DD12 has just smashed her second phone this year (both screens completely shattered - one in her blazer pocket, one fell off her bunk bed). She’s now demanding a new one.
I said she could have a basic model until she’s more responsible, but she insists all her friends have iPhones and says she’ll be bullied if she turns up with “some Nokia from the war”. Her exact words.
I told her she can have the iPhone - but only if she pays the £18/month contract herself from her own money. She gets £5/week pocket money for doing chores - loading dishwasher, helping with laundry, feeding the cat - and usually spends it all within days on bubble tea and rubbish from the corner shop.
DH thinks I’m being too hard on her and that I’m trying to teach her grown-up lessons too early. He said she’s still a kid and we should just get the phone and “deal with the responsibility bit later”.
For context - she’s also lost her school jumper twice this term and cracked a Nintendo Switch screen by sitting on it. She’s a lovely girl but honestly not the most careful.
I think if she wants something that expensive, it’s fair she contributes, even if it takes her months. We’re not refusing to get her any phone - she just doesn’t want the basic one.
AIBU to stand firm? Or should we just get the iPhone and hope she looks after this one?
Genuinely torn. Curious what others would do.