I’m not quite sure how it all started. Perhaps it’s the seventh child syndrome, constantly dragged to my older siblings’ practices with little to occupy my time. Or maybe it’s the countless dinners spent at restaurants where good behavior is expected but rarely achieved. Then again, there’s the fact that my sister has her own iTouch and my brother is glued to the computer, leaving me without any gadgets of my own. Or it could just be those irresistible puppy dog eyes.
Whatever the reason, it’s become a real issue: my son Kyle has decided that my iPhone is actually his. And let me be clear, it’s not!
It’s not just that I’ve never been one to share my toys; his obsession with my phone is starting to impact our relationship. I mean, my phone and I have been through so much together. Remember that time he thought my phone could double as a flotation device for his toy figures? That cost me a cool $200 to replace! Or when he accidentally wiped out a dozen important emails from my inbox, leaving me looking like a total jerk for not replying? Then there was the massive meltdown when I dared to use my phone to text a friend during a storm. My poor phone is now filled with more kids’ games than adult apps, and I’ve had enough. It’s time to reclaim my phone!
I’m not entirely sure how I’m going to pull this off, and I know it won’t be pretty. I could go cold turkey and brace myself for a series of tantrums, or I could try to gradually wean him off his tech addiction. Maybe I should calmly explain why this is necessary, or just blame it on “the phone people” who have decided that phones are for adults only now! I might even just delete all the apps and play clueless. A blend of all these strategies could work.
Things are changing, Kyle. I love you dearly, but that phone is mine, and I’m done sharing. Just try to avoid giving me those big eyes.
This article was initially published on November 2, 2012. If you’re interested in more insightful parenting tips, check out our other posts on the topic, like this one on terms and conditions. For those looking for information on boosting fertility, Make a Mom offers great insights. Additionally, for a deeper understanding of IVF and fertility preservation, Cleveland Clinic’s podcast is an excellent resource!
Summary:
In this humorous take on parenting, the author reflects on the challenges of reclaiming her iPhone from her child, Kyle, who has taken ownership of it. She contemplates various strategies to navigate this tech tug-of-war, while sharing relatable anecdotes of mishaps involving her phone. Ultimately, she asserts her right to reclaim her device while acknowledging the affection she has for her son.