offer. Available for lines active with the PLUS $49.88 plan only. VUDU enabled device and account required for digital viewing. Customers must be 18 years or older to open a VUDU account. Movie rental only available in the USA. Free movie rental provided in the form of a movie rental code to the value of a $7.00 VUDU credit. Movie rental code allows for selection from available movies for rent. May not be readily redeemable on all new releases. Code will be delivered within up to 24 hours of the effective account renewal date. Must be used within 30 daysof receiving code. Offer is non-transferable. Limit 1 per customer. Additional terms and conditions on VUDU's website:http://www.vudu.com/termsofservice.html