We need modern payphones

[Anonymous]

When I was a kid there were payphones we could use at all the soccer fields, softball fields, neighborhood clubhouse, school. Obviously they've all disappeared, but they haven't been replaced by anything. Why isn't there some new type of pay phone where kids could text their parents, paying using some sort of code? Old fashioned pay phones would be great too, except most kids don't have change.

My kids are in a lot of activities and many of them don't allow parents to stay. Swimming doesn't allow parents on deck during practices, so either I sit in my car for 1.5 hours or run errands (usually I'm getting my other kids to places). Because of all the rain, a lot of their swimming and other practices have been cancelled last minute after they already started and my kids have no way to contact me. Last time swim was cancelled there were 25 kids or so that were stranded. A bunch of the parents offered to text for the stranded kids. We aren't ready to give our kids a phone.

[Anonymous]

As you said I would expect the coaches to have a group chat for the parents. I would suggest that. Also...as a parent I would not disappear to a place where I would not know if it was raining and I should head over to pick up. If rain was expected I would probably stay close.

[Anonymous]

I agree with you on the need for pay phones, but since that is not the world we live in...
My kids have an index card with our cell phone numbers written on it. They have never had a problem getting someone to call or text me if there is some kind of issue - anywhere you leave them, there should be an adult with a phone.
Other option is a minimal cell phone - just get a prepaid phone. It's not theirs, it's yours, and it's only handed to them when they are somewhere without you.

[Anonymous]

Yes, this is why some parents of older kids/teens roll their eyes when parents of very young kids insist that they won't let their kids have a phone till they are 18.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with you on the need for pay phones, but since that is not the world we live in...
My kids have an index card with our cell phone numbers written on it. They have never had a problem getting someone to call or text me if there is some kind of issue - anywhere you leave them, there should be an adult with a phone.
Other option is a minimal cell phone - just get a prepaid phone. It's not theirs, it's yours, and it's only handed to them when they are somewhere without you.

Teach them the numbers so they don’t need index cards.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with you on the need for pay phones, but since that is not the world we live in...
My kids have an index card with our cell phone numbers written on it. They have never had a problem getting someone to call or text me if there is some kind of issue - anywhere you leave them, there should be an adult with a phone.
Other option is a minimal cell phone - just get a prepaid phone. It's not theirs, it's yours, and it's only handed to them when they are somewhere without you.

Your plan is that "someone" will take on the responsibility of your kid.
This is incredibly selfish and irresponsible of you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree with you on the need for pay phones, but since that is not the world we live in...
My kids have an index card with our cell phone numbers written on it. They have never had a problem getting someone to call or text me if there is some kind of issue - anywhere you leave them, there should be an adult with a phone.
Other option is a minimal cell phone - just get a prepaid phone. It's not theirs, it's yours, and it's only handed to them when they are somewhere without you.

Your plan is that "someone" will take on the responsibility of your kid.
This is incredibly selfish and irresponsible of you.

You live in a cold, sad world.
I actually volunteer and lead a kids activity - went through all the volunteer trainings and screenings and spend a lot of time running it. I think part of that job is to be a trusted adult and build community where kids and parents trust each other. Sending a quick text is pretty easy and not a burden at all.
It's called living in a community and looking out for each other.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I just hate that we are pushing technology like cell phones on our kids when there could be other solutions. I don't want my kids relying on adults to text.

I also think a lot of parents have extreme anxiety and give their kids cells so they can track them. Kids deserve independence and trust.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When I was a kid there were payphones we could use at all the soccer fields, softball fields, neighborhood clubhouse, school. Obviously they've all disappeared, but they haven't been replaced by anything. Why isn't there some new type of pay phone where kids could text their parents, paying using some sort of code? Old fashioned pay phones would be great too, except most kids don't have change.

My kids are in a lot of activities and many of them don't allow parents to stay. Swimming doesn't allow parents on deck during practices, so either I sit in my car for 1.5 hours or run errands (usually I'm getting my other kids to places). Because of all the rain, a lot of their swimming and other practices have been cancelled last minute after they already started and my kids have no way to contact me. Last time swim was cancelled there were 25 kids or so that were stranded. A bunch of the parents offered to text for the stranded kids. We aren't ready to give our kids a phone.

Seems like you have the solution already in place.

[Anonymous]

The front desk at the pool your kids are at should allow the kids to call you.
My kid goes to a rec center near us and doesn’t have a phone. She used the desk phone the one time she needed to call me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree with you on the need for pay phones, but since that is not the world we live in...
My kids have an index card with our cell phone numbers written on it. They have never had a problem getting someone to call or text me if there is some kind of issue - anywhere you leave them, there should be an adult with a phone.
Other option is a minimal cell phone - just get a prepaid phone. It's not theirs, it's yours, and it's only handed to them when they are somewhere without you.

Your plan is that "someone" will take on the responsibility of your kid.
This is incredibly selfish and irresponsible of you.

OP did not say how old her child is...but at younger ages, yes 'someone' else is responsible...bus driver. Camp counselor, coach... You do not just abandon 9 year olds in a thunderstorm because you think they should have a phone.

[Anonymous]

My child has a Gabb watch. He keeps it in his bag. He only uses it to text me to say he’s walking home, or he needs a ride, etc.
it is very bare bones and I am the only contact in the watch

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I just hate that we are pushing technology like cell phones on our kids when there could be other solutions. I don't want my kids relying on adults to text.

I also think a lot of parents have extreme anxiety and give their kids cells so they can track them. Kids deserve independence and trust.

It's ridiculous to rely on a technological crutch like a payphone, which is operated by adults. Kids deserve independence and trust.

Therapy for your disordered thinking might help. It's not 1930 anymore.

[Anonymous]

OP, what's wrong with a phone?

10:1 your problem with "phone" has nothing to do with the phone part, and your solution is to get a phone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree with you on the need for pay phones, but since that is not the world we live in...
My kids have an index card with our cell phone numbers written on it. They have never had a problem getting someone to call or text me if there is some kind of issue - anywhere you leave them, there should be an adult with a phone.
Other option is a minimal cell phone - just get a prepaid phone. It's not theirs, it's yours, and it's only handed to them when they are somewhere without you.

Your plan is that "someone" will take on the responsibility of your kid.
This is incredibly selfish and irresponsible of you.

OP did not say how old her child is...but at younger ages, yes 'someone' else is responsible...bus driver. Camp counselor, coach... You do not just abandon 9 year olds in a thunderstorm because you think they should have a phone.

OP here. Yes, both of my kids are under 9 and were abandoned. The coach just cancelled it mid practice (lightning), but there was still over an hour left. Swim does continue through rain. No one was checking to make sure kids were picked up and plenty of them could just walk/bike home on their own. My kids could walk home too, but then I wouldn't know where they are, so they know to stay put.

There isn't a front desk at the pool when swim practice goes on because the pool is closed to outsiders during that time. I don't know that there is a phone there though- I'll have to check. I have an out of area cell phone number (had it for 20 years)- can regular phones call that for free now or would it be long distance?