I never realized how quick the age of independence would come upon my child. Not being prepared is an understatement. We've gone from playing legos to playdates to let me walk to my friend's house without you haggling me about where it is.
My daughter is 11 and while I never assumed I would have trouble asking 'Where are you going to be and how do I get a hold of you,' I have quickly realized that it's the most embarrassing and craziest question ever posed.
She used to go on playdates and it was just fine. She would be at the friends house, the parent that we knew, was there, and we would pick her up at the same place. All bases were covered.
Then I got a text asking if she and her friend could walk to another friend's house (who I didn't know).... Well, um....ok, but where do they live? Who is it? Are their parents home? How far away is it? Two streets away!?!? How do I get a hold of you? What are their parent's names? Are they ok with this? What if something happens on the way there?!!?!? Oh my gosh, NO! No you CANNOT GO! Don't you realize how many dangers there are?.....IN THE WORLD?!?!
She didn't go.
And she wasn't thrilled with me when she got home. So I thought about it for the next couple of days; "Ok, she wants to be more social, have a bit more independence, and just enjoy life." So I sat her down, told her I was thinking about her wants and her needs and have a tentative plan that we can discuss with Mom later to see if it's acceptable to all parties.
1. Bring your iPod to playdates so you can message me directly. (no smartphone until she's 13)
2. Someone has to have an actual phone for the walk there.
3. I need the address, name of parents, their phone number and who is going to be where.
4. Text me when you leave and when you get there.
5. How long will you be there for?
6. Text me when you leave and when you get back.
7. I'll call the parents and let them know who I am, make sure it's ok.
8. If you don't follow these steps, then you cannot go next time.
Did you know that these 8 steps are completely embarrassing and super overprotective?
I didn't know that. Seems completely logical to me. Why are you getting mad at me? Wait....What? What's happening here? Was I this much trouble for my parents? You're 11! Don't give me sass!
It may be a bit overprotective....
As soon as this happened I had another 'thinking session.' How do I consider her thoughts and still keep my needs in place? First things first: she has to get used to providing proper information. That's just part of growing up. She won't like it at first but it will teach her consideration that will eventually follow her into the business world.
Secondly; I randomly found solutions that are unobtrusive, less embarrassing, looks 'cool' and comforts my worry all in the same device. It's basically a Smartwatch.
A kid version of a smartwatch that utilizes carrier networks, WiFi and GPS tracking that allows you to track your child's location, send short messages, make a call, and has emergency options. The one I found that best fit my 'overprotective' needs is the first on the below list. These are just some of the options I discovered and boy it makes me feel better knowing my daughter can have this. They look 'cool' for her, and they keep her safe and secure for me.
FiLIP:
$149.00 (w/ AT&T Unlimited Voice and Data @ $10/month)
It's a GPS Tracker
Has an emergency button
You can send one-way text messages from Parent to child
Your child can call one of up to 5 contacts.
Notification sent to you when your child has entered a 'Safe-Zone' (home, school, friends house).
Water resistant but NOT waterproof.
$10 a month on AT&T only.
FitBit SURGE:
$249.95
More of a beefed up Fitness Tracker than anything else. BUT it has GPS tracking.
Gets call and text notifications
Touchscreen
7 day battery life
Water resistant
Syncs via bluetooth (in our case, she would have to have her iPod on her and be in a WiFi zone)
GizmoPal2
$79.99 Through Verizon with a $20 activation fee ($5 a month)
Water Proof
9 Day battery
2.5 hours of pure usage
2 way calling with 4 contacts
GPS seeability on the App
Xiaomi Mi Bunny
Not out for the United States yet.
$45 dollars
Make and receive calls
SOS signals
Geofences
I quickly realized that your Carriers offer these devices on their websites and it's not as tedious as you think (like looking it up on google and going through your Samsungs, Apples, Pebbles and Fitbits to find the right thing).
I would suggest browsing your carriers website to find the right option for you.
These child GPS trackers work better if they connect to a network (GSM or CDMA), WiFi, and GPS all together. That way you can feel secure that your child's tracker will never lose a connection. THAT is why you WANT to pay the monthly fees.
You could go straight WiFi, but then you have to remind your child to log into each person's WiFi everytime they get there. Don't think that sounds crazy? Well, to a child it sounds as crazy as what I listed above for my 'plan.'
I'm not saying buy a 'Kid-tracker' and don't worry to ask your child to update you on their whereabouts. Even with this, I am going to request my daughter give me ALL the info ahead of time. Kid-trackers are just an extra added security feature that could come in handy when your kid 'forgets' to tell you where they are.
With so many things going wrong in the world, it's nice to know we have some technology to help it go right.
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