An angry brother hits his sister. Siblings call each other names. Mom snaps at Dad over dinner. We often teach our kids to solve these conflicts with little more than the magical, amazing word, "Sorry." Before long, the kids begin to believe it can even make the consequences for their choices disappear (since it often does), so they use it...a lot! 

We have taught our kids to stop using the word "Sorry." Well, sort of. 

Like modern American preteens, my kids have all asked for iPhones. This was good as it has led to several conversations about what it means to have a phone and more importantly about responsibility and stewardship. My children are 10 and 11. Are they ready? How do parents decide?