My son is 12 yrs old & I'm having a really hard time giving him more freedom as he gets older. I…
My son is 12 yrs old & I'm having a really hard time giving him more freedom as he gets older. I know I have to do it, but I'm scared. It's not that I don't trust him bc I do, it's other people I don't trust. He wants to be able to ride his bike around the area & walk places but I'm super scared, he doesn't even have anyone to go with him bc kids these days just want to sit inside. My worst fear is that he won't make it back home. I have been seriously considering getting him some type of smart watch or something with a gps tracker, hoping that it will take away some of my anxiety. Is that just over the top?
Ss3mom·
I don’t think the watch with gps is over the top. I actually think it’s a good idea. When will u get him a phone? Anytime soon? I don’t know what the age for phones is now a days lol. But those are also good for locating where he is. Plus that way he can call u if he’s ever in trouble ya know? Like I said I don’t know what age kids get phones now. I was a senior in high school before I got a phone but that was 20 years ago now. Ugh I’m old haha. But I hear ya. I’d be anxious giving more freedom too. Mine are still little 6&5 so I have some time to think about this. It’s a scary world out there. The thing that worry’s me about my son is he’s so sweet and sometimes follows others behavior even though he knows it’s not ok behavior ya know? That makes me nervous that he would follow bad behaviors ya know?
Just Me··
Мама четверых детей
Thank you. I'm so relieved ya'll don't think I'm crazy helicopter mom! Lol I would just feel so much better knowing that I can see where he is if anything were to happen. My son was the same way...more of a follower than a leader. We still have work to do but he's come a long way. Hopefully your son will learn also. I was 18 when I got my 1st cell phone & car. 🤷♀️ The only reason I'm not interested in a cell phone is bc then it opens the world of open internet access, apps of all kinds including bad ones, social media, etc. Yes you can block things but kids always find ways around it. He's not ready for that world yet & neither am i. Lol I'm leaning towards a smartwatch with gps, calling, texting, mp3 & pedometer/exercise features. There's so many devices available out there I'll have to do some research to find what will work best for our needs. I miss when he was little...I'm not prepared for these tween/teen years of parenting. 🤦♀️
Ss3mom··
@onehotmess, yes that’s true about the cell phone. At 12 they are def not ready for the internet access at their finger tips.
Mimi602·
GPS tracker is a good idea mama. Times are just different now and let him know it’s for his safety and your sanity doesn’t mean he can’t have a lil freedom but it’s just in case.
Just Me··
Мама четверых детей
Thank you now I don't feel so crazy! Lol I know I can't always be with him to protect him but at least if I can see where he's at if anything were to happen, I'd feel better knowing that.
leslie·
Мама сына (2 года)
The watch is a good idea, but would you also feel comfortable getting him a phone. You can get just a basic flip phone, and dont necessarily need it to be able to access the internet/apps
Just a basic text and call..just in case
Just Me··
Мама четверых детей
Thank you, I'm looking into a smartwatch that also has calling, texting, music, pedometer/exercise features.
Luna_bear ·
I'm going to be getting my son a smart watch soon. Probably for his 9th birthday. I think its great idea
Just Me··
Мама четверых детей
Awesome, thank you!
PatsyStone·
Мама троих детей
My kids are a little younger but they both have gizmo gadget watches. They have gps and can call and text only pre programmed numbers. I love it!
Just Me··
Мама четверых детей
Sounds perfect!