Better Than a Contract
Worth Your Time!
Resource Recommendations to Help You Parent and Mentor Most Effectively
This Week's Recommendation:
"Why We Don’t Use a Teen Cell Phone Contract—and What We Do Instead"
Article by Andrea Davis
Read It Here
"A smartphone is not a rite of passage for our kids. It's a portal to the world - a world we need to prepare our kids for... Teens today need much more than a signed contract to help them combat cyberbullying, sexting, sextortion, dangerous online challenges, pornography, online predators, the harms of social media, and endless gaming and video streaming.
Why It's Worth Your Time
Based on countless conversations I've had over the years, most teens have problems with their cell phone use and know it, and I also think most wish someone would lovingly and persistently engage with them about it and help them (even though they may also resist it at times). Andrea Davis helps parents do that.
I love her approach and this article because they focus on relationships, mentoring, and discussions that engage a teen rather than a one-and-done approach with a list of do's and don'ts. The goal is for teens to "own it."
How To Use It
Davis' approach is not "one-size-fits-all." I've read her discussion guide titled "Creating a Tech-Healthy Family" (which she references in the article and which I recommend), and she provides a good framework for parents to have the engaging conversations that need to be had. They can be adapted to your specific situation.
Her material can be useful at any stage of your parenting journey. It's never too early or too late to have these fruitful conversations.
Click on some of the links in the article and consider checking out some of her other resources. She understands this topic and this generation - she's a former junior high teacher and is a mom of 5 kids ages 7-17. She knows what's most likely to work with them and what isn't. Her insights match what I've seen and experienced with young people as well.
Don't worry about being perfect. Your attempts to lovingly and persistently engage will ultimately mean a lot to your teen.
Even if you're not currently parenting a child or teen, check out these resources and consider passing them on to parents you know!
Read It Here
