Anonymous wrote:DD is 18. She drives herself most of the time, but when we're running errands around town together, I don't allow her to scroll on her phone. She's always the DJ, sends texts messages on our family group chat as needed and frequently acts as navigator, so she has her phone, but only uses it for those purposes. It isn't a big deal and we've had some great conversations. It's also good to model safe phone usage for young drivers.

You ... control the actions of an adult? That's weird.

Anonymous wrote:My kids can use their phones while passengers. It’s great. They DJ the music, look up directions or stops, google random things we are discussing, talk to me about texts with their friends or various things they see on social media, etc.

Same here. I love my kids music taste and love that Spotify opens them up to generations of music. And we still talk about her day, she shows me snaps, and sometimes we do trivia or name that tune.

Yes because I’m not listening to their crappy country music or Taylor Swift. 🤢

We don't have any rules, and my teenage daughter is very chatty in the car (and everywhere else...) despite having access to her phone. My only rule is no playing videos out loud, I find it annoying and distracting.

DD is 18. She drives herself most of the time, but when we're running errands around town together, I don't allow her to scroll on her phone. She's always the DJ, sends texts messages on our family group chat as needed and frequently acts as navigator, so she has her phone, but only uses it for those purposes. It isn't a big deal and we've had some great conversations. It's also good to model safe phone usage for young drivers.

Yes. I have no rules about the phone in the car.

I drive DS (14) to and from school every day (20 min each way). Some days he’s on his phone. Some days we talk. Some days we say nothing and he stares out the window.

The only time I make him shut it off is if he starts yelling at whatever game he’s playing. I don’t let him do that in the car-it’s annoying enough at home.

Well my kid goes to a job bigoted independent school so clearly my opinion is superior. My teeen doesn’t have a phone but messed around on mine in the car. My teen uses her phone and I remind her to respond to texts.

Dudes why does every minute of waking life have to be on the phone? Why can’t your kids just zone out in the car? Enjoy the scenery or observe the world around them? Chat with their parents or siblings?

Your kids all have phone addictions and yet you feel proud of it and call the OP crazy.

My kids can use their phones while passengers. It’s great. They DJ the music, look up directions or stops, google random things we are discussing, talk to me about texts with their friends or various things they see on social media, etc.

My kid is in 7th. He occasionally uses his phone, but puts it down when I request so we can chat. I told him that it is hard to *always* ride in a car every day with someone who would prefer to stare at a phone vs interact. So - he uses it sometimes and sometimes not. He'll be our DJ or we'll just chat.

My kid is 11. We started a Tablet rule when she first got one that it only came in the car if the ride was more than 30 mins. She has a phone now but had followed the same rule. I didn’t have to tell her, she just doesn’t bring it. Sometimes she’ll ask how long a drive is and I know that’s why she’s asking.

Anonymous wrote:I allow it, because it doesn't interfere with conversation.

Yes, this, and when it does interfere with our conversation, I say, I am the live person here with you. Courtesy says you should respond to the person who is live.

Anonymous wrote:If I'm engaging them in a conversation while we're driving, they cannnot use their phones. If I'm listening to my own podcast or on a call, they most certainly can and should use their phones to entertain themselves.

So their phone usage depends on what you feel like doing in the car? Also seems controlling.

Anonymous wrote:I allow it, because who the f cares. Oh and guess what? They also have great conversations with me too. And when friends are in the car they are all talking with me too.

Mom of 21 and 15yr old girls - both of which I am super close with.

+ 1.

If I'm engaging them in a conversation while we're driving, they cannnot use their phones. If I'm listening to my own podcast or on a call, they most certainly can and should use their phones to entertain themselves.