Parenting|

Here’s Why Now Is The Perfect Time For Your Tween’s First Phone

by Team Scary Mommy
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Smiling girl using smart phone in bed

If your tween doesn’t have a phone yet, there’s a good chance you’ve at least considered getting her one. Aside from the relentless tween pestering —“Literally everyone has a phone, MOM!” — it’s also just a reality of modern parenting that you’ve got to think about.

There’s no better time than right now to get your tween their first phone. You’ll be an absolute hero to your kid by giving him “literally the best gift ever.” Bonus? Get your kid a phone and for a few precious moments, you’ll actually be cool. Noice.

Of course, this also means your child will now have a phone. So let’s make the main question “What’s in it for me?”

You can feel safe

One of the defining features of tweens is that they’re, well, in-between. They’re ready for more independence but they’re not ready for their own apartment. So you’ve got to help them find the amount of freedom that works for both of you. Having a phone means they can spend a little more time away from you, while still being able to get in touch when they need you.

But what kind of phone, right? This why I like the service provider Twigby — they offer a range of phones from the most tricked-out iPhones to no-frill flips. If a flip phone feels less scary to you, go that route. Or you can even let your tween grow with their phone by getting a feature-packed smartphone without a data plan. Whatever feels right for your family is what’s right for your family.

But if you do get a smartphone with GPS, you can also see where your tween is when they’re not with you. If you’re concerned about cost, Twigby offers affordable data plans and FREE Overage Protection that stops your plan use when the data allotment is used up. Add this one-of-a-kind budget controlling feature and the wide availability of wi-fi, and you can easily have a smartphone for your child for under $10 a month.

Security you’ll both feel, at a cost you can easily manage? Another benefit for you.

It makes your life easier

The reality is that your kid having a phone just makes a whole lotta stuff way easier. Having a phone means any time she wants to get in touch with you, she can. Which drops the awkwardness of things like asking for an unplanned sleepover by at least 50%. If she wants to stay a little late at school to work on a project, you’re not stuck in the carpool line waiting for her.

You can show your kid you trust them

Your tween’s first cell phone is an excellent way for you to show him you trust him, even when you’re not 100% sure you do. Set limits that feel comfortable for you, and then give your kid the opportunity to show you he can handle it. And if he doesn’t get it just right at first? You can manage his phone from your phone, tablet, or computer.

And it’s not just the data and talk time. It’s also the ⏤ gulp ⏤ actual device. Letting a kid walk out the door with a shiny new phone is a real exercise in trust. But you can breathe a little easier with Twigby’s worry-free warranty.

Again: mutual benefit here, mama.

Treat yo’self

What if I told you that getting your tween her first phone is actually a gift to yourself? Hear me out! It’s the gift you deserve. Yes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year, decking the halls and whatnot. But it’s also the perfect time to give yourself the comfort and peace of mind you get from knowing you’ve made a solid decision for your kid.

Switch your whole family and save even more.

At this point, you may be thinking you want to get in on this low cost, no contract, excellent coverage action for yourself. And that’s the thing: you actually can. Twigby isn’t just a smart option for kids, but the whole family. When you see that your bills could be cut in half, you may want to switch, too.

This post was created in partnership with Twigby. Affordable plans, nationwide coverage, a 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee, and a selection of phones that are perfect for families. Learn more about the Wi-Fi only, call and text, or full data plans that Twigby offers and for a limited time get 25% off your first six months of service.

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