We are really in the future now.
I just gave my son, Charlie, a kids’ watch that doubles as a smartphone and I have been tracking his every move.
The Moochies watch is aimed for kids aged four up to 12-years-old, but I am getting on-trend early with my two-year-old toddler.
Charlie and I have called each other (from the other end of the lounge room) but the linked app parents can add up to 10 people that can call the watch and the child can call them.
The oversized digital watch also has a GPS tracker and a SOS call feature.
Moochies’ creators say it’s simpler than a mobile phone and Charlie has accidentally already left me a few voicemails.
It’s a novelty to him but he doesn’t understand that I am tracking his movements.
It is helicopter parenting but always knowing where he is doesn’t seem like a bad idea at all.
Helicopter vs free-range
However, my childhood was mobile phone free and I was raised free-range. I had full suburban range.
My brother and I roamed free to the shops, the ridge, the park, the bike path and the actual street.
Our afternoons were spent outside with tween neighbours, making the most of day-light saving.
I walked to school alone and I can’t remember my mother worrying about my safety - even when the magpies were terrifying.
Now when I face the process of letting go as a parent, I’ve noticed how tightly I hold on.
Top Comments
Wonder what sort of mother in law youll be?
I was a fre-range child of the 70s. My parents did worry about my safety. That's why my dad taught me to hit men in the crotch if they approached. Both parents drilled us on not talking to strangers, sticking together, sticking to the path (no trespassing), correctly identifying "safe" people and safety houses, and telling them where we were going. We also learnt a little about time management (don't take too long a potentially unsafe places) and be mindful of your surroundings especially places where paedophiles linger like toilets and playgrounds.
Kids were approached travelling to school. They screamed and fought just like they were presumeably taught.
People have a rose-coloured perspective looking back on the time. Kids were unsafe and parents tried to prepare them rather than shield them.
Parents today have it harder because fewer people are at home so their is less community surveillance.