And It Goes A Little Somethin' Like This...

For my son's 12th birthday, we bestowed upon him the gift-of-all-gifts in the tweenage world. The cell phone. We all know my feelings on kids and phones- it's ridiculous. Even at age 12, it is completely pointless. But I also realize we are not living in 1985 anymore, when SOME people I know were 12... and that the times are indeed a'changin. So I conceded. And generally, my firstborn has been relatively responsible with his new gadget.

My kids are visiting their father for the summer. I will admit, the phone has come in handy for keeping in touch. However, please join with me for a moment in reviewing yesterday's text message conversation:

ME: Where's your sister?
HIM: Right here.
ME: Let me text her for a few.
HIM: No. She's being a total brat.
ME: Um, who pays ur phone bill?
HIM: I'm serious. She is blatant disobedient. (I know, incorrect useage of an adjective here)
ME: When u pay the billl, u can make the rules.
HIM: She is bossy and rude and bratty!
ME: Not my problem. Put her on.
HIM: WHY?
ME: Bummer that I'll have to disconnect your phone.

And he never put her on. With just a few simple clicks of the mouse, the phone service was suspended. And at no additional cost to us! How handy is that?!?

The key lessons to learn here:

1. You don't get to tell Mom "no" and expect that to turn out well.

2. When you are financially responsible for yourself, you have much more freedom.

3. Stay in school, get a good job, and support yourself so that you can one day cut those apron strings and tell Mom "no" ALL YOU WANT.

The end.