10 Yr Old and Cell Phone?

MIL's that cause drama? lol Sounds like you have a great working system, so I would not worry about her opinion. Tell her that you are happy with the arrangement that you have and you will address each issue as it comes.

MIL's in my experience (I have 4) tend to be old fashioned and full of advice. That seems to be their job, so let her know her opinion is appreciated, but you are happy with your decision.

Good Luck

IMO if your child is old enough to be dropped off at a function without a parent (sports, scouts ect.) then they need a cell phone. My 8 year old has a phone she can take to gymnastics if one of us isn't staying to watch, and my 10 year old takes it to scouts and youth group, and if we go to the mall, or I let them ride their bikes ahead of me to the library or we are anywhere we may get separated I try to make sure one of them has it in a pocket. It's not a neat texting phone, just a cheap, oh well I lost the phone, type phone and they have actually only used it 3/4 times in the 6 months we have had it. Now my 12 year old has his own phone and will text his cousins and other family memebers.

Look, we have to face the fact that our children are growing up in a world that is so intimately connected with technology I think you have 2 choices: Either continue to deny the reality of cell phones, internet, fb, etc. or learn and grow WITH your child. My 4 year old daughter is incredibly adept at both computers and with using my iPhone and my 2 year old son is well on his way. We don't even have a land-line at our house. My kids instant grasp of technology is scary but I think (at least I sincerely hope) that by showing them that not only am I too comfortable with it, but I'm also just as good as them at using it, then they will use it responsibly. I plan on getting my kids cell phones because that is how I communicate with ALL of my family. Husband, mother, in-laws.....everyone. And one other plus, for those of you who may not know, there are all kinds of cell phones that allow YOU as the account holder to control the time allowed on, the phone numbers, GPS tracking, etc. Retailers get parents concerns and have done a pretty good job creating products to help parents monitor and control usage. If your daughter is responsible with her phone, reward that with trust. And don't listen to anyone else. She is YOUR child and you will know if it's right or wrong.

I wouldn't listen to my MIL. Its your child and your decision. I don't know the rules for girl scouts but I don't think she would be left behind by herself if a meeting gets over early. We used to just play games or hang out and talk. its not like its her phone.

Well, it's not your MIL's call whether the kid has a phone or not, is it? (Pun intended, tehehe)

Maybe just casually change the subject when she starts in on it?

And for the record, my daughter got her phone in 4th grade. She's in 8th now, and like your daughter is very responsible, uses it appropriately, has outstanding grades and is generally an all around great kid. No drama here either!

:)

IMO she shouldn't have a cell phone. I have a hundred reasons why, and most of them to do with child development, pushing our children to grow up too fast, and buying into the idea that we have to have more, more, more.

As for Girl Scouts, I'm a GS leader, and it is the leader's job to stay with each and every girl until the responsible party has picked her up. So if the meeting ends early, the LEADER should be calling the parents, or just hanging out with the girls.

That being said........your daughter having a cell phone is your choice, and your MIL, (though I'm sure her heart is in the right place and she is truly only concerned for her granddaughter's welfare) should be minding her own business now that she's had her say. She should not keep harping on it.

I would just say, "Mom, I understand your concern about this situation, but this is what I have decided works best for us, and I need you to respect that. You did such a great job raising my husband, and I'm sure you remember having to make hard decisions like this. I appreciate your support as I make difficult decisions as a mom, too."

Good luck!
J.

I'm sorry I think she is too young. They are still finding that cell phones can contribute to certain health issues. I am not willing to put my children at risk. They are doing a lot of growing and lot of things affect that.

It's none of your MIL's business. Don't discuss it with her and you may want to let her know that there are certain topics you won't discuss.

I was always up front with my MIL (she passed away 2 & 1/2 years ago). Before we had a microwave above our stove, she told me the hood to our vent fan was dirty (it was pretty high & she couldn't see it, she had to stretch to get her finger up there to check for dust). I got out some cleaner & paper towels & told her if she didn't like it, to clean it herself. She never criticized (sp?) my house again. We got along great, honestly! Maybe if you tell her in a round about way (if you're not comfortable doing it straight out) to mind her own buisness, she'll drop it.

I do have to say I agree with the other mom's who wouldn't let their kiddos have a phone, my 10 y/o doesn't & goes to girl scouts, camp outs, to friends homes, etc. w/o me & we always manage just fine. How in the world did we survive w/o them when we were 10? To each her own right? If we were all the same, the world would be a boring place! Good luck with your MIL!