New Phone for Me

I was recently contacted by U.S. Cellular asking if I’d want to work with them.  Part of the deal was that I would get a new phone for my efforts.  I jumped at the chance and ended up with a new Samsung Galaxy s5.  I LOVE the phone.  The 4G was a wonderful upgrade for me!

Previous to getting my new phone I could never figure out what the big attraction the kids had to their phones.   They would check Facebook, play games and use their phone just like a computer.  My old phone a Motorola Electrify wasn’t nearly as fun as theirs appeared to be.  I was happy I had a smart phone but it just didn’t seem as appealing as their phones….after getting my phone, I can see what the attraction is.  It’s fast, fun, zippy and works wonderfully.  I love the camera too.  You don’t realize it but many of the photos I take for the blog are now done on my phone.  My camera phone is now MUCH better than my regular camera.

With that new fun, fast working phone also come dangers.  I can see why at times the kids didn’t have perfect etiquette with their phones.  I can see why when expecting an email they would jump when their phone would ding as they can manage their lives with their phones.  I can see why rather than looking at a watch to check the time they gave up on watches and just check their phone.  I can see why rather than checking a date in a planner or on a calendar, they just take out their phone.

I think I have a new appreciation for phones…They are the new, watches, cameras, planners and calendars all in one.  No wonder why people sneak a peak at them so often!  However etiquette is still an issue.   What is the right amount phone time vs face time.

When our kids were younger we made rules with phones…no phones at the meal time table-limited phones in the car-if you have to answer a phone in a group setting, remove yourself from the group and take your call but make it quick.  Being we set those rules up when they were kids, the rules have continued to stick with our family members as they’ve grown into adults.

I’ve also learned to be a little lax on things as I have a new understanding of phones.  When the kids come home, they’ll pop on their phone out and check it.  It’s a 5 minute scroll to see what’s up, check the time, see their planner….it isn’t so much that they are being rude, they are just managing their time.  I’m okay with that.

With July being National Cellphone Courtesy Month, U.S. Cellular has put together a Parent/Child agreement form.  It’s a great way to start off discussions with kids and cell phone use.  It sets some guidelines and raises awareness with parents and kids.  I think it’s an awesome form to get those ground rules set early.  Don’t think it’s just for parents and kids either.  Grandparents are encouraged to sit down and have these discussion with grandchildren too….and remember kids learn from the model us adults set…even grown kids.

I’ve had my phone for a month now and LOVE it….watch for more topics here on the blog in the upcoming months regarding my phone.  I am notorious for not learning to use devices.  One of the reasons I opted to work with U.S. Cellular one because I am happy with their service and two it would force myself to learn.  It’s been paying off.  Watch for more topics regarding my phone in the upcoming months.