Viewers Voice: Mom makes contract with son over new cell phone

By Miriam Zamorano

CREATED Jan. 2, 2013

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  • Mom has rules for son's I Phone Video by fox4now.com

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 LEE COUNTY, Fla. - A mom treats her son to an iPhone for Christmas but not without a few restrictions. 

The boy had to sign a contract with her.

The writer, blogger and mother, Janell Hoffman came up with an 18 point contract for her oldest son, Gregg.

"It's just like her to put together all these rules, but not being like one of those strict parents. She's like preventing me from dangers of getting myself into too much trouble that I couldn't handle", said Gregg.

 

Some of the rules are basic like, don't use it to lie or fool another human being and no porn. Other rules are listen to the birds and wonder without googling.

 "I mean that without the iPhone. Just don't always be plugged in", said Hoffman.

Many in Southwest Florida support this kind of contract.

Mandy posted on our Facebook page, "I think it's a wise way to uphold a standard in today's youth. There is a responsibility in having nice things."

Kurt added,  "Her kid, her phone, her bill, her choice. Go mom." 

Roe thought there shouldn't be a contract but wrote, "Just tell him what the rules are and if he breaks them no phone. Why are parents so afraid to parent?"

Jane feared, "If he has restrictions it's most likely he would want to use it even more."

Coming from a teen herself, Chelsee wrote, "Show them that you trust them and just tell them what the rules are and what you expect and that you won't take any drastic measures until they give you a reason too."