In our quest to get something very special for Chelsey for her sweet 16 coming up next month, there has been discussion of her own phone line.
The pros - it would get her off MY phone line as I don't "do" call waiting and we have put alot of restrictions on her phone time just so we can occasionally get a phone call. lol. It would give her a sense of adulthood as she'd have her own phone number. It would be paid for only one year at which time she can choose to continue paying for the service herself, or let it go depending on her priorities, financial situation (she makes about $200/month right now babysitting but will be able to get a part time job as of next mont if she so chooses).
It COULD teach responsibility, financial and otherwise and give her some freedom and me a phone line back.

Cons - she could never come out of her room again
lol

We could still feasibly set limits on when she is allowed to be on the phone.
And honestly I would rather her be on the phone in her room then on the internet for many reasons (and that includes fighting her for the computer after the little ones are in bed. lol)

Asking for honest thoughts and opinions from parents of teens who know where I"m coming from on the "chels...please get off the phone, its been 45 minutes" saga.

Hmmmm! That's a tough question. I had to laugh at the "never come out of her room" comment - it's the reason why I never got my own line or so my parents said. My sister and I did have a telephone in our rooms. My parents had call waiting (back when it first came out, remember those days?? LOL ) and our home phone was connected to my dad's business so heaven help us if we didn't answer that "beep/click". I guess you could try it for a semester (?) and if grades/responsibilities become a problem you could always pull the phone. That would seem to be the biggest issue. I would also look into some kind of "lock" on distance or types of calls that can be made (900 #'s) just to be on the safe side. Wouldn't want any friends ringing up a couple hundred dollar phone bill.

I guess if her grades/responsibilities are up to your standards then go for it!! You'll be a cool mom!

i dont know about the phone line, i have a ways to go before i have to decide those issues, lol.

but i wanted to offer a suggestion if you are looking for other ideas. for my 16th bday and my sis's my mom bought both of us birthstone rings. not super expensive, but i think 10K gold, a ittybitty diamond chip, and a real stone for the birthstone. I still have mine and so does my sis.

nods - i got her a silver charm bracelet and a few starter charms to go in it. And starkisses made her a lovely set ...a jade bracelet and earrings (her middle name is jade). I also got her a nmbc messenger bag and sally doll.

I called the phone company and set it up. I can pull it if we need to i guess. I did a 'no long distance' at all on the line so that should keep her fairly safe. I'll pay for it for one year unless the grades drop.

I think its a 'knock yer socks off' gift.
I hope I'm not sorry tho lol

thanks for the thoughts mamas

barb