Peaceful summer holidays: why ThePhone is the ideal companion for your child at camp or at the grandparents' house

The anxiety of going on vacation in the digital age

Okay, I'm going to be honest with you. When my 12-year-old daughter Emma told me she wanted to go to camp this summer, my first reaction wasn't, "Oh, great, my darling is going to thrive!" No. My first thought was, "Damn, how are we going to stay in touch?"

And then there was THE debate. You know, the one that divides every family in July: should we or shouldn't we give our child a phone when they go on vacation? My husband was adamant: "There's no way she's going away without a way to contact us." I was torn. On one hand, I wanted her to really enjoy her vacation without being glued to a screen. On the other, that anxious little voice whispering to me, "What if something happens to her?"

Do you recognize yourself? Welcome to the club! According to a study by UNAF (National Union of Family Associations) , 78% of French parents feel anxious about letting their child go on vacation without any means of communication.

But paradoxically, 65% fear that their child will spend their holidays on their phone.

It was this exact dilemma that led me to ThePhone . And honestly? It changed our outlook on family vacations.

Summary:

• The trap of the traditional smartphone on vacation
• The real concerns we don't dare to express
• The Phone: When simplicity becomes revolutionary
• Testimonials: When The Phone changes the game
• Practical benefits you wouldn't expect
• Practical guide: Preparing for departure with The Phone
• The benefits we don't expect
• The questions you ask (and my frank answers)
• My personal assessment after a summer with The Phone
• Conclusion: Give your child a real vacation

The trap of the traditional smartphone on vacation

When I realized something was wrong

Last summer, I had a revelation. Well, more like an electroshock. My niece Léa, 14, came to spend a week with us in Provence. Armed with her state-of-the-art iPhone, she was supposed to "disconnect" from her Parisian life.

The first day, everything was fine. Pool, barbecue, laughter. But by the second day... How can I put this? She was physically present but mentally elsewhere. Constantly checking her notifications, replying to Instagram stories, maintaining some kind of Snapchat streak.

The breaking point? When I found her filming her plate of ratatouille for TikTok instead of eating it. "It's for my followers," she told me, as if it were obvious. At that moment, I realized we had a problem.

And I'm not alone. A survey by the e-Enfance association reveals that 67% of children spend more than 4 hours a day on their smartphones during the holidays.

Four hours! In a 12-hour waking day, that's a third of the time.

The real concerns we don't dare to say

Come on, let's talk straight. When we send our kid to camp or to their grandparents, what do we really want?

1. That he is reachable (well, that's for our stress, let's be honest)
2. So he can call us if he feels homesick or has a problem.
3. Let him give us some news (because we are parent hens, let's face it)
4. Let him LIVE his vacation instead of documenting it

The problem with traditional smartphones? They tick the first three boxes but completely sabotage the fourth. And that's where ThePhone comes in.

ThePhone: when simplicity becomes revolutionary

My discovery of ThePhone (and why I fell for it)

I stumbled upon ThePhone quite by chance, while looking for alternatives to smartphones for children. At first, I admit, I was skeptical. "Another marketing gimmick," I thought.

Then I saw the founder's interview in Smatrezo which explained his approach.

But what really convinced me was the testimony of Sandrine, a mother from my neighborhood. Her son Maxime, 13, had gone to his grandparents' house in Brittany with his ThePhone. "For the first time in years, he called me to TELL me about his day, not to ask for the WiFi code," she told me.

Essential communication, distractions eliminated

ThePhone is the concept of Occam's Razor applied to telephony: the simplest solution is often the best. Your child can call you, send you a text, take a few photos. Period. No TikTok, no Instagram, no Fortnite at 2 a.m.

And contrary to popular belief, the kids don't experience it as a punishment. Emma told me, "At first, it was weird not having my apps. But then it was... liberating? I didn't have that pressure to answer all the time."

A study from the University of California shows that children who use "basic" phones during the holidays have 40% lower stress levels than those equipped with smartphones.

A package that won't weigh down your holiday budget

Let's not talk too much, let's talk clearly: vacations are expensive. Between summer camp at 650 euros a week (yes, I checked the 2024 rates), transportation costs, etc. We don't necessarily want to add a mobile phone plan at 45 euros per month.

My brother-in-law learned this the hard way last summer. His 15-year-old son, who had gone to Spain, generated €180 in over-the-line spending in one week. Streaming, online gaming, downloads... It was a rude awakening.

Testimonials: When ThePhone changes the game

Emma, my daughter, 12 years old: " I rediscovered the pleasure of doing nothing "

" Mom, at first I was a little upset about not having my iPhone for camp. But actually, it was cool. I no longer had that kind of anxiety about missing something on social media. And then, I did a lot of things I would never have done otherwise: rock climbing, theater, I even learned to play the harmonica! In the evening, instead of scrolling, we would have evenings with the others. It was... different. But in a good way. "

Martine, grandmother of Théo, 11 years old:

" When Théo arrived with his ThePhone instead of his usual smartphone, I initially thought his parents were a bit harsh. But what a change! He helped me make my jam, we played cards, he even taught my husband how to use WhatsApp (ironic, right?). The phone was only used to call his parents in the evening. Just like in my day, after all! "

Julie, holiday center leader for 8 years:

" Honestly, we can see the difference. Kids with traditional smartphones are a pain. They're constantly negotiating to get WiFi, they're upset when their phones are confiscated for activities. Those with ThePhone? They're there, they participate, they bond. That's what a real vacation is all about! And parents are more relaxed too, they know their child is really enjoying themselves. "

Practical benefits you wouldn't expect

Autonomy: no more battery stress

You know that anxiety? Your child calling you with 3% battery left to tell you they're okay, and the connection cuts out. With ThePhone and its 7 days of battery life, that stress is a thing of the past.

Last summer, my colleague's son was at camp in the Vosges mountains. With his iPhone, it was a daily drama: "Mom, my battery's dead, I can't call you." The result? Maximum stress for the parents, constant negotiations with the counselors over electrical outlets.

Durability: Designed to survive adventures

Vacations are for getting dirty, falling, and exploring. ThePhone is designed to take it. My daughter dropped it in the summer camp pool (yes, she dove in with it in her pocket, don't ask me why). The result? It survived. Try that with a 1000 euro iPhone...

Durability tests show it survives drops of 1.5 meters and is splash-proof. Perfect for water fights and the clumsiness of our little adventurers.

Simplicity: even grandpa can find his way around

Unlike modern smartphones with their 47 different settings, ThePhone is biblically simple. When Emma had a minor technical issue at her grandparents' house, my father (76 years old, not exactly a geek) managed to help her out. "It's like the phones of the past, but better," he told me.

Practical guide: preparing for departure with ThePhone

Before departure: preparation (crucial!)

1. Set up the directory together

Sit down with your child and write down all the important numbers. Parents, grandparents, emergencies, but also the camp or grandparents' number. Take the opportunity to explain when to use each contact.

2. Define communication rules

Be clear: "Call me every night after dinner" or "Text Grandma when you arrive." Clear rules prevent misunderstandings and anxiety.

3. Test together

Make a few practice calls and texts. Show him how to take and send photos. Technical mastery reassures everyone.

During the holidays: finding the right balance

The goal isn't to cut off communication, but to make it intentional. With ThePhone, every call has a purpose, every text message has meaning. No more reflexive "I'm bored" messages.

Emma called me every night to tell me about her day. Really tell me about it, not just say " I'm fine ." She told me about her new friends, the horseback riding activity she loved, the sailing instructor who was " so cool ." Real conversations, really.

The return: capitalizing on experience

Many parents are surprised: their children often come back more relaxed, more creative, and more open after a vacation with ThePhone. It's an opportunity to discuss their relationship with screens.

Emma told me, " Actually, I realized I was a bit addicted to my phone. Then I realized I could live just fine without it. " We've since instituted "screen-free hours" at home, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The benefits we don't expect

For kids: rediscover boredom (and it's awesome!)

Without the constant stimulation of notifications, your child will rediscover the joys of boredom. And contrary to popular belief, boredom is a powerful catalyst for creativity.

A study from the University of Central Lancashire shows that bored children develop 41% more creative ideas than those who are constantly stimulated. Emma came home from camp with a notebook full of drawings and poems. " I had time to think ," she told me.

For parents: a truly relaxing vacation

No more stress about remotely monitoring screen time. No more texting to get them out of their room. With ThePhone, you know your child is enjoying their vacation to the fullest.

Personally, I was able to enjoy my own vacation without that anxious little voice whispering, "What if she spends all day on TikTok?"

For grandparents: finding their place again

My mother-in-law told me something that really struck me: "With his ThePhone, Théo looks me in the eyes when I talk to him. Before, he always had one eye on his screen." Intergenerational transmission can finally resume.

The questions you ask (and my frank answers)

" Will my teenager agree to leave without their smartphone? "

Ah, THE question! And I'll be honest: at first, Emma wasn't thrilled. But here's what worked:

1. I involved her in the choice: We looked at ThePhone's website together, read the testimonials, and discussed the advantages.

2. I proposed a deal: " You go with ThePhone, and if you have a great vacation, we'll discuss your smartphone usage again when you get back. "

3. I set an example: I too opted for a partial disconnection during my vacation.

The result? She came back convinced. " It was actually liberating ," she told me.

" What if there's an emergency? "

ThePhone allows for all emergency calls. Your child can call emergency services (15, 17, 18, 112), call you, and contact camp officials. In terms of security, it's exactly the same as a smartphone.

" Won't the other kids make fun of me? "

Think again! ThePhone has a modern and elegant design. And above all, children are often more open than we think. Emma told me that several friends from camp told her they would like to have the same "freedom."

My personal assessment after a summer with ThePhone

So, the verdict? Emma left for three weeks: one week with her grandparents, two weeks at camp. With her ThePhone.

The pluses:

• Quality phone conversations (she really TELL me about her days)
• Zero stress for the parents (we knew she was enjoying it)
• Return from vacation with real memories (not just Instagram photos)
• An awareness of one's use of screens

The disadvantages:

• The only "problem"? Emma wanted to keep her ThePhone even after the holidays. "For classes, it's more than enough," she told me. And you know what? She's right.

Conclusion: Give your child a real vacation

Summer vacation is precious. Two months to grow, discover, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Two months that can be ruined by a screen or enhanced by freedom.

ThePhone isn't a step backward; it's a step forward toward smarter technology. It's about allowing our children to stay connected to us while reconnecting with themselves.

And let's be honest: seeing your child come back from vacation tanned, fulfilled, full of stories to tell rather than stories to show... that's priceless.

So, this holiday season, why not give it a try? Give your child the best gift of all: a real holiday. And give yourself the peace of mind of knowing they're enjoying it to the fullest.

Because in the end, the best vacation memories aren't taken in selfies. They're simply experienced.