When the day arrives that your teenager decides he or she wants to learn how to drive, will you be ready for it?
For some parents, that day can be a difficult one to swallow on a pair of fronts.
First, it means that their child is getting older and moving a step closer to being on their own one day.
Second, the idea of a child behind the wheel will mean being out on the road with countless other drivers. That alone can be scary for many parents.
That said will you be ready when your teen tells you they’re ready to learn how to drive?
Supporting Your Teenager
In supporting your teen when the time comes that they want to drive, you want to look at three keys to keeping them safe.
They are:
1. Driver training – Be sure that your teen knows what they will be getting into by learning how to drive. From obtaining the learner’s permit to getting their license, driver ed is so important. Without the proper education, your teen could be at a higher risk of an accident. It is imperative that he or she study the rules of the road. Not only does this allow them to pass both tests, but it puts them in a better position for when you’re not with them.
2. Steering clear of distractions – Many teens have trouble when it comes to focusing. As a result, their grades or other important aspects of their lives can be at risk. So your teen focuses in on responsibilities, make sure they avoid distractions. Among some would be a cell phone, extensive talking with friends, and fixation on their music. Any of these can be a pre-cursor to an accident.
3. Vehicle maintenance – Whether a family vehicle or their own, maintenance matters. Unfortunately, too many cars and trucks on the roads today are an accident waiting to happen. Regular maintenance intervals will help cut down on the odds of your teen being in an accident. Teaching your teen early on about proper maintenance will also help them as they get older. By learning an important responsibility early, they carry that with them for decades.
Be Supportive of Your Teen
In the event your teenager does in fact end up in an accident, do your best to be supportive of them.
If they have done something wrong that led to the accident, it might seem easy to lash out at them. While some punishment may be in order, make sure they know you still love them and support them behind the wheel.
Should they be in an accident that is not their fault, will they want to get behind the wheel again right way? Some teens may pause to do so. By having your support, they are more inclined to not fear being out on the road and in control of a vehicle.
In keeping your teen safe behind the wheel, are you ready to drive forward?
