This post is part of my partnership with the
US Cellular Blogger Brigade Ambassador Program.
Does your teen have a cell phone?
Make sure you download the Parent-Child Agreement.
We woke up early, the sky was still dim, and the dew still dripped from the grass. Sleepy eyes blinked open with expectation. “It’s the first day of school,” I cheerfully whispered. Those blinking eyes scrunched shut. “Come on,” I encourage. “You will get to see all your friends and play on the playground.”
Eyes remain scrunched.
Let’s try a different tactic.
“Are you hungry?”
Mumbles under the covers, eyes start blinking again.
Slowly, they make their way downstairs to their waiting bowls of cereal.
I gather backpacks and shoes, hoping our morning routine wouldn’t end in tears.
Once fueled, we snuggle in the chair reading a few pages of Nexo Knights before grabbing backpacks, slipping on shoes and snapping a first-day pic.
Here we go!
The first day of school is filled with emotions, excitement, worry, joy, all the things. It’s enough to tie little people and their parents into knots tighter than a boa constrictor.
My oldest son is especially nervous when it comes to writing. He can read at a sixth-grade level {and he’s only in fourth}, but when it comes to writing he struggles.
Our solution {and his therapist’s}, let him type.
The learning experience for students is evolving as more schools are opting for electronic textbooks and adopting technology like tablets and smartphones as learning tools.
That means wireless devices — like iPads — make it easier for my son to complete his homework assignments without anxiety.
However, with a new iPad comes new responsibilities.
In a recent U.S. Cellular survey, respondents said the average age of children getting their own cell phone from a parent is 11, whereas five years ago this age was 14.
That same survey showed that safety was the primary reason. The appropriate time varies from family to family, and parents can be challenged with how best to introduce their child to their first phone.
How parents can ensure this transition goes smoothly
To make this process as easy as possible for both parents and kids, U.S. Cellular recommends that families work together on guidelines for cell phone or iPad usage to ensure that children are using their devices responsibly, courteously and safely.
That’s why U.S. Cellular created the Parent-Child Agreement. It provides customizable suggestions on safety and etiquette and shows how technology can enhance time spent together as a family. It is designed so that each family can choose the guidelines that fit their specific needs.
Take the time to set up your child’s phone to ensure they only have access to phone features and apps that are appropriate for their age. There are apps available that help parents monitor their child’s mobile web usage and allow parents to block certain websites and restrict the downloading of applications.
Tablets are being used in the classroom in a variety of ways. Access to e-books, learning apps, online educational videos, and the Internet can all enhance the learning experience.
With this small addition, my son can finally write his story.
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Disclaimer: Through the rest of the year I’ll be sharing some more of My BETTER MOMENTS as a US Cellular Better Moments Blogger Brigade Ambassador. All opinions are my own and an honest view of my story as a US Cellular customer.