What do you do for a phone for your kids at home?
Our kids are getting to the age where we can leave them at home alone for short stretches. Currently we have no landline and the kids don't have their own phones (that's a battle for another time). Thinking of getting an old school Bell Home Phone which is pretty reliable and works when the power is out/internet is down. This would give them a number they could give out to their friends, and would be the most reliable solution in an emergency. Unfortunately it's $50+ a month which seems steep.
Other alternative is a household cell phone on a voice/text only plan. Not sure if I like that idea. Seems to be a gateway for kids having their own cell phones, which is a non-starter at this point. Can also see the kids fighting over who gets to take it with them when they are going out in different directions. Also not sure if 911 is as reliable.
Wondering what others have done with kids in a similar age range (i.e. old enough to be alone for short time periods, but too young to have their own cell).
Other alternative is a household cell phone on a voice/text only plan. Not sure if I like that idea. Seems to be a gateway for kids having their own cell phones, which is a non-starter at this point. Can also see the kids fighting over who gets to take it with them when they are going out in different directions. Also not sure if 911 is as reliable.
Wondering what others have done with kids in a similar age range (i.e. old enough to be alone for short time periods, but too young to have their own cell).