Parenting 101: Kids and Phones!

My 'Creative Parenting' Prof.

When Dad spoke. We listened.

Most of the time.

But one ignored my father at one's own risk.

He could make his wishes known.

Creatively . . .

I had a boyfriend.

It was a new and exciting experience for me.

We would say good-bye at the school bus stop, get on our respective buses and head for home.

An hour later, we would be on the phone together.

Talking.

For hours.

Literally.

I should point out here that, in the 1960s, we had one phone line to the ranch.

And, because we were ultra-modern and progressive, two phones on that line.

One in the kitchen.

And one in my parents bedroom.

The epitome of modern convenience.

Back to my story . . .

I don't know what we found to talk about. But talk, we did. Until one or both of us was tagged for chores.

Or supper was announced.

Or our parents got annoyed.

My Mom was usually quite predictable, saying such things as, “Diane! Get off the phone! You've been on there for an hour!”

To which I would comply.

Eventually.

And under protest.

My Dad was a little more creative.

He would walk in the door, see me there on the phone, note the time, and leave the room.

That was my cue.

And my only warning.

I had seconds to say my good-byes.

Because Dad wanted me off the phone. And I wasn't going to like his methods.

They were . . . effective.

He would simply walk into his bedroom and turn on the radio.

Loudly.

Then take the phone receiver and lay it down beside said radio.

If I hadn't already ended my conversation, I did so then.

With a shouted good-bye and hastily cradled phone.

Mission accomplished.

Simply and elegantly, without a word being spoken.

Genius.