Other XR for $1/month - would you?

[ssledoux]

Ok, but why is a 9 year old anywhere without a adult who would have a phone? Seems over the top to me.

Well, he wouldn’t be where there wasn’t another adult with a phone, but if he’s at his dad’s and wants to talk to his mom or there’s an emergency and his dad’s phone is locked, it’ll give him a way to contact his mother or me. And yeah, we could just get a random, cheap phone for that, but since he wants the camera and wanted an iPod anyway, why not just have one device to do it all?
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The OP wrote:
"The hardest part is gonna be activating it and then having to hold onto it for 4 months until his birthday."

A suggestion:
If you are buying it now, I would just go ahead and give it to him now -- four months is a long time and he might as well get the perceived benefits from it straightaway. Also, that way if there are any issues with the phone you can immediately deal with the situation, rather than discovering them four or more months after the purchase.

Well, I’ll probably get it all set up and play with it some to make sure everything is good. His case isn’t coming for nearly a month from Amazon, so there’s no way I’ll give it to him before then for sure.

 

[MisterAndrew]

I wouldn't commit myself to 30 months on a post-paid line just to get a phone that will be 2 generations behind in just 6 months, especially for a child. I'd pick them up a nice used iPhone on Swappa and go prepaid. An SE would be a nice size for a 9 year old.

 

[ssledoux]

I wouldn't commit myself to 30 months on a post-paid line just to get a phone that will be 2 generations behind in just 6 months, especially for a child. I'd pick them up a nice used iPhone on Swappa and go prepaid. An SE would be a nice size for a 9 year old.

Well, I doubt I’d go with an SE - that’s just older than I’d want. I probably wouldn’t do anything older than an 8 anyway. And honestly, I don’t have an issue with paying for the line because once he’s got a phone, it’s not like we will be getting rid of it. I would prefer to never have to worry about his not having minutes available away from home or anything like that. I have so many lines on my account, I’ll never notice that extra one. We have to have cellular on every device we own because of where we live and our horrible internet options, so I have lots of devices sharing unlimited data.

 

[Momof2.1107]

My 8yo daughter have the 11 64GB in purple. It’s not big for her to handle at all and she love the phone. I have her added to my account as well. I love that I can monitor her phone and whereabouts and keep in contact with her (especially with the way the world is now). It’s nothing wrong with him having the XR. Plus like you said it’s for him to get in contact with his mom.

 

[aue123]

this sounds more and more like a parenting advice topic rather than a phone topic. if it was legitimately a “emergency” type phone why wouldn’t the SE be good enough? holding on to the phone for 4 months defeats the purpose of emergency. and you underlying mentioned a worry about when the child visits the dads house, so obviously there is a trust issue between the mom and the biological father.

yes the XR is a good deal at $1. 🙄

as for the parenting stuff, see a clinical psychologist or a social worker

 

[ssledoux]

this sounds more and more like a parenting advice topic rather than a phone topic. if it was legitimately a “emergency” type phone why wouldn’t the SE be good enough? holding on to the phone for 4 months defeats the purpose of emergency. and you underlying mentioned a worry about when the child visits the dads house, so obviously there is a trust issue between the mom and the biological father.

yes the XR is a good deal at $1. 🙄

as for the parenting stuff, see a clinical psychologist or a social worker

This is NOT about parenting advice, and my daughter wants him to have a phone for her own peace of mind when he and his siblings are with their dad. It’s not a trust issue, but if anything ever happened and he couldn’t get into his dad’s phone to call, or if he just misses his mom or is upset in the middle of the night - whatever - dd just feels more comfortable with his having a phone to contact her.

And sure an SE is good enough for phone calls, but as I mentioned in the original post, he was asking for an iPod and camera, so I figured if I’m getting him a phone, why not get him one that can be all 3?
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Flip phone lol.

There was a time when it would’ve been considered ridiculous for a 9yo to have a flip phone also - when that also would’ve been over the top.

 

[nicho]

I love that I can monitor her phone and whereabouts and keep in contact with her (especially with the way the world is now).

Until it gets stolen, of course. Hopefully she doesn't get mugged or stabbed for it. You know, with the way the world is now.

 

[Expos of 1969]

but since he wants the camera and wanted an iPod anyway, why not just have one device to do it all?
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Go ahead. He wants it so he must receive it.

 

[ssledoux]

Go ahead. He wants it so he must receive it.

Yeah I mean it’s absolutely horrible/greedy/selfish for a child to express interest in having an iPod or digital camera. 🙄

HE has not asked for a new iPhone - let me just clarify. That’s ALL me. ALL me wondering why get him an older, used device and pay for connectivity on it instead of a new one that will cost me $30 + tax. I guess I should’ve known better than to ask the opinions of the high and mighty perfect souls on this board.

 

[DevinNj]

My 8yo daughter have the 11 64GB in purple. It’s not big for her to handle at all and she love the phone. I have her added to my account as well. I love that I can monitor her phone and whereabouts and keep in contact with her (especially with the way the world is now). It’s nothing wrong with him having the XR. Plus like you said it’s for him to get in contact with his mom.

^This. ^This. ^This. People need to stop giving parenting advice. This isn't Dr Phil. Again @ssledoux, you really don't need to justify your reasons for getting him a phone.

 

[ssledoux]

^This. ^This. ^This. People need to stop giving parenting advice. This isn't Dr Phil. Again @ssledoux, you really don't need to justify your reasons for getting him a phone.

You’re right. I really don’t. My question was about doing the XR because of the good deal - not really whether or not it was smart to get a phone for him period. I ordered it, got it today, and man the red on that XR is sharp!

Besides, I’m trying to do my part to keep the economy going. ;-p

 

[DevinNj]

You’re right. I really don’t. My question was about doing the XR because of the good deal - not really whether or not it was smart to get a phone for him period. I ordered it, got it today, and man the red on that XR is sharp!

Besides, I’m trying to do my part to keep the economy going. ;-p

I hear you! I got my son his first phone when he had just turned 8 and it's come in handy lots of times. Also with Verizon, we have control over that phone as far as when and what he can use it for. So it's not like tossing him the car keys and saying "have at it". Last year he got a XR and it is a great phone, for that price you paid, I'd say you did well!

 

[maerz001]

Seems you made your decision anyway. Why even bothering opening a new thread?

still i have a problem with helicopter mamas. If u really think u can trust in a phone more then the biological father there is more wrong then spending money on the suboptimal phone. Is it a SE, XR or some android device...

 

[ssledoux]

Seems you made your decision anyway. Why even bothering opening a new thread?

still i have a problem with helicopter mamas. If u really think u can trust in a phone more then the biological father there is more wrong then spending money on the suboptimal phone. Is it a SE, XR or some android device...

I started the thread BEFORE I made the decision. And I’m his grandmother. My daughter is NOT a helicopter Mom just because she would like her kids to be able to contact her if they feel they need to (or just WANT to).

But thanks for your opinion.
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I hear you! I got my son his first phone when he had just turned 8 and it's come in handy lots of times. Also with Verizon, we have control over that phone as far as when and what he can use it for. So it's not like tossing him the car keys and saying "have at it". Last year he a XR and it is a great phone, for that price you paid, I'd say you did well!

Yeah there will be some strict limits set on it for sure.

 

[jbachandouris]

My wife washed her iPhone 8 so her choice is either an XR or an Xs.

XR is $1, Xs is $5 per month.

 

[ssledoux]

My wife washed her iPhone 8 so her choice is either an XR or an Xs.

XR is $1, Xs is $5 per month.

I saw that! And XS Max $15 - not bad!

 

[Momof2.1107]

Until it gets stolen, of course. Hopefully she doesn't get mugged or stabbed for it. You know, with the way the world is now.

My daughter is 8 and don’t go any places without an adult. That was so out of line saying hopefully she’s doesn’t mugged or stabbed.

 

[nicho]

My daughter is 8 and don’t go any places without an adult. That was so out of line saying hopefully she’s doesn’t mugged or stabbed.

I see. You’re right. Adults are impervious to crime and so she’ll be absolutely fine with a shiny toy. And there’s absolutely no chance it could get stolen at school.