Read Your Kid’s Phone…Unannounced, Regularly and Randomly

  We’re all busy.  We often remind and reassure ourselves that our children are fine, their homework is done, they’ve eaten all their vegetables.  And while their beds aren’t made and rooms are war zones, you’re fairly pleased with the day. Being a parent involves many unpredictable, shocking and surprising turn of events.  The groceries may be put away, laundry done and dinner on the table, but just when you think you’re ahead of the game, you quickly realize you’re last in line . Until recently, our three children, ages 16, 14 and 12, all had smartphones.  With my family’s schedule, we found it necessary to regularly communicate with their whereabouts, pick up times and afternoon activities.  The risk, and extra headache, is the hovering question of whether your children are using their phones responsibly.  We understand the phones are not babysitters, but providing adolescents with current technology also leaves a doubtful cloud of trust.  Kids today have the world in their hands, literally.  At anytime, they can search the internet for information, text a classmate, call a parent, FaceTime with family.  While all these abilities are convenient, Read more...