Addison is 11.5 and Gets A Phone (that doesn't work)

It was an unplanned thing. The original plan was that she was going to get one for Christmas, after proving the first half of 6th grade that she has this middle school 6th grade academic and social thing down, which she does. But the stars lined up and Yaya got a new iPhone 11 and had a iPhone 6s in great condition that she wanted to give to Addison. I was hesitant but allowed them to do it in a totally impromptu moment, after Carter's 2nd home basketball game, while standing in the middle of Baskin and Robbins next to Lopez Middle School. In reflecting back, it was the best way to give it to her as Carter's phone wasn't given to him as a birthday or Christmas gift 18 months ago and aligns with what we have been consistent in telling them for so many years, that a phone being given to them at 11.5 years old is not for their benefit, it is for ours, as parents and they just get to benefit sometimes from it. ;)

We never intended for Addison to be the last to get a phone, and I am not even really certain that she is, since she didn't complain about it. But in 2019, I will say, it is somewhat disappointing and surprising, to me, how it has become the norm for 9-11 years old to have a smart phone. We held out to an abnormally older age, in our school environment, but I am confident in our decision of saying no to a smart phone (or yes to a 2006 maroon flip phone) and also, now, allow her to have one.

It won't be hooked up until Christmas time, but I know Addison is beside herself with joy. This entire semester, she has never once brought up a phone to Blake or I, unless we talked to her about it. She never complained or nagged us about it once. Like her brother, she knows and will also will see, that the phone at this age is HEAVILY monitored with software shutting off MOST of it 90% of the day. It being activated will likely add an hour of additional focused technology "parenting" to our day for next semester but I am glad to do it, while she is at an age where she truly cares about what we say and think.