My girls, ages 5 and 6, stay at their dads house one weekend a month. He's recently moved into a not-so-nice neighborhood, and while I'm trying to get the girls excited about when they stay there, I'm actually very, very scared about this. I've told them that if they hear a knock on the door, that they are NOT to open it for ANY reason, I don't care if the person knocking says it's the police or God himself. They know they are not allowed to play outside unsupervised; if there's not an adult present, they go inside and lock the doors (yes, the apartment complex is THAT BAD). Until I can sort out the custody arrangement, I want the girls to be able to call me if they feel uncomfortable or scared. I have heard VERY little about firefly phones... is that the one where kids can only call mom, dad, and 911? Does anyone have any other recommendations? There won't be a home phone there, and their dad keeps his cell on his person. I'm nervous but putting on a brave face for my babies. Any phone suggestions is GREATLY appreciated!
OH WOW didn't realize I worded that funny, they would NEVER be home alone but dad and his girlfriend aren't smart enough to protect the kids before themselves.
I think the firefly phones have a limited coverage. If you are looking into a kid friendly phone, I have looked into Kajeet. I has low monthly plans and parental controls. http://www.kajeet.com/4u/index.html
Yeah totally go for it. If you don't like it then just get one of those prepaid phones.
years ago i also looked into the firefly and yes it is a good option. you programthe numbers in it that you want them to beable to call. i would def get one for them. i am sorry to hear of your situation i would be vary nervous also.
Although your girls having a phone would be critical in an emergency, I wonder why you are not focusing your attention on making sure they are NEVER left unsupervised at his apartment! They are absolutely too young to be left alone - at all! Doing so may even be illegal, I think it depends on the county you live in and their law. If it is and he does leave them alone, you could most likely have his weekend revoked and then some other (safer) visitation arrangement can be made. You should google the law for your county for unsupervised children ages.
*I have also heard of the "Jitterbug" phone.... I don't know about it... .but I saw it in a Reader's Digest magazine.
I have heard it is a good alternative.
Just get them something... any easy to use phone, child friendly. THEN, practice with them on how to use it. Practice it over and over... until they got it down pat.
And that they know how to dial 911... etc.
But, how is Dad going to supervise/handle them?
Whoa, I would be nervous too....
I hope he does not leave them 'alone' in the apartment? He wouldn't be away from them, would he???
At these ages... they don't have full awareness/maturity for situations... but yes, talk to them, give them instructions... scenarios... practice it not only verbalizing it... actually ROLE play and ACT it out, with them. Practice practice practice.
Teach them never to separate... or leave each other unattended.... as well. To look out for each other... etc.
ALSO, this is good: (We used it for my daughter when she was on a trip with my Husband overseas):
http://www.amazon.com/Mommy-Im-Here-cl-103br-Locator/dp/B...
It comes in brown or pink. It works well, is LOUD and works through buildings too. It is a child locator.
Good luck,
Susan
I have Verizon for my kids, it is 911 ready and has family locater, so you will be able to see where your kids are at all time on you cellphone. I think your elds can be the one to care it with her at all times, but make sure that both know haw to use it. My kids are old now but they have had cell phones since your kids ages. It gives me peace of mean, they could call me for anything. I use to pick them up when they were not happy at there Dads house or if he would leave them at an aunts house witch was bad. So get them that phone right away and teach them all they need to know.
I would go either prepaid or add a line to your plan.I know Disney used to have a phone like you described.I saw them at Target or Toys-R-Us
I think.Good Luck
R.,
I have to agree with the other moms that 5 and 6 are way too young to be alone in any neighborhood. Why doesn't Dad have a phone in the apartment? I'm sorry that you and your girls are in this situation.
I added a second line to my cell phone account for $10. I put certain restrictions on the phone (can't send pics) on line for no additional cost. I would ask your cell phone provider about getting a second line. When I said I didn't want to pay the activation fee, it was waived.
Good luck to you and your girls. I hope you are able to make the situation a safer one for your girls.
K.
I purchased my daughers one of the AT&T pre-paid phones, they were going on vacation with their grandmother for a week and they have never been away from me for that long. I only programmed in the numbers I wanted them to have. I just wanted them to feel comfortable and stay in touch with me as needed.
But I think if I were in your shoes, I would have to think really hard about letting my children go to a unsafe neighborhood to stay for a few days. Thats a tough one.
Hope this helps!!
You can actually just add a phone number to your current cell phone plan. You don't say whether or not you have one (but I am assuming so). I know with most phones there is a security feature on the individual phones that allows you to program the phone so that you can only make and receive calls from those numbers (and 911 of course!). You would have to enter a "lock code" to undo it or add numbers. When you purchase the phone ask the sales rep. This is what we use at work to make sure that the field personnel aren't using the phones for excessive personal use. (have all company numbers and each employee's home/cell number programmed)
Verizon also has a parental control option that you pay $5.00 per month and you can limit the usage once they get older (times where the phone is "dead" so to speak where you can only call the In Case of Emergency numbers).
Good luck
