Yesterday I got an e-mail from my son's school teacher about two minor issues with my son in school. 

One - He sold a hand held toy skateboard (TechDeck) to a friend for $4.00.

Two- His cell phone rang.

Now you may think I want to complain.  I do and I don't.  The school has rules and I did my part at home to help them honor the rules.   I instructed my son he couldn't take his TeckDecks to school anymore and I'd be checking his pockets and bags every day. No fun, but it is part of being a parent.   As for his phone... my son is 11.  Only his mother and I have his number.  The phone company gave him a re-used number and he gets stray calls from time to time.  I'll get his number changed now.  But being 11, he doesn't remember to turn his phone on after school, so I told him to leave it on.  Now I have to turn his phone off every morning and hope he turns it on when he leaves school.  This is important as once he walks out, I can call him if it's cold or raining and I intend to pick him up.  No one likes driving around for their child when they got a ride with some other parent.  Now you are anxious and concerned for safety when you shouldn't have to be. 

The reality is these issues shouldn't be issues.  They are a big deal to schools because they have to cover their butt with everyone.  I'm told, "If the other parent doesn't want their son buying the toy, they could be liable." As for the phone, that makes sense to me.  Hundreds of kids phones ringing all day would be a disaster.  But ...   more »