Boys,
A few weeks ago, your mom decided that we needed this thing called a Tin Can phone. It looks like a phone I would have had when I was growing up, except it’s a cool neon green color. It has a cord that connects the phone piece to the base, and all the buttons old phones used to have (numbers, hash tag, little star). When you pick it up, there is a dial tone and when you press the buttons, they beep like old phones used to as well. Aside from the color, the only difference is that there are two “speed dial” buttons.
A few weeks ago, your friends’ moms also decided that they needed Tin Can phones. Your cousins just got a Tin Can phone, too. Tin Can phones can call other Tin Can phones, and can also call non-Tin Can phones.
Long story short, we go a new old phone.
We have a list of phone numbers taped to this little end table upstairs by your bathroom where the phone sits. So now, you boys can pretty much call anyone in your life. However, I’d say 90% of the incoming and outgoing phone calls are to either Nash + Lucy or Miles + Ella.
When we get a phone call, there is usually a scurry as to who will get to answer the phone accompanied by some insults shouted at whoever is nearest to the phone from the other. It’s almost like we haven’t figured out a way for one person to answer and for there to be a peaceful exchange if the person calling is trying to get ahold of the other.
“Hi Reagan, is Koen there?”
“Well he is, and he’s right here, but I picked up the phone so I’m not quite sure how we move forward from here.”
“Good point. Guess we’ll try again some other time.”
It’s fun to listen to you guys talk to your friends because it’s exactly what you’d expect. Just a lot of “do you want to come over or play outside” would top the charts. Koen, you like to talk just to talk, so you’ll BS for a bit before deciding you’re done.
One unintended side effect of having the phones and, more accurately, having you two making plans with your friends, is there is a new level of comfortability with kids moving in and out of houses.
The other day, I was watching something on TV. All of a sudden, I turn around and see Ella there by our front door. Apparently, she saw Reagan and Miles outside playing, so she wanted to play with Koen (not sure if an agreement was made earlier, but no phone call was made prior to entry).
“Oh hi, Ella. What are you up to?”
“I want to play with Koen. My shoes are stuck.”
“Oh. Does he know that?”
“Not yet.”
“Do you want help with your shoes?”
“Yep.”
I help her get her shoes off and yell up to Koen that Ella is here. You runs out of your room and just go about your day.
So the phones are a hit, but like all technology, there are some snags. Apparently, if you don’t push the numbers fast enough, the phone will either dial someone else’s phone or not connect to the person you’re trying to call. Koen, you have an especially hard time with this because if you’re not speed dialing one of your friends and have to look at the phone number then push the buttons, it’s a struggle.
We Also Have Smart Watches
Aside from the phone, we also have smart watches (well, the olders did). So, not only can we call our friends from our “landline,” (it actually runs on wifi) but we can call our friends while we’re out and about in the world. The other day, I was working outside while you guys were playing with Miles and Ella. Admittedly, I was only paying half attention to what all was going on, but I basically catch you want to push the littles down to Pinetree Park in the red wagon.
I’m sure I grumble some form of understanding and sign off on the plan. A few minutes later, I get a phone call from Reagan’s watch.
Me: hello?
Reagan (breathlessly): can me and Miles take Koen and Ella to Nash’s house?
Me: Yes……wait, no. I mean, I don’t care if you go down, but Miles and Ella have to ask their parents…wait… I don’t care if you go but I don’t want Koen going without your mom or me.”
A minute later, I see Reagan on his bike with Oakley’s dog leash strapped to the red wagon pulling both Koen and Ella. Fortunately you were on a sidewalk. Unfortunately, you were stuck in the groove between the sidewalk and the grass where someone aggressively edged. I think Miles and Ella had to go home, and I had Koen get out. I expressed how I didn’t think it was a great idea, especially when you tried to attach the leash to the chain on your bike.
However, you being eight means you know all and just need to show me so that my big dumb brain will understand. While I don’t let you ride on with the wagon being tethered to the bike chain, I allow you to show me how you can tow the wagon back home — we were only across the street and two houses down.
We get the wagon out of the grass, and you take off. The wagon, with it’s plastic wheels and thin metal bracing, just jankety-janks behind you as it crunches and crashes over curbs and ridges between the road and the sidewalk. Somehow, the thing doesn’t fall onto it’s side, but I have to remind you that treating the wagon like it punched your grandma is probably not the best way to make it last.
But what I do appreciate about the phone and the watches is that it’s opened up some freedom for you and your friends that you didn’t have last year. It reminds me of when I was a kid and I was able to just go wherever I wanted as long as I told my parents. Unfortunately, the world has changed a bit to where it’s harder for us parents to allow that sort of freedom for you. I’d love to just tell you to be back by dinner and not know where you are and let you explore the world as you see fit. So the trade off now is that we can let you make plans and explore, but we can also see where you are and make sure you get there safely.
Technology is fun, whether it’s a blast from the past or something cool and new that I never got to do when I was your age. Ultimately, it’s just another thing that reminds me that you two are growing up and you won’t be young forever.
Don’t let it happen to fast!
Love you boys,
Dad
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