Things We Teach Kids: Cell Phone Drivers
June 30, 2009 by Eliza Ferree
Filed under Family, Parenting
Have you ever sat down and thought about what you teach your children on a daily basis? I mean, right now just think
IMG: Sxc.hu
I was chatting it up with a friend the other day and talking about the whole seat belt thing. I mean I’ve read where some have stated yes they should wear them but some kids just say no way. Another thought, those (on another site) stated they don’t wear them and never did as a child but expects their kids to do it. Think of the saying, “Monkey See, Monkey Do,” our kids are just the same way, they mimic everything we do. Granted sometimes we’ll tell them don’t do what I do but we all know it happens.
Today I want to chat about those cell phone drivers. How many of you have a cell phone? Wow, okay so just about everyone here. Now how many of you answer your cell while driving? Yeah, that’s what I thought. Those that do answer the cell do you chat long? Or do you quickly state, “I’m in the car, I’ll call ya later.” That line is mine, otherwise it gets ignored or I pull over.
But this is not always the case…trust me I know, I was stuck at a light (when it was our turn to go) because the lady in front of me couldn’t turn freely as her phone was in her hand. She had a hard time judging the traffic and turning her wheel. Had she got off the phone, she would’ve made it just perfectly. She stayed on the phone for at least the next four minutes as we drove down the road. The woman also had kids in her car, which made me sick because anything could’ve happened. But think about how often kids see their parents chatting on the cell in the car, while driving. Now think of how many accidents are caused when a teen drops their cell phone. Where did they learn it? I’m just saying….these are things we teach our children, even if we aren’t meaning to do it. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic.
Remembering that my children are always watching me and learning by example is a daily battle for me. There are times when I stub my toe and all I want to say is “sh*t!”, but I’ve had to resort to saying things like “ouch kabibbles” because I’ve been reminded by them one too many times that I shouldn’t say words like that.
You bring a good point with driving while on the cell phone. I don’t make a habit of it because I know that my attention is impaired when I am on the phone. I see so many women in their big SUVs with their phone glued to their ear. If not because of the safety hazard, then why not get off the phone to interact with your kids?
Too many people forget that cars are 2,000 pound metal killing machines and we need to wield them with caution and authority.
Great post…they really do watch everything we do and follow our lead.
Yes they do and they watch others as well. I mean they might think we are the boring parents and then see that “cool mom” that is always chatting it up while driving them around town. My kids actually don’t as they aren’t at the age yet but I know it happens as I’ve seen it.
@Linsey I know what ya mean the other day I hit a playpen wheel right between the two last toes. It hurt like heck, a blue ball (vein) swelled up and stayed that way for most of the day. It is still sore to the touch but there were many choice words I wanted to say but with so many ears I couldn’t. But that isn’t saying I haven’t done it before.