We all know the day will come when we will have to deal with teen drivers on our hand. Who knew it would come this fast. I am still wondering where the time went because my oldest daughter is about to start driver’s ed. WOW, before I know it she will be driving, and I’m not sure how I feel about it. Okay, so I know. If I had it my way, I would go backward and keep them all my babies forever.
As parents, we want to protect our children; the older they get, the harder it is to keep them safe from the world. They grow up and get more independent, which is a little stressful, but I guess it’s also why we spend so much time trying to teach them to be responsible, but let’s be serious—driving is some seriously scary business for parents. Suddenly you start thinking back to all the times you were in the car together and hope that you were a positive influence because they will mimic your behaviors on the road.
5 Tips for Parents with Teen Drivers
Here are a few tips for parents with teen drivers. I don’t know if there is anything that can adequately prepare us for our teens behind the wheel, but it’s something we must face. Remember, if you have any tips to share with us, please do!
1.) Live it! If you make it a rule, you must follow the rules.
Whether you have a teen driver or will have one in 10 years, now is the time to start demonstrating the driving skills you want your teen driver to have. No texting, talking on the phone, jamming to loud music, or allowing anything to distract you from the road. Don’t speed, drive crazy, or have fun while driving. Make sure they understand driving is serious by watching the way you drive.
2.) Be real and set realistic rules of the road for your teen driver.
Kids need rules and boundaries, and yes, even teens need them. Start talking to your children early about driving dos and don’ts.
3.) Communication is essential in any relationship.
Whether it’s keeping your marriage healthy or helping your teen understand the risks of driving, communication is what will make things happen. Be open and honest with your children about the danger of driving. You don’t want to scare them, but they do need to understand the risks of driving.
4.) Practice, practice, and more practice
Be sure and be available to help your teen with their driving skills. You can have them drive you to the store or run to the store for you. It’s better to let them slowly learn the ways of the road than it is to toss them out to the wolves because learning to become a good driver takes time.
5.) Consider having your teen be responsible for their insurance payment.
You don’t have to make them go out and get a job if they need to focus on school. You can give them certain responsibilities around the house each month to pay for their insurance. My parents did this; they had me pay for my insurance, and I’m thankful they did because when it was time for me to find my insurance, I knew what I was doing. Okay, to the point, but I knew a lot more about insurance than my friends, whose parents paid for everything and didn’t include them in things.
Do you have any tips for other parents with teen drivers that you would like to share? Leave a comment below.
All opinions are my own.
