"Can you hear me now?"

I swore I'd never allow my young child to have a cell phone. It was just one of those things that made me kind of an old-fashioned mother. No cell phone. No DVD player in the car, etc. No matter how much Noah begged for the last couple years, (let me remind you, he's only almost 9) My answer was always the same; "when you get older and are doing more after-school stuff, then you can get one."

2 days ago, I got my almost 9 year old a cell phone. I had to cave and go against everything I've been saying for years. It's strictly for medical reasons - so he can stay in touch with me during his day camp this summer. I feel good about it. My husband and I are pretty confident that he'll be responsible, but in the back of my mind I remember what it's like to be almost 9 with a new cool toy (even though mom and dad have STRESSED that it's not a toy) and showing off to friends is going to happen. He will geek out with that phone and I'm sure a lesson or two will be learned within the first week, (son, DO NOT text the word "boobs" to your friends) but it's a small price to pay for my piece of mind.