I’m not entirely sure how it all spiraled out of control. Perhaps it’s a side effect of being the youngest sibling, always dragged along to my older siblings’ activities with nothing to occupy my time. It could also stem from dining out at places that demand impeccable behavior when the universe seems determined to test it. Or maybe it’s simply because my eldest sibling has a fancy iTouch, and the middle one is glued to the computer, leaving me with no gadgets of my own. Then again, I can’t resist those big, pleading eyes.
Whatever the reason, we have a situation on our hands: Lucas seems to think my phone is his personal plaything—and it’s absolutely not. It’s more than just my reluctance to share my belongings; his obsession with my device is straining our relationship. There was the incident when he turned my phone into a flotation device for his toy figures, costing me a hefty $200 to replace. Then there was the time he wiped out a dozen crucial emails from my inbox, making me look incredibly rude for not responding. And let’s not forget the epic meltdown he had when I dared to send a text to a friend during a hurricane. My phone is now cluttered with more children’s apps than adult ones, and enough is enough. I’m reclaiming my phone.
I’m unsure of the best approach to take—it’s not going to be easy. I could go cold turkey and brace myself for days of tantrums, or I might try gradually easing him off his “tech addiction.” I could attempt to rationally explain the necessity of this decision, or I could shift the blame elsewhere (“The phone company has implemented a new rule: phones are now strictly for grown-ups!”). Alternatively, I could just erase all the apps and pretend I have no idea what happened. Maybe a combination of these strategies will be the best course of action.
Times are changing, Lucas. I love you dearly, but this phone is mine, and I’m done sharing. Just please don’t look at me like that.
For more insights on parenting and navigating family life, check out our post about the home insemination kit. If you’re also dealing with baby skin issues, you might want to visit this resource on eczema creams for babies. And for comprehensive information on pregnancy, don’t miss this excellent resource from NICHD.
Summary:
A parent reflects on the challenges of sharing their smartphone with their youngest child, Lucas, who believes the device is his own. The article outlines humorous and frustrating incidents that have led to the decision to reclaim the phone, exploring various strategies for managing the situation with love and authority.