My ex husband just bought our little 5 year old a cell phone. It's one of those phones that kids can use where it will only call 4 programmed phone numbers (he programmed his #, mine, and his sisters). Does anyone else see a problem with this? Isn't she too young to have a phone?
It's not like she's ever alone and she might need it for an emergency, someone is always with her. And it's not like he's always calling her (as a matter of fact, he NEVER called her).
I'm afraid of 2 things here, 1) that he's looking for control over her (he was always controlling me) and 2) he's trying to win her over by buying her "stuff".
I wonder if I have a legal say in this? I mean, if he really wants to spend money, why not open a savings account for her education?
I'd love to here your comments on this.
2006-11-20 14:07:57 · 30 answers · asked by s2bx04 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Oh BTW we have shared legal custody. I have primary physical custody and he has visitation rights. And did I mention he hasn't payed child support in a while (has nothing to do with it, but it helps to rant and rave about it).
2006-11-20 14:19:08 · update #1
If you have physical custody, it's a no brainer. Take it away.
I don't know about the control issues, however, it might just be a bit of over protectiveness, or falling for the hype.
Were it me, it might get "broken...." As would most any replacement. Kids.....they're so rough on toys!
2006-11-20 14:14:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say it is stupid to give a 5 year old a regular phone, but this one to me sounds OK. I have actually thought about getting them for my kids (5 and 7). Yes, I am always with them or their dad is with them, or someone we trust, but you never know what can happen. They could get lost in the park or in a store or worse. I think it's a good idea to have for emergencies. It's not like she can use it like a regular phone - there's only 4 #'s programmed into it. It would give me a little piece of mind to know that they could call home at the push of a button. They wouldn't have to try to remember my # when they are in a panic because they are lost. It may sound dumb to a lot of people, but I see no harm in it.
I agree he should also be paying child support or putting money in a savings account, but what can you do? He's a jerk that won't change. That's probably one reason you call him your ex. Yes, he may have bought it to win her over by getting her something, but this something happens to come with some benefits.
Yes, there was life before Cell Phones. But there was also life before indoor plumbing or electricity. I'm sure when those things were invented people were scoffing about them the same way we do about phones, but it is what it is. Like it or not we live in a technical world. It's not the same place it was even 10 years ago.
2006-11-20 22:26:37 · answer #2 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Five years old??? Don't that beat all? If he was really close to her and they constantly talked that would be okay, but it sounds like you make most/all decisions (or should) for her now. Does she have possession of the phone? Even teens are careless with stuff like that. A five year old child has no business with a phone. I would probably tell him that I put the phone away since there is never a time when she is alone and they never talk anyway.
Buying affection is not the way to go as you already seem to know, but if he is allowed to keep on she will favor him over you and play you against each other when she figures out how to do that.
Good luck with letting him know who has her best interest at heart.
2006-11-20 22:16:15 · answer #3 · answered by bellgoddess1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
5 is a little too young but I do think that cell phones are good for kids, especially the 4 number phones.
Once a child is old enough to walk to school on their own, down to a friends house, out for a bike ride kind of thing I would prefer that they have the cell phone so that I can reach them and they can reach me if they get lost or hurt.. I agree 5 is too young but I do like the idea of children with cell phones.
2006-11-21 05:18:16 · answer #4 · answered by timberleigh 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
OK here is my question for you. What is he thinking? A cell phone for a 5 year old is way overboard. I agree with you if he is willing to spend the extra few bucks a month on a cell phone why not put it in a savings account in her name. She will earn interest on the money and hopefully when she needs it she will spend it more wisely. My answer is no way a 5 year old needs a cell phone. Besides if she takes it to school our schools here confiscate them and won't return them until the end of the school year.
Put your foot down this child is way to young to have a cell of her own. He is playing one of the oldest games going I will buy your love no matter what the cost dear. Its not healthy I would talk to an attorney about the matter you may have a legal leg to stand on. Good-Luck
2006-11-20 22:15:30 · answer #5 · answered by groundpilot43061 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I completely agree a child the age of 5 is way too young to need a cell phone. I would understand if the child went out for emergency precautious but this doesn’t seem to be the case. Sell the cell phone and start up a savings account! And tell him to do put money in instead of wasting it on pointless electronics that isn’t even necessary for the child.
2006-11-20 22:12:23 · answer #6 · answered by Me. 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When she is at your house put it somewhere like the top of the fridge, where she will forget about it.
I do think she is way too young.
Not sure how long you have been divorced but maybe it is time for the -- we live separately but we have to parent together talk. You need to stand by each other, and this is a joint decision in my mind. When she is 16 and wants her belly button pierced, another joint decision. If the divorce is new and bitter it may be hard to have this talk. My hubby has been divorced 11 yrs. and he and his ex finally had that talk this year.
I know this is hard, but remember, it is about your child. If you were still married the ex would you mind the phone as much>
2006-11-20 22:31:16 · answer #7 · answered by Beth M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think she is too young, too. You want to keep your kid as normal as possible, and if she gets these things now she will expect more later, too. Its not good, because too me, it sounds like a teenage thing. Little kids should only have to worry about simple things. Carrying a cell phone is for older kids. She shouldnt have to have that responsibility. She isn't at the responsibility age yet. I think that it is your say too. I just dont see any reason she would need to call you on a cell phone. Maybe you should talk to your ex to see why he gave her a cell phone, and maybe try to see his reasoning. No matter how stupid it is...hahaha.
Karley Perkins
2006-11-20 22:13:40 · answer #8 · answered by [karleyy.] [˙ʎʎǝlɹɐʞ] 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
whoa whoa whoa if he is not paying support and is blowing money on a cell phone for a small child and no one uses the phone. i think the issue should be brought up in court if that is where you are headed. more than anything i think he is trying to buy her and it is sad. he'd rather buy useless stuff than pay support so that the money can go towards real needs. what a real winner lol. if the child was 12 then i could see a pre-paid cell phone with only about 30 minutes on it.
people act like they cannot function without a cell phone. no. every age group does not need one. and we did used to function without them. this is pure stupid on his part and he has serious issues.
2006-11-21 07:20:51 · answer #9 · answered by sweetestnectar25 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not a good idea, as being only 5yrs old ur
daughter thinks its just a toy anyway. With the
world the way it is today it could be dangerous
as someone could try and take the phone from
her and she has no way to defend herself.
Since she is never left alone she does not need
a cell phone. However I agree with u if he wants
to do something definately open up a savings
accnt. for her education as that is the best
thing he could do for her as education is a must
in todays world.
2006-11-20 22:23:40 · answer #10 · answered by RudiA 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋