As my children grow older, shopping for their gifts has become increasingly challenging. It’s a twofold dilemma: A. They have a vague idea of what they want, but can’t articulate it, or B. They have a specific desire for items that I simply won’t purchase.
For instance, today marks my son Leo’s 10th birthday. After a whirlwind couple of weeks, I finally mustered the energy to shop for his presents. It was then that I learned he had expressed to his dad (not me, mind you) that he would like a cellphone.
Excuse me? That’s a hard pass from me.
I’m not suggesting that no 10-year-old should ever have a phone, but in Leo’s case, I firmly believe he doesn’t need one. If both my partner and I had jobs outside the home, or if Leo was frequently left alone or at sports practice, I could understand the need for a phone. However, that’s far from our reality.
Since I work from home, I’m present whenever he is. I take him places, and I’m usually right there alongside him. He already has access to various gadgets, and honestly, the only reason he’d want a phone at this stage is for status. And let me tell you, if someone in this house is going to flaunt a status symbol, it’s going to be my partner or me.
We don’t drive luxury cars, own a boat, or have a summer retreat in France. Expensive jewelry, designer clothes, or high-end handbags are not in my wardrobe. And you know what? I’m perfectly fine with that. With the wisdom that comes from experience, I’ve learned that material possessions don’t define one’s worth. It’s my responsibility to impart this lesson to my kids.
So, you can bet your sweet bottom that we’ll have one of those fancy things in our home before I gift my 10-year-old a cellphone. Sorry, Leo. Happy Birthday, but try again next year.
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In summary, while the desire for a cellphone may be strong, it’s crucial to prioritize what’s truly necessary for a child’s development, rather than succumbing to societal pressures for status symbols.
Keyphrase: Why I Won’t Buy My 10-Year-Old a Cell Phone
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