When our children started getting older and going off to mission trips and then to college, we wanted them to be able to contact us. We really missed them and hoped they missed us too. We wanted to drop all barriers for communication so they had no good excuses for not calling their poor 'ol mom.
So, in an effort to do this my sweet hubby got us the hook up with an 800 number. Now the kiddos ( or anyone else) could call us from anywhere. It has come in very handy. We still have it, even though the kids all live locally. It is great for when they go on vacation or -I do ( Texas at the end of the month).
It might not be for everyone but -- it works for me!!!
Go visit Shannon for other great tips!
There are nine of us kids. We are all grown and married and scattered over the US. Because of this my mother got an 800 number so we could all call her. It's a lovely idea.
Posted by: mrs darling | October 04, 2006 at 01:30 AM
Great tip! Just out of curiosity, how much does it cost to have an 800 number? Does it get expensive?
Posted by: Overwhelmed! | October 04, 2006 at 01:41 AM
As silly as it is, I never knew you could get an 800 number for personal use. I love this idea and will keep it in mind. Thanks for sharing! =)
Posted by: Larae | October 04, 2006 at 01:59 AM
My parents did this when I was in college it was great!!
Posted by: Laurel Wreath | October 04, 2006 at 09:38 AM
My dad used to be a truck driver, and he got an 800 number for the home. This was before the big "cell phone boom," so it saved money for him to call home every night. Then, I used it when I went away to college. The phone company matched the 800 number closely with the regular home number, so it was pretty easy to remember too!
Posted by: mari | October 04, 2006 at 10:05 AM
We actually got one for our website. It makes it seem like we have a business, rather than just a mom who stays from home. Great tip though- I wouldn't have thought to share it with our children when they are older.
Thanks for sharing!!
Posted by: Amy | October 04, 2006 at 10:46 AM
I think that this is a great idea even for people with younger children who might visit out of town relatives or just go to camp each year...what an easy way for them to contact you!
Thanks for posting!
Posted by: Tracy | October 04, 2006 at 11:20 AM
It's a wonderful idea but so is chaining them to the sofa and never letting them leave the house. And my idea saves money too. (Except on food, they tend to eat more when they are sitting there all day.)
Posted by: Lauren | October 04, 2006 at 01:29 PM
We did this when my daughter hit junior high. We didn't want her to have a cell phone yet but we wanted her to be able to phone home from whatever phone she could if she needed us. It's great! And really inexpensive!
Posted by: Susanne | October 04, 2006 at 03:18 PM