Outrageous Cell phone bill!

      
          Have you invested in a Cellular phone to keep in contact with your child? 
Maybe you have decided it was time to keep closer tabs on your child and just in case you have an emergency they can be reached right away. 

While at school you can conveniently tell them to meet you at the far end of the parking lot or that "your going to be a little late". who knows maybe you just want to keep in touch with them and having them a button away make all the difference in the world. 

The outrageous bill is something every parent is faced with at sometime.
As more kids get cell phones the more the responsibilities falls on the parents to ensure they are following the "Plan".
Most carriers are claiming the nights and weekends are free and some are offering text messaging at a one time fee.
The problem is that your plan isn't like anyone else and your expecting your child to understand some mixed messages that most adults can't comprehend. 

Think back to the last time you were at the cellular store and someone is complaining that the bill is too high or why all the minutes are used up. The first thing that most store will state is that you need to upgrade to a new plan because the person is using all of his/hers minutes. 

The cell phone companies are banking on this misunderstanding and you are going to see sooner or later that there is no way out of it.  Advertising and the constant push that you and your child will need the latest phone puts you into a family talk plan or Network.
Here are some tips to help parents.

* Talk about your Plan and make sure they understand that each minute counts.

* What are the consequences of spending too much time on the phone.

* Inform them that every call counts and every text message from someone counts as a charge.
(because the will want to reply) btw pple alwys tlk 2 bffs :)

* If your not sure your child is ready for a phone then don't but one yet! Give them yours and your use a landline until you all agree the usage is ok for everyone.

* Monitor the time of  the calls and flash a sign to your child to "wrap it up" or make it short. You are the only defense against a long talker.

* Show the bill to your child and have them understand what is means by sharing minutes or rolling over minutes that are not used.

* Buy a Go phone or Pay as you go Phone.  Here are some links

http://www.prepaidreviews.com/cingular.html

http://www.cingular.com/cell-phone-service/go-phones/index.jsp

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