Filmed on June 4 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Lauren Porter, a mother of four, has found an innovative way to keep in touch with her children without resorting to cell phones.

Porter, whose children range in age from 4 to 11, sends her older kids to a nearby park equipped with walkie-talkies. This method allows her to communicate with them while avoiding the costs and internet risks associated with cell phones.

Porter believes walkie-talkies are a fun and nostalgic solution, providing an affordable and safe way for her children to enjoy their independence during summer bike rides to the school playground just half a mile from home.

As a mom of 4, I have kids ranging in age from 4 to 11 years old. During the summer, my older kids like to ride their bikes to a school playground less than half a mile away from home. Sometimes my younger kids are in bed by 7 when it’s still light out, so I let my older children ride down to the playground with walkie talkies in hand so that I can communicate with them. I prefer this method over giving them cell phones because they are free (no monthly payment), easy to replace if lost or broken, and limits their access to the internet and social media. Walkie talkies are fun, nostalgic and an affordable option for parents that don’t think their kids are ready for cell phones.