Given your existing relationship built on much love, joy and respect, I seriously doubt you and "T" will have a difficult time navigating this challenging transition. I would only suggest figuring out how best to pause before responding to the myriad times your son will trigger one of your hot buttons. The longer you can delay an emotional response, the better will be the outcome. Not always easy but perhaps necessary more often than not....
My son is 13 years old and my daughter turns 12 very soon. We've had a lot of discussions about smartphones and why they don't have one yet. I'm holding off until 16 years old or when they start driving. I'm sure we will have many more conversations from now until then. I'm curious what phone you're looking into?
I would rather them have a phone that is for calling/texting without all the apps and internet. I haven't done much research yet but I hope this would also be an option. Anyways, just writing this all to say you're not alone.
Hey Julie! This is a great perspective; you've given me a lot of food for thought! I've been looking into a regular smartphone, that has apps and internet, but with very robust parental controls. I'm going to look into what you say about a phone that just allows for texting and calling, though. (And, I'm SO glad to know I'm not alone!)
Don't hold on to sweet tea days. Your relationship will evolve and mature and, with some luck, become more meaningful over time, not less
Given your existing relationship built on much love, joy and respect, I seriously doubt you and "T" will have a difficult time navigating this challenging transition. I would only suggest figuring out how best to pause before responding to the myriad times your son will trigger one of your hot buttons. The longer you can delay an emotional response, the better will be the outcome. Not always easy but perhaps necessary more often than not....
That is excellent, excellent advice, Clark. Thank you my friend 🙏
I hesitated to give it to one who has already mastered it...but adolescence can test the best of us.
Hi Terrell,
My son is 13 years old and my daughter turns 12 very soon. We've had a lot of discussions about smartphones and why they don't have one yet. I'm holding off until 16 years old or when they start driving. I'm sure we will have many more conversations from now until then. I'm curious what phone you're looking into?
I would rather them have a phone that is for calling/texting without all the apps and internet. I haven't done much research yet but I hope this would also be an option. Anyways, just writing this all to say you're not alone.
Thanks for sharing, Julie
Hey Julie! This is a great perspective; you've given me a lot of food for thought! I've been looking into a regular smartphone, that has apps and internet, but with very robust parental controls. I'm going to look into what you say about a phone that just allows for texting and calling, though. (And, I'm SO glad to know I'm not alone!)