My caterpillar is becoming a butterfly...

My sweet little girl is turning 15. All she wanted was a cell phone...and since we were going to give her one of ours when she was out we (nice daddy) decided it was time. We have pretty strict rules and so far with the other two big kids, it hasn't been too bad. Here are the rules we decided on.

Cell Phone Rules (found them here and gave them a little tweak to meet my needs)

1. Phone Number: Do not give your phone number to anyone without Mom or Dad's permission first.

2. Caller ID: Do not answer any calls or reply to any texts unless you know who it is (Caller ID). Always answer when Mom or Dad call.

3. Extras: No downloads ("Get It Now") or using the Internet ("Web") without permission ahead of time -- this costs extra.

4. At Night: Phone MUST be turned off by 10pm each evening and left in mom and dad’s room for charging. It stays off till the next morning after you're ready for school and/or chores are done.

5. Pictures: Sending pictures to anyone requires permission by Mom or Dad first, for now. If you receive any pictures from friends that make you uncomfortable, tell Mom or Dad about it.

6. At School: Phone must be on "silent mode" during school hours and left in your backpack. The phone cannot be used at school during school hours unless you have your teacher's approval first.

7. Off Limits: No cell phone till your homework and jobs are done after and during family times (dinner, family night, etc).

8. Contact List: You can only call or text those who are on your contact list. Any additions to your contact list must be approved by Mom or Dad.

9. Inspection: Mom & Dad can request to inspect your phone at any time.

10. Time Out: Remember this is our phone...If any of the above rules are broken, or you have a bad attitude, Mom or Dad may put the phone on "time-out" for as long as we feel it is necessary.

I am sure there will be more to add in the future. BTW...they know they pay for their portion of the phone bill.

LOOK FOR MORE INFO HERE!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

TEXTING RUDNESS!!!

I don't know how much longer I can stand it before I make a scene...yes, I am known on occasion to embarrass my family.

We were at a party the other day and as I sat there a group of about 9 tweens sat in a circle not talking, not playing games, but all doing different things with their cell phones. Most texting and others playing games. The only interaction that went between them was who had what features.

My thirteen and twelve year old just sat there blending in...they know not even to ask if they can have one...I just got my own cell phone and learned to text.

So when I turned on the computer this morning and saw this...I had to share.

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+