25 replies to this topic

[Dave Burrell]

But I blame it on the parents for not properly teaching their kids.  In my traditional Asian culture, these things would not happen.

Well said cyber! the parents are 100% responsible.

[BlueStateMom]

Agreed on that point!!

As for cell phones, did you know that my son is the ONLY 13 year-old in the ENTIRE City of Folsom ( or is it the ENTIRE country) who does not have a cell phone?!!

At this point, my husband and I don't think he has the need for a phone.  We still bring him everywhere he needs to go.  We coordinate drop-off and pick-up plans for his activities everyday, and he's had to learn to live with those plans.  He is never in a place without access to a phone, even if it is a pay phone.  As our son's activities change, and as he grows in responsibiity, we will reevaluate a cell phone.

My 13 year-old doesn't have one yet either. The issue only comes up EVERY 20 MINUTES though...Don't know how much longer we can hold out! Seems like it would actually help with all the sports logistics, so we may cave-in soon...

[cybertrano]

True to a certain %; however, as parents I believe in building a strong foundation of values at home, then it's harder for your kids's friends to influence him/her.

I also think that kids learn disrespectful habits from each other, and it's up to the parent to teach them otherwise.

[FolsomBarb]

I too got my son a cell when he was 15 and my daughter one at 12 for the same reasons...so they can call me for a ride, or in emergencies or if I take them somewhere I have them leave it on so I can call and check in occassionally - I fully believe cell phones are good for sensible reasons like that but they know to use the home phone for regular calls to friends and stuff.    I got them those virgin mobile phones that you kinda "gas up" to use so they have limits on them.

I agree with you... I got my son a TracFone which is also the kind you add minutes to. The phone was really cheap (39.99 at Target....color screen, fancy ringtones, Nokia), and for a 100-minute card, it's $29.99. He knows to watch the minutes remaining, and so far, we've only needed to refill about every other month. Much cheaper than adding a cell to our other plan, and no worries about huge unexpected cell phone bills showing up. I like that I can reach him wherever he is, and he can reach me if he needs. BTW, my son will be 15 in 2 months.

[randb]

A bit more expensive, but a pretty cool idea.

Product Information:
Works on GSM 850/1900 MHz networks
Internal antenna
Rechargeable, nonremovable lithium ion battery
Up to 6 hours talk time
Up to 205 hours standby time
Size: 3.46" x 1.75" x 0.79"
Weight: 2.12 ounces
Dual language capabilities: English and Spanish

Fun for Kids:
Firefly Fireworks™ light display flashes when making and receiving calls, during standby, and when charging
12 ring tones to choose from
5 animations to choose from
7 LCD screen backlight colors to choose from

No Sweat for Parents:
Speed dial Mom, Dad, and 911 assistance
PIN-protected Phone Book with up to 20 numbers
Optionally rejects calls from numbers not in Phone Book
Missed call indicator and list

http://www.fireflymobile.com/

[cybertrano]

I found this solution of soap-in-mouth to be THE best solution.

That is appaling!!If my daughter EVER said that to me...I would take her to the nearest restroom and stick some soap in her mouth! 

I have noticed this...they have no regard for elders...

[forumreader]

Cyber:

Since I can't believe you are washing the baby's mouth out with soap already, can we conclude that you were once on the receiving end of the bar of soap?

[cybertrano]

It was worse than that .

Cyber:

Since I can't believe you are washing the baby's mouth out with soap already, can we conclude that you were once on the receiving end of the bar of soap? 

[uberman]

Parents have to start beating/spanking (whatever words you want to use) their kids. If they're too scared or don't believe in "spankings," the government should do it for them. Like a spanking institute..

This is a direct result of not having the grapes to spank your kids.

[CostcoLover]

On the cell phone....

Take them to the store and tell them they can pick out any cell phone they want and any service they want. At that point they'll usually go for the most expensive phone and service.

Jot down all the information on a piece of paper, ask them if they're sure, and when they say, "yes", say ok, lets go home now. You'll get the phone and service when you've saved up the money and pay for it.

If s/he gets an allowance, make them pay for it out of their allowance. Make them work (aside from the usual household chores they should be doing without pay) for it.

If they do all the work and earn it, good for them. Let them continue paying for the cell phone service by working for it.

[swmr545]

In my traditional Asian culture, these things would not happen.

My mom and dad were mor liberal with our upbringing. However since my grandparents immigrated here from both China and Japan, I got it from them.

My god how the lectures, stares, frozen wooden rice scooper, mental games worked.

Not once have I ever disrespected an adult that has treated me with respect (I admit as when I got older, if an adult didn't show me proper respect I was not going to be courteous to him/her).

But as it was said earlier, the disappointment from my mom was enough to send me crying to me room for who knows how long feeling worthless for letting her down. I'm gonna have to learn that one for my own children.