Telephones “Umbilical Cords” (Ages 3-8)
They are reproducing faster than rabbits. There are more than 500 million in the world, now. They began gradually, with one usually “tied-up” in the kitchen. Soon they were attached all over the house: master bedroom, living room, kitchen, and even bathrooms! Then they broke loose and became portable, roaming the house freely. Now they have found their way into automobiles, shirt pockets, and purses.
What is it about the telephone that requires us to have so many and to keep them so near at hand? Could the telephone represent the umbilical cord, regression back to a time that made us feel secure and connected? Possibly. Could it be that children’s fascination with the phone might also be symbolic of the umbilical cord, but in their case represents breaking theirs, as the phone allows them expansion and the freedom to venture outside their confined world? Possibly. (Push a few buttons; hear a disembodied voice—a large body in the little phone?) Or could it be the author has read too much Freud? Probably.
Be that as it may, you will find your children more involved with the phone than a telemarketer is. So you might as well join them—because you can’t beat them—and encourage some constructive and entertaining activities to channel their inquisitive energies. Here are 10 that work well:
1. Learning manners: Teach proper phone etiquette.
2. Taking messages: They can practice their letters and numbers (John: 555–1234).
3. Handling Emergencies: Learn 911, your address, and telephone number.
4. Playing with walkie-talkies: 2 phones + 2 children = 2 magpies.
5. Pleasing relatives: Call often to warm the hearts of Grandma and Grandpa.
6. Playing make believe (unconnected phone): For pretend conversations.
7. Learning about the insides (spare phone): Bells, wires, speaker (take apart and reassemble)
8. Maintaining friendships: Talk to friends (might save you a rainy-day drive to their house).
9. Talking on the “car” phone (spare phone): Long trips will seem shorter when they’re occupied.
10. Talking on the presidential phone (unconnected phone): They can run the country.
TIP: Has your portable phone “roamed” out-of-sight with possibly some help from your children? Then pick up one of your connected phones, call a friend, and have he or she call you. Then just follow the ringing to your maverick phone.
Rex Bowlby is the father of two boys. He is the author of the book, Why Would I Want the Toy, When I Can Have the Box? (101 Ways to Make the Most of Your Children, With the Least from Your Wallet*) *For parents with children ages 3-8. He lives in Los Angeles, California, USA.