We have a rising sixth grader and she's been really good about not pushing for a phone.

She knows it's off the table for now.

But as her friends increasingly get them, it was a popular fifth grade graduation gift around here, We just want to be equipped so that when it comes

up we know it's not an if it's a when. We know how to handle the questions of why can't

I have one now and when am I going to get one and you know if you think I'm not

mature enough why are they mature enough to have one? So we just want to be able to have some good

sort of scripts to explain this to her beyond oh we as a

family are going to wait you know different families different choices only goes so far

with an 11 year olds.

When do I give my kid a phone? What age is the best age to give a phone?

My kid is the only one who's not going to have a phone.

I can't even tell you how many voice notes I've gotten about phone-related dilemmas.

And so I want to get into it with all of you because I know it's on your mind and even if you

have a younger kid, it's so important to start thinking about how am I going to handle moments where my kid wants something and I don't want them to have it.

And how can I hold boundaries while staying connected to my kid, especially before they ask

about something so big like a phone. Today I'm talking to a mom who's been really

thoughtful about her media policy with her kid.

And at the same time, her kid is now starting middle school and is desperate for more access

and is desperate for a smartphone.

Today we're going to get into how to think through those decisions

and how to manage your kids questions and disappointment

and anger.

...