We bought these to stop being a helicopter mom and let my child roam our tiny neighborhood with other children. He felt energized because he could check in without coming home, and I didn't panic when he didn't answer after I called him on every corner of our block. Just throw away "rechargeable" batteries. They still won't work. But there's no annoying hissing or clicking that gnaws at your ears every time. They're also great for camping, with half of us roaming the woods and the other half staying at camp. Because they are so small, they fit very well in his tiny hands. And the belt clip is strong, so he can carry it in his pocket and play easily.