When I was growing up, one of the first things parents taught their children to memorize was their phone number. That, plus learning how to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency, was a paramount safety skill.
Now, in the age of smart phones, I am wondering how dumb we may be getting. Yesterday I forgot and left my cell phone at home. I did not realize it until I was all the way at work. Using the office phone, I called home to ask my husband if my cell phone was there, and it was. I had left it right on the kitchen counter.
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I was expecting a call, that day, from my best friend. I wanted to let her know that she wouldn’t be able to reach me on my cell. Only problem was that I couldn’t remember her cell number. I had never memorized it because it was saved in my phone. So I emailed another friend [whose phone number I also did not know] to ask her to tell Ro what happened and I would catch up with her later.
What I discovered through this little debacle was that my “smart phone” was robbing me of basic skills, like learning and remembering phone numbers.
Now, this question is for you and your kids: do you all know your own phone number? What other important telephone numbers have you memorized? Time to brush up on them and teach some to your kids.
Memorizing Phone Numbers
- Memorize your own phone number, your spouse’s, your childrens’ and other close family and friends. Put a memo on your calendar to review those phone numbers every so often. For young children, make it a game with stickers or treats as prizes. It will be fun!
- Teach your children how to dial the phone properly and explain the parameters of when it is OK to call others and when it is not.
- Be sure that your children know their own telephone number, their parents / grandparents phone numbers and how to call 9-1-1.
- Make a list of important telephone numbers – family, friends, doctors, etc. – and tape it inside a kitchen cabinet where the entire family can access it.
These tips may seem silly but, I assure you, they are not. Another little reminder – keep that cell phone CHARGED! A dead phone is a waste of space.
Personally, we no longer have a land-line. We were economizing and I was happy to say “goodbye” to that monthly bill. On the other hand, land lines can become very handy if cell service were interrupted. Someday I may just get a landline again!
Do you know your phone number? How many phone numbers can you remember? #tips #safety #family Share on X
Enjoy!
