No land line - what to give our kids for emergencies when they're (1 Viewer)

[FUBAR]

Our oldest sons are at the age where we're becoming more comfortable with them being home alone for an hour or so at a time.

We don't have a land line phone and want to give them a way to contact us or 911 in case of emergency.

The easiest way would probably be to buy a basic prepaid phone or install a landline, but what other methods work?

We're considering Skype through my old smartphone or computer, but I'm not sure how well that works.

We could use my old smartphone but that would cost $45 a month and really doesn't seem necessary.

Are there better options to the prepaid plans?

 

[GoFishTN]

What's "the age" exactly?

 

[Zow]

Prepaid cell for semi-emergencies to emergencies only seems the way to go.

 

[Pop Tart]

Our oldest sons are at the age where we're becoming more comfortable with them being home alone for an hour or so at a time.

We don't have a land line phone and want to give them a way to contact us or 911 in case of emergency.

The easiest way would probably be to buy a basic prepaid phone or install a landline, but what other methods work?

We're considering Skype through my old smartphone or computer, but I'm not sure how well that works.

We could use my old smartphone but that would cost $45 a month and really doesn't seem necessary.

Are there better options to the prepaid plans?

Landline hooked to this

The unit is around $95 after that all you pay is the tax your bill would have been. I've been paying around $3.45/mo for the past year, unlimited calls, nationwide calling....... all good

 

[Cjw_55106]

Usually my wife leaves her phone at home for said occasions.

 

[belljr]

I thought there was some cell phone provision that required any cell phone even without service and/or contract with the provider still can dial 911

 

[rodg12]

Only problem with VOIP and using it for emergencies is that if the power goes out...you're effed.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Usually my wife leaves her phone at home for said occasions.

This is a good solution.

I was extremely late to the whole cell phone industry, but when we finally broke down and got a family plan a few years ago, it really did make life a lot easier (and more expensive unfortunately). I think our kids were 12 and 9 when they got phones. How old are yours? You might find that you get more use out of them than you might expect.

Edit: Our kids have basic phones with no data plan. They don't need to be on Fade.

 

[-fish-]

Ting mobile is $6/month and then you only pay for minutes/texts you use. My 10 year old daughter has an old iphone 4 and her bill is usually $11/month.

 

[=Smackdown=]

Just got my 11yr old son his first phone entering middle school . . .

Check out AT&T and their Go Phone plan.

$29.95 a month for unlimited talk/text - pre-paid, no contract, go month to month.

Gave him chores to pay for the monthly service.

We did not want him having a data plan

Free basic cell phone

2-3 months in and it's working well.

 

[NutterButter]

Love to know the age we're talking about. I'd think anyone that's old enough to be left alone would have at least a basic cell phone.

 

[AcerFC]

Google phone number so they can call from the computer

 

[FUBAR]

What's "the age" exactly?

Twelve. Responsible enough for short periods.

 

[FUBAR]

Love to know the age we're talking about. I'd think anyone that's old enough to be left alone would have at least a basic cell phone.

Prepaid maybe, but they won't use it often enough for a contract. When they get to that point, they can pay for it.

 

[FUBAR]

Usually my wife leaves her phone at home for said occasions.

Doesn't really work when mom and dad are in different places.

 

[NCCommish]

Love to know the age we're talking about. I'd think anyone that's old enough to be left alone would have at least a basic cell phone.

Prepaid maybe, but they won't use it often enough for a contract. When they get to that point, they can pay for it.

I am going to guess if you got them text and talk no data they would use the heck out of it. Pretty much every kid I know that old has a phone. But of course your child your call just sayin'.

 

[FUBAR]

Love to know the age we're talking about. I'd think anyone that's old enough to be left alone would have at least a basic cell phone.

Prepaid maybe, but they won't use it often enough for a contract. When they get to that point, they can pay for it.

I am going to guess if you got them text and talk no data they would use the heck out of it. Pretty much every kid I know that old has a phone. But of course your child your call just sayin'.

Maybe but we don't really want them using it that much.

 

[NCCommish]

Love to know the age we're talking about. I'd think anyone that's old enough to be left alone would have at least a basic cell phone.

Prepaid maybe, but they won't use it often enough for a contract. When they get to that point, they can pay for it.

I am going to guess if you got them text and talk no data they would use the heck out of it. Pretty much every kid I know that old has a phone. But of course your child your call just sayin'.

Maybe but we don't really want them using it that much.

Out of curiosity why? I understand not wanting the data plan for them but the talking part I don't get. Especially at that age where socializing is becoming a huge part of their lives.

 

[FUBAR]

Love to know the age we're talking about. I'd think anyone that's old enough to be left alone would have at least a basic cell phone.

Prepaid maybe, but they won't use it often enough for a contract. When they get to that point, they can pay for it.

I am going to guess if you got them text and talk no data they would use the heck out of it. Pretty much every kid I know that old has a phone. But of course your child your call just sayin'.

Maybe but we don't really want them using it that much.

Out of curiosity why? I understand not wanting the data plan for them but the talking part I don't get. Especially at that age where socializing is becoming a huge part of their lives.

Really that's a good question.

Data is our main issue

 

[NutterButter]

Love to know the age we're talking about. I'd think anyone that's old enough to be left alone would have at least a basic cell phone.

Prepaid maybe, but they won't use it often enough for a contract. When they get to that point, they can pay for it.

Don't kids still talk on the phone at that age. I know I was on the phone a lot talking to girls.

 

[NCCommish]

Love to know the age we're talking about. I'd think anyone that's old enough to be left alone would have at least a basic cell phone.

Prepaid maybe, but they won't use it often enough for a contract. When they get to that point, they can pay for it.

I am going to guess if you got them text and talk no data they would use the heck out of it. Pretty much every kid I know that old has a phone. But of course your child your call just sayin'.

Maybe but we don't really want them using it that much.

Out of curiosity why? I understand not wanting the data plan for them but the talking part I don't get. Especially at that age where socializing is becoming a huge part of their lives.

Really that's a good question.

Data is our main issue

Well you can get just talk and text plans pretty cheap with cheap phones. Kids I know lose a lot of phones or break them so I wouldn't get them an I-Phone. Again your child you call but it really seems like they will be way out of the social loop. Not that that is always bad I guess.

 

[Aerial Assault]

Got phones for SO's young niece/nephew recently (14 and 12) as a favor to her sis. They each lost one (1) phone within two (2) months. So get the insurance plan for sure.

 

[FUBAR]

Love to know the age we're talking about. I'd think anyone that's old enough to be left alone would have at least a basic cell phone.

Prepaid maybe, but they won't use it often enough for a contract. When they get to that point, they can pay for it.

I am going to guess if you got them text and talk no data they would use the heck out of it. Pretty much every kid I know that old has a phone. But of course your child your call just sayin'.

Maybe but we don't really want them using it that much.

Out of curiosity why? I understand not wanting the data plan for them but the talking part I don't get. Especially at that age where socializing is becoming a huge part of their lives.

Really that's a good question.Data is our main issue

Well you can get just talk and text plans pretty cheap with cheap phones. Kids I know lose a lot of phones or break them so I wouldn't get them an I-Phone. Again your child you call but it really seems like they will be way out of the social loop. Not that that is always bad I guess.

We don't even have IPhones. Just got a galaxy s5. They haven't said their friends all have phones but a few do.

 

[NCCommish]

Love to know the age we're talking about. I'd think anyone that's old enough to be left alone would have at least a basic cell phone.

Prepaid maybe, but they won't use it often enough for a contract. When they get to that point, they can pay for it.

I am going to guess if you got them text and talk no data they would use the heck out of it. Pretty much every kid I know that old has a phone. But of course your child your call just sayin'.

Maybe but we don't really want them using it that much.

Out of curiosity why? I understand not wanting the data plan for them but the talking part I don't get. Especially at that age where socializing is becoming a huge part of their lives.

Really that's a good question.Data is our main issue

Well you can get just talk and text plans pretty cheap with cheap phones. Kids I know lose a lot of phones or break them so I wouldn't get them an I-Phone. Again your child you call but it really seems like they will be way out of the social loop. Not that that is always bad I guess.

We don't even have IPhones. Just got a galaxy s5. They haven't said their friends all have phones but a few do.

S5 is pretty nice phone. IIRC your military. Are they on base or off? If they are on base that may be the difference. Because I got to say I see a lot of 12-13 yr olds around here with phones and nicer phones than I have ever owned.

 

[rick6668]

Ting mobile is $6/month and then you only pay for minutes/texts you use. My 10 year old daughter has an old iphone 4 and her bill is usually $11/month.

This

 

[FUBAR]

Love to know the age we're talking about. I'd think anyone that's old enough to be left alone would have at least a basic cell phone.

Prepaid maybe, but they won't use it often enough for a contract. When they get to that point, they can pay for it.

I am going to guess if you got them text and talk no data they would use the heck out of it. Pretty much every kid I know that old has a phone. But of course your child your call just sayin'.

Maybe but we don't really want them using it that much.

Out of curiosity why? I understand not wanting the data plan for them but the talking part I don't get. Especially at that age where socializing is becoming a huge part of their lives.

Really that's a good question.Data is our main issue

Well you can get just talk and text plans pretty cheap with cheap phones. Kids I know lose a lot of phones or break them so I wouldn't get them an I-Phone. Again your child you call but it really seems like they will be way out of the social loop. Not that that is always bad I guess.

We don't even have IPhones. Just got a galaxy s5. They haven't said their friends all have phones but a few do.

S5 is pretty nice phone. IIRC your military. Are they on base or off? If they are on base that may be the difference. Because I got to say I see a lot of 12-13 yr olds around here with phones and nicer phones than I have ever owned.

Wife just told me I'm wrong, many kids his age do have phones but also many others don't. He just hasn't complained.

We'll probably get a cheap no data phone.

 

[Fennis]

burner phone

 

[Osaurus]

I think hipsters are bringing back Flag Semaphore.

 

[Mr.Pack]

Ting mobile is $6/month and then you only pay for minutes/texts you use. My 10 year old daughter has an old iphone 4 and her bill is usually $11/month.

I've been using Ting for a few months now.

 

[The Big Guy]

you can get a VOIP like Vonage and for the overkill purpose, you can get a battery back up for the cable modem, vonage modem and cordless phone base for any power outage moments. Approx 10/month gets a big open home phone line.

 

[Mr. Ected]

you can get a VOIP like Vonage and for the overkill purpose, you can get a battery back up for the cable modem, vonage modem and cordless phone base for any power outage moments. Approx 10/month gets a big open home phone line.

Used Vonage for a long time, very pleased with it. Had to get a landline for alarm in new house. Check with cable co for bundle cost. May not be as much as you think.

 

[MC Gas Money]

Why are so many conflicted when it comes to getting their child he/shes first phone?

What are the common concerns?

 

[Fennis]

Why are so many conflicted when it comes to getting their child he/shes first phone?

What are the common concerns?

Did you have a phone as a kid?

 

[renesauz]

Why are so many conflicted when it comes to getting their child he/shes first phone?

What are the common concerns?

Did you have a phone as a kid?

Most of us didn't have our own cellphones, but we DID have a housephone.

My 12 y.o has his own phone. It's a cheap basic phone with talk and text (NO DATA)

 

[FUBAR]

Why are so many conflicted when it comes to getting their child he/shes first phone?

What are the common concerns?

Did you have a phone as a kid?

Most of us didn't have our own cellphones, but we DID have a housephone.My 12 y.o has his own phone. It's a cheap basic phone with talk and text (NO DATA)

It's a question of whether they need it, whether it's worth paying for, and whether we trust them not to lose it. There's a difference for us between trusting that they will be okay for an hour or two alone vs. Not losing something. Cheap phone without data might be the best answer.

 

[VA703]

telnet

 

[heckmanm]

Ting mobile is $6/month and then you only pay for minutes/texts you use. My 10 year old daughter has an old iphone 4 and her bill is usually $11/month.

This

Another vote for Ting. We use it for our kids.

Data can get pricey pretty quickly, but you can configure it to cap talk/text/data (by individual phone if you need to) and alert you and/or disable that feature when they hit a certain point. For example, 1-100MB is $3, 101-500 is $12, so you can put an alert at 80 and a hard cap at 95 so you don't get a surprise. Or disable data altogether.

My referral link for a $25 credit. :shamelessplug:

 

[dgreen]

Google phone number so they can call from the computer

Our kids will call from their own gmail account. Works well.

We also have an old, crappy flip phone lying around somewhere. I think it's currently lost, though.

 

[Jaysus]

use the old cell phone and VOIP... 911 will still work in the case of a true emergency when the power is out.

This seems like a no-brainer to me.

 

[matuski]

What's "the age" exactly?

Twelve. Responsible enough for short periods.

I was babysitting other kids at 12.

 

[FUBAR]

What's "the age" exactly?

Twelve. Responsible enough for short periods.

I was babysitting other kids at 12.

right, as does he - three younger brothers. We won't leave our 3 year old home with him yet, but that's because he's Stewie.

 

[matuski]

What's "the age" exactly?

Twelve. Responsible enough for short periods.

I was babysitting other kids at 12.

right, as does he - three younger brothers. We won't leave our 3 year old home with him yet, but that's because he's Stewie.

Hah, got it. Just saying you seem to be underestimating a 12 year old's ability to be responsible.

 

[FUBAR]

What's "the age" exactly?

Twelve. Responsible enough for short periods.

I was babysitting other kids at 12.

right, as does he - three younger brothers. We won't leave our 3 year old home with him yet, but that's because he's Stewie.

Hah, got it. Just saying you seem to be underestimating a 12 year old's ability to be responsible.

have you met my son?

 

[Bucks]

For safety "emergency only" there are pros and cons to both VOIP and cell phone.

Voip is nice because you can setup a permanent wall phone or base stations to make it quick and easy for anyone to find in a real emergency whether it be your kids, baby sitters, or other vistors. But VOIP is dependent on power and working internet service. The very first time we left my daughter home alone was just before dark one evening and sure enough, as soon as it got dark the power went out. She called me by cell phone and stayed on the line with her until I got home.

Cell phone's aren't dependent on home power or internet but are easily misplaced, run out of charge, and during a wide area emergency the cell towers are over loaded so making an outgoing call can be delayed.

I suggest you do both using inexpensive solutions. So you are going cheap but have a failover. The ooma mentioned above is nice and simple for the VOIP. For the cell I suggest looking at Telnamobile.com. I have my daughter on this service. They are a t-mobile MVNO. I pay $19 per year flat rate with no additional monthly fixed charge. This provides dial-tone, 1000 outgoing text messages per month, and unlimited incoming text messages. I'm billed $0.05/minute for talk time months that there is any activity.

 

[Fennis]

Why are so many conflicted when it comes to getting their child he/shes first phone?

What are the common concerns?

Did you have a phone as a kid?

Most of us didn't have our own cellphones, but we DID have a housephone.My 12 y.o has his own phone. It's a cheap basic phone with talk and text (NO DATA)

It's a question of whether they need it, whether it's worth paying for, and whether we trust them not to lose it. There's a difference for us between trusting that they will be okay for an hour or two alone vs. Not losing something. Cheap phone without data might be the best answer.

You both got it wrong. It was a question of causation.

 

[FUBAR]

Why are so many conflicted when it comes to getting their child he/shes first phone?

What are the common concerns?

Did you have a phone as a kid?

Most of us didn't have our own cellphones, but we DID have a housephone.My 12 y.o has his own phone. It's a cheap basic phone with talk and text (NO DATA)

It's a question of whether they need it, whether it's worth paying for, and whether we trust them not to lose it. There's a difference for us between trusting that they will be okay for an hour or two alone vs. Not losing something. Cheap phone without data might be the best answer.

You both got it wrong. It was a question of causation.

color me shuked.

 

[Fennis]

Why are so many conflicted when it comes to getting their child he/shes first phone?

What are the common concerns?

Did you have a phone as a kid?

Most of us didn't have our own cellphones, but we DID have a housephone.My 12 y.o has his own phone. It's a cheap basic phone with talk and text (NO DATA)

It's a question of whether they need it, whether it's worth paying for, and whether we trust them not to lose it. There's a difference for us between trusting that they will be okay for an hour or two alone vs. Not losing something. Cheap phone without data might be the best answer.

You both got it wrong. It was a question of causation.

color me shuked.

If MC had a phone when he was a kid, you might want to give giving your kid one a second thought. Otherwise in 10 years your kid could be on the internet drawing dongs and pissing everyone off.

 

[matuski]

What's "the age" exactly?

Twelve. Responsible enough for short periods.

I was babysitting other kids at 12.

right, as does he - three younger brothers. We won't leave our 3 year old home with him yet, but that's because he's Stewie.

Hah, got it. Just saying you seem to be underestimating a 12 year old's ability to be responsible.

have you met my son?

I don't believe so... you seem to trust he won't lose a little brother when left at home, but a cheap phone crosses the line?

 

[Corporation]

Our oldest sons are at the age where we're becoming more comfortable with them being home alone for an hour or so at a time.

We don't have a land line phone and want to give them a way to contact us or 911 in case of emergency.

The easiest way would probably be to buy a basic prepaid phone or install a landline, but what other methods work?

We're considering Skype through my old smartphone or computer, but I'm not sure how well that works.

We could use my old smartphone but that would cost $45 a month and really doesn't seem necessary.

Are there better options to the prepaid plans?

Landline hooked to thisThe unit is around $95 after that all you pay is the tax your bill would have been. I've been paying around $3.45/mo for the past year, unlimited calls, nationwide calling....... all good

We've used Ooma for 3 years now, it is awesome. Works with your regular phones.