As my kids continue to grow, the task of finding the perfect gifts for them becomes increasingly challenging. It’s a bit of a double-edged sword: either A. They have a vague idea of what they want but can’t quite pin it down, or B. They have specific desires that are absolutely off the table for me.
Today marks a milestone—my eldest, Lucas, turns 10. With the birthday just around the corner and life busier than ever, I finally mustered the energy to shop for his presents. Recently, Lucas confided in his dad (not me, mind you) that he had his heart set on a cell phone.
Wait, what? A phone? Absolutely not.
Now, I’m not suggesting that it’s outrageous for every 10-year-old to have their own phone. I just firmly believe that my son doesn’t need one at this age. If both my partner and I were working outside the home, or if Lucas spent a lot of time alone—like at sports practices or other activities—then perhaps it would be a different story. But that’s not our reality.
Since I work from home, I’m present when he is. When we go out, I’m typically right there with him. He has access to other gadgets, and honestly, the only reason he seems to want a phone is for the sake of appearances. Let me be clear: If anyone is going to flaunt a status symbol in this household, it’s going to be me or my partner, not a 10-year-old.
We don’t drive flashy cars or own a yacht, and we certainly don’t wear expensive watches or designer clothing. All of this is perfectly fine with me. I’ve been around long enough to understand that material possessions don’t define worth or happiness. It’s my responsibility to impart this lesson to my children.
So, Lucas, you can wish all you want, but this birthday, you’re not getting a phone. Try again next year!
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In summary, while I understand the desire for a phone, it’s just not necessary at this stage for my son. I’m committed to teaching him that true value lies beyond material possessions.