I was talking to my 7-year old daughter last Sunday about her health.  She has been diagnosed with rheumatic fever. She's taking some medicines to make sure it doesn't develop into rheumatic heart disease.  I told her that she has to inform me when she doesn't feel well or she feels out of breath.  I was speechless when her reply was... "Even if you're not in the office, or even if you are in a meeting, or even if I don't know where you are?".

Her reply was simple but it meant many things.  She always calls me in the office, even if it is just to say 'Hello' or just wants to know where I am.  Most of the time she gets a reply from the secretary telling her I am in class, I am in a meeting, or I went out of campus to attend some training or seminar.  I always tell myself that she would understand if I am busy.  But then again, I realized, that reply just meant that I am not always around when she calls and it's not OK with her. :(

My husband suggested that we should give her a mobile phone so that she can always call us when she needs anything, especially now.  That would probably give her a sense of security at the same time, it would foster better communication. I think this is a good idea.  What do you think?