We've entered a new realm

Yesterday the hubby, with the girls by his side, went to the Verizon store to see about getting a third phone for our house. Yes, a third phone. I am all about keeping my kids as much in the stone age as possible, but these days we can't keep them safe and do that so much. Both girls are starting to go to slumber parties and school trips and we need to know they're safe. One of the girls had the chance to go to a slumber party, but couldn't, and came home the following Monday with wild stories about what went on at said slumber party. Thinking we knew the family where this took place, it gave us pause to consider we may not know some of their friend's parents as much as we thought. The thought of my child being stuck in a nightmare and not able to contact us immediately to be rescued is horrifying to think about. Even though it will be primarily used by S, G will have access to it as well. I have mixed feelings about this whole situation. One of my major pet peeves is to see little teeny boppers glued to their phones, texting constantly. I get annoyed seeing young kids walking the halls at church during Sunday School time on their phones. I think kids need to be playing and coloring pictures rather than be sitting and talking on a phone all the time. This is why we have a pretty extensive list of rules forming for this little beauty. Oh, by the way, let me introduce you to the source of my angst and the bargaining chip to keep my girls on their best behavior:

Ultimately, I hope that I don't have to take it away. I hope it is used responsibly. No big deal, it won't bother me one bit to take it away. As a mom I have a bit more peace of mind knowing that if sticky situations arise, my girls can call us. One of the best things my parents always said was, "We don't have any problem being the bad guys. Put it on us....that is fine.". I feel the same way. If it makes a creepy situation better by making us look like the ogre parents, that is fine. I don't care to be a mean parent if my kids are safe. Just how it is.

So, if you see my girls texting at inappropriate times or talking when they shouldn't be, call them out on it. If you receive a call from them for help, know that you are trusted person in their lives and we feel safe having you come to their aid. Just know if you hear gnashing of teeth and strife, someone has broken one of the "Cell Phone Golden Rules" and has lost the phone for the both of them. You heard me right. Mean moms make good kids.