The Digital Pacifier

I don’t know how many times I’ve found myself subconsciously handing my daughter my iPhone so she can play music or watch videos while I complete a task.  It is synonymous with giving candy to baby.  When you take it away, get ready for the next Armageddon.  My husband, on the other hand, never gives her access to his smart phone.  Sure, he’ll play a game with her on it or watch a short movie clip together, but he will never unlock the device and simply hand it over…carte blanche.  It is completely off limits unless he says otherwise.  So this morning, in the car, I did the inevitable.  “Mommy, can I play my favorite song??” and there it begins.  She proceeded to play her song, text Grandma and watch a Barbie cartoon on YouTube.  She was entranced in an episode of ‘Life in the Dreamhouse’ and when it came time to pull the plug, the meltdown ensued.  I should have known better.  My husband had to step in and address the issue.  He firmly stated that the phone is not her property and sent her to her room for a brief time-out.  He looked over at me and said “You know, your phone is not a pacifier.  The majority of her outbursts would diminish if you would not let her use it…simple as that.”  He was right and I knew it.  Now the real challenge is weaning a junior pre-tween off her version of a digital lollipop.  Wish me luck!