So, I'm really not that out of step...

(editors note: for those new to the blog, weekend posts are usually off topic, meant to share fun, cool, humorous, off-topic things.)

I almost fell for it, my daughters had come very close to convincing us that we were soooo out of step with "the norm" when it came to cell phones, that the rules in our house were not even close to what was going on in the real world.

Then a friend sent me these "Cell Phone Rules" and the more I read them and the more I shared them with others I learned that in fact many other parents use the same/similar guidelines.

So I am sharing them here today to let you know you are not alone, nor are you out of step with reality no matter what your kids might say!

;)

Phone Rules:

1. It is my phone. I bought it. I paid for it. I am loaning it to you.

2. I will always have access to it.

3. It’s a phone, if it rings, answer it. Say hello and goodbye, use your manners. Don't ever ignore a phone call if the screen reads "Mom" or "Dad". Not ever.

4. Hand your phone to one of your parents at 8:30pm on school nights and at 10:00pm on weekends. It will be shut off for the night and returned to you at 7:30am. If you would not make a call to someone's land line because of the time, then don't call or text their cell phone. Listen to those instincts and respect other families like we would like to be respected.

5. It does not go to school with you. Have a conversation with the person you are next to. It's a really important life skill.

6. If it falls into the toilet, smashes on the ground, or vanishes into thin air, you are responsible for the replacement costs or the repairs.

7. Do not use this technology to lie, fool, or deceive another human being. Do not involve yourself in conversations that are hurtful to others. Before all else be a good friend first.

8. Do not text, email, or say anything through this device that you would not say in person, or in front of your grandmother.

9. No porn.

10. Turn it off, silence it, and put it away in a restaurant, at the movies, or while speaking with another human being. You are not a rude person; do not allow the cell phone to change that.

11. Do not send or receive pictures of your private parts or those of anyone else. Don't laugh, because it’s not funny. Someday you will be tempted to do this despite your high intelligence. It is risky and could ruin your teenage/college/adult life. It will always be a bad idea. Cyberspace is vast and more powerful than you. Once out there you’ll never be able to make that picture (or your bad reputation) disappear.

12. Don't take a zillion pictures and videos. There is no need to document every single thing you do online. Actually live your life experiences. Store those moments in your head, NOT on your phone.

13. Be brave… leave your phone home on occasion and feel safe and secure in that decision. It is not alive nor should it be an extension of you. Learn to live without it. Be bigger and more powerful than FOMO -- fear of missing out.

14. Download music that is new or classic or something different than what the millions of your peers are listening to. Your generation has access to music like never before in history. Take advantage of that gift. Expand your horizons.

15. Play a game with words or puzzles or brain teasers every now and then.

16. Keep your eyes up when you walk, take in the world around you. Stare out a window. Listen to the birds. Day dream. Take a walk. Actually talk to people. Wonder without googling.

17. Once in awhile you’ll mess up and I will take your phone away. We’ll sit down and talk about it, and then we’ll start over again. You and I, we are always learning. I am on your team. I am your biggest champion. We are in this together.

I hope you enjoyed reading these as much as I did and remember, we'll change the world because we made the difference in the life of our children.