Teenage Drivers

I think that you should tell her that you are not comfortable with her driving a lot and put restrictions on how much she drives for now. For instance, if you feel okay with her driving around the block here and there or to the store, let her, but if you don't just be honest with her. My parents were honest with me and my younger brother when we started driving. When I started they would let me drive up the street to the gas station and that was it. Then when my younger brother started driving, he wasn't allowed to drive at night. Things like that helped them feel better and helped us get a little experience before we really started driving.

Hi always remember that GOD is in control. not you it says in matthew that tomorrow will worry about itself and to have faith and trust in the lord.

Dear G. H,

I don't think, as parents, we ever stop worrying about our kids no matter how old they are or where they may be. I know that my parents worried about all of us (there were 7) even after we were married and started families of our own. It's just part of being a concerned, caring, and loving parent.

I now have my daughter away at college with her first semester just coming to an end and I have struggled with that long before she left our home. When she came of age to drive, it was nerve racking for me, too! You just want to put them in a bubble somehow and protect from everything, but the only thing we can do really is to teach them everything we know and hope it sticks !

As far as driving, when my daughter first got her license, I put her behind the wheel of my 4 Runner everytime it left our driveway no matter where we were going. I felt that the more time she had driving, the better chance of safety. I knew I couldn't control what the other drivers did or did not do, I could at least allow her the opportunity to get as much time in the car with me right there gaining more and more experience.

I also drove it into her brain that she had to imagine that every driver around her was a complete and total "idiot" and to never let your guard down. Always anticipate what they may or may not do, so that she could be in a better position to avoid an accident rather than a part of one.

She did extremely well. We went through times when she made many mistakes, but those were times we drove around the neighborhood, on off roads, or huge parking lots where no cars or people were present. At first, when she made the mistakes, it frustrated her and she would become nervous....we changed drivers !! And then, the more and more we took the car out, the better those days got and then she was ready for the "real" roads. Also, I talked her through everything with extreme calm, which is so hard because you would rather that they be riding a bike than driving a car!! But my calm attitude and the understanding tone in my voice would calm her and then she would learn much better that way.

You will make it through, I promise. Your feelings are real....I know....I still carry them with me. Just stress to your child the importance of driving, the safety of driving, and that it is privilege to not be taken lightly like many teenagers seem to do, then eventually you will begin to feel your nerves settle a little. One thing that I did when she was driving on her own, was to call me when she arrived at her destination. She did it with no problem because she knew that it made me feel better....she is now traveling the interstate back home and then back to college and I am terrified. But, I know that I have taught her well, I have faith that she will take all that I have taught her and respect the road and the other drivers, and also that she knows how precious life is.

By the way....she still calls me on the phone when she gets to where she is going !!

Hope this helps.

God Bless you and your new driver!

When my son got his license I had a panic attack. I always say a little prayer when he leaves. It is really hard to let them grow up but I keep telling myself that he will be going to college soon and out on his own. I have to force myself to not worry. Just try and trust that you have taught them good judgement. You wouldn't be a good parent if you did not worry.

Our son is 15 and immature so no permit. He really hasn't complained. We explained when he shows responsibility and initiative his freedoms (driving, etc.) are directly related. Just because you are 15 your licence is not automatic, we know our children and what they can handle better than anyone. I'd be a worrying mess if he were driving, hopefully when his choices are more mature I'll be more confident they are good and will worry less. My husband is a retired traffic cop so we know all to well what can happen when someone's not ready.

Go to www.teendriver.com it is a training course developed by a race car driver. This course cuts down accidents by 70%. Gives them very good training skills.

D.

I have two daughters, ages 22 and 18. When they first started driving I was a bundle of nerves also. Especially my older daughter! Boy did she have a heavy foot and she tailgated! Just try to keep calm about your remarks. Being nervous and raising your voice with them only makes them more stressed and nervous. As far as being worried about them when they are on their own, just remember about when they were practicing and hope that stays with them on the road. Of course us moms worry anyway, we're human!

stick to empty parking lots until you feel SOMEWHAT comfortable about their driving skills

my daughter also turned 15 and wants to take drivers ed and im not ready for her to take it yet shes very in mature still and i think she woundt do good on the road right now. i here of young drivers being killed over first getting there linsence. but shes not scared but i dont drive myself and see the crazyness in it so i can imange her driving at 16 and getting freaked out .