OcalaMom.com

Now that my oldest is close to being a tween, life is a new adventure. Out are the sweet shows we would watch on TV and in are things like Drake and Josh...or is it Josh and Drake? Not that it's not a good show, it just isn't quite Blues Clues. What is your tween or teen into? I know texting is cool, but at what age do you give kids a cell phone?

My son is 15 and he "earned" his cell phone at 13 with limited access. For us, it was a way to stay in touch after school and sports practices. Time limits were set and it was put away a time or two when it was misused. All in all, it's been a good lesson in responsibility.

Good question to ponder...

Robyn
(Andrew and Avery's mom)

Robyn! OT but I just watched the clip of Avery in Belize. He looks so much like you!! Sweet guy.
OK -- sorry for thread hijacking.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: <OcalaElizabeth>,

The front seat! My oldest is 12 and is now allowed to sit in the front seat....big mile stone and one up on his little brothers! He loves to call shot gun!

Wow! As the mom of a 9 year old boy (and 7 year old son), I can already tell that this "tween" thing is going to be challenging! My son has definitely entered a new stage of his life... where has my "formerly perfect" son gone??!! Although he is still an INCREDIBLE kid, at times I hardly recognize him. This new quest for independence and the "the world revolves around me" attitude may just throw me over the edge!!! And he's only NINE!!! Aaagghhhh!!!

How do parents determine which video/hand-held computer games are okay for their kids? I know there are ratings, but like movie and TV, those can be more loose than I like. Does anyone have a website to recommend? My oldest (10) is really into pushing limits these days, particularly on stuff like this, so I'm looking for a good, reliable source to help! I hate to say "no" all the time, but I've seen a lot of junk out there...

There absolutely is a lot of junk out there. I look at the rating, but I also read why it's rated that way (language doesn't freak me out, but adult themes I'd rather stay away from). We have even rented games before purchasing them. My son is turning 13 on Friday, so this is a big issue in my house right now. Another thing to look at, is if the game will be played online (via Xbox Live, etc.) as game play changes in the online versions.