Why getting my 11-year-old a phone was the best parenting decision I made

Does you daughter suddenly have no time to answer your texts? (Dreamstime)

There was never any question in my mind that when our daughter started middle school, we would get her a smartphone. My husband and I work in technology-related fields and knew the benefits and drawbacks to getting her a phone at age 11. 

Instead of pledging to Wait Until 8th – delaying the introduction of a smartphone – we've spent the middle school years actively discussing and navigating the perceived dangers of the device while enjoying the unexpected advantages of it as a communication tool to strengthen our relationship. And you know what? It's been one of the best parenting decisions we've ever made.