A reader writes:
Lenore,
I am a free range parent. My kids are (almost) 15 and 12. I don’t own a cell phone. I was leaving them home alone to attend our high school’s pto meeting while my husband was out of town. As I was heading out the door I told them I’d be at the school. My daughter, the 12 year old, asked what the phone number was. In my best serious voice I said, “9-1-1.” They both laughed and I went (guilt-free) out the door.
Robin in New Jersey
See readers? Sometimes, you can make a parenting decision that’s fun, easy, sane and even legal!
5 Comments
Refreshing. So refreshing.
ROFL! That’s so funny.
Great job, Robin.
I think cellphones are a wonderful way to keep in touch for busy parents. I enjoyed texting my daughter today while I was fishing. It’s a great tool for free range parents! There’s nothing wrong with not having one, but there’s nothing particularly right either.
cell phone or no cell phone, whatever works.
I have a cell phone, emergencies only, hardly been used and on a cheap deal. Unless you’re a businessman/woman, that’s all it’s good for, IMO.
Sooo funny! This is not exactly a freerange anecdote, but it does remind me of a set of parents and their instructions to us when my son had another kid over for that child’s first sleepover at our house.
Mom: “If he doesn’t behave, or if there’s an issue, call us, we can get him, or talk to him, or…”
Dad: “Call us if you need us. Well, call us if there’s an emergency. Well, actually, if there’s an emergency, call 911.”