Cell Phones for the Kids - an Easy and Inexpensive Aid

One thing I miss about living in California is that no one there had basements.  Now, I actually love having a basement where I can send my kids downstairs to play with their friends while it remains quiet in the main part of the house.  I also love that because all of their toys are downstairs, they aren't strewn all over the house - so it's easier to keep the house generally clean.  The problem that I have with basements is the entry way steps that come with every house!

What this means is that I am unable to access my neighbors front doors.  Why might this be a problem on most days?  Well, my kids love to play with their friends.  What to do when it's time for them to come home for dinner?  I can't just knock on the neighbor's door and get my kids.  So, our solution has been to get the kids a cell phone.  This seems to be quite effective.  At least one child always has the cell phone so that even if they aren't together, they can fetch each other.  They are really good about keeping their phone charged and on so that I can contact them whenever needed.  So, while they may seem too young to have their own cell phone, it works for our family.  It also serves as a great communication tool when they can just text or call me if they need anything when we aren't together, and it gives me peace of mind when they are riding their bikes or walking to and from school.

My kids have a basic cell phone (the least expensive I could get at the time) with a slide out keyboard.  They have NO data access, but unlimited texting.  I cannot imagine giving my kids unlimited internet access on their phones, nor the ability to send pictures to anyone besides myself.  Eliminating data has allowed me to restrict both of those options without having to pay for any kind of parental control plan.  They also have a warranty plan for any accidents that may arise, but after just over one year - the phone is holding up well!  This is the phone they have:

Do your kids have a phone?  What do you allow them to use it for/have access to?

Steering a Wheelchair with Your Tongue?!

Yep.  New technology is allowing people with spinal chord injuries to use a magnetic tongue piercing to control an electric wheelchair.  The user has to wear a headset to detect the movement.  Apparently the idea is that the tongue is not easily tired and not generally affected by spinal chord injuries because it has a direct connection to the brain via a cranial nerve.  Check out this article for more!

Accessible Cars

Why, oh why must accessible cars cost so much?  We have a 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan IMS conversion that we purchased new.  Needless to say, this has been our primary family car for nearly 10 years now, and it is in desperate need of replacement.  The door has never quite worked properly; and in this cold Utah weather, it certainly hasnn't gotten any better.  Our goal is to try and make this one last as long as possible, praying that the engine won't give out on us after 146,000 miles.  Then, we would like to try and pay CASH for the next one.  Now, we are not a rich family, so this feat of saving around $50,000 is going to take a lot of time, energy and discipline.  Anyone have any ideas on how to cut the costs?  Buying used is not an option - they usually have high mileage and are not very cost effective...  I have thought about purchasing from a company that converts used cars after market, but I honestly don't think that the quality of the conversion is as good as the vehicles that are converted as new.  Is there any assistance out there for purchase that I don't know about?

Baby Bjorn

When I had my babies this was my lifesaver.  I have a muscle disease that makes it difficult for me to lift, which is obviously a problem when you have an infant!  Thank goodness for my amazing sister in law, who was a huge help during the first couple of years.

But for those times when I did need to be home alone for short periods with my babies, this worked amazingly.  I would make sure that we had a fresh diaper change and a feeding before my husband left and put the baby in the carrier for up to a couple of hours.  Its easy to put on by yourself, as it fastens in the front.  The best part is, you can use it from newborn and up.  Before they had good head control, I would put the baby facing in, and help to support his/her head with my hand if needed. 

My babies loved this carrier.  My son would sit in the Bjorn all day, if I let him.  He liked to look out and see the world!  This was also great for shopping and running errands.  We used this thing more than we used the stroller, even.

You can find these at various retail stores, and often even at consignment stores.

Accessible Cribs

Oh, how this would have made things easier for me when my kids were babies!  I have heard of people making an accessible crib, but this one is already done for you.  This company has been around for years, and I never knew.  But for all of you that are looking for a crib - here is your answer:  The BabeeTenda crib.  It's convertible and comes complete with the mattress.  It has a latched gate system on the side, which is meant for toddlers to be able to climb in and out, but would work perfectly for parents with a wheelchair.  Plus, it comes in a variety of colors.  So, you have style and practicality!  They do not sell in regular retail stores, nor on their website.  I did find some on Amazon and eBay.