So your kiddo is asking for a phone...

Maybe it’s because their friends have one, or they need a better way to stay connected with you, or you're worried about their safety when they're away... 

For whatever reason, you’re trying to decide what to do with your kid phone dilemma.

So, what’s your plan, mama? 

• Go with a basic flip phone that looks like a brick and texts like it's 1999? 

• Go with a smartphone that opens Pandora's box of parenting battles like screentime limits and chatting with predators? 

• Keep saying "heck no" and then worrying about how your kids will be able to call you in an emergency?

• ugh.... I know... the decisions are less than delightful...

I’ve been in your shoes. I hate over-exposing my kids to electronics and screens. I mean hey, I got my first cell phone in my fourth year of college and I was what, 20 years old? Phones can WAIT... there is life to be lived!

As a family on the spectrum (we all have autism, ADHD, sensory processing issues, etc) I've found that limiting over-stimulation via devices is in EVERYONE's best interest. I used to say my kids could get phones when they were 18 or able to pay for them on their own, whichever came first.

But what about the legit need for staying in better contact as they grow? Suddenly my kids are rocketing into middle school, and even though we homeschool -- they are old enough to have church activities, group gatherings, outings with friends and other families.

They struggle with executive function, like so many ADHD kiddos, and they thrive with clear routines and task lists.

(Also, we thrive when I don't have to remind them of their next job every 90 seconds... so there's that...)

Meet Pinwheel

As I investigated the best ways to introduce my kiddos to technology safely and successfully, I discovered Pinwheel. 

Pinwheel is a smartphone designed for kids by parents who weren’t happy with the tech options already out there. The Pinwheel phone isn't just another smartphone dumbed down for kids, it’s a tool created to help you and your family introduce tech in a healthy, non-addictive way. 

What Makes Pinwheel Different

• A Real Solution

  • Pinwheel has been designed to evolve and grow alongside your child. Pinwheel’s Operating System upgrades as your kiddo grows through stage and age development levels. Without a browser or access to social media, children can experience life with fewer distractions, less bullying, and a better handle on reality.

• Uses Bark 

  • Pinwheel has the option to come pre-installed with the Bark app, for an extra layer of cybersecurity, protection, and peace of mind.

• Safelist Contacts

  • No more worrying about spam calls or texts from unapproved contacts! Each contact on your child or teen’s Pinwheel phone must be approved by you.

• Curated Apps

  • Pinwheel’s Appstore, which is only shown to parents and caregivers, has been carefully curated and approved by a board of child and family therapists so you know your little one can safely navigate their apps unsupervised. 

• Modes

  • You can set your Pinwheel phone to be in certain modes throughout the day, giving your child or teen access to specific features during different times. You can also add routines and checklists to your modes that teach self-regulation and healthy habits. 

Go with the youth smartphone that’s all tool and no toy.

You can order your very own Pinwheel, as well as access a number of other valuable family and tech resources, here. Pssst! Use my special code WILDTEN for 10% off, my treat!

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Support Group>>WILD TraumaMamas: Because Momming After Trauma isn't for the Faint of Heart

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