tiny bubble where your only interaction is with your parents and siblings sets you up for a myriad of challenges when you go to college. If all you’ve ever known is how to behave when mommy and daddy are looking over your shoulder good luck when you’re on your own.

I’d rather have my kids experience things with me as a support and sound board than to never experience them until they are on their own.

I’ve been anti smart phone for awhile, but as my wife and I have talked more about it, we’d rather be able to help our kids navigate a smart phone while they live under our roof than them getting one their first year in college not really knowing how to handle it.

We’ve got young kids so haven’t had to deal with it yet, but building a relationship of trust and honesty in these growing years will be a lot more beneficial than just hovering over them while they get no exposure to anything outside of their home.