Excerpted from Extension's March-April Family Matters newsletter
One of the most important “talks” parents can have with their teenager is about driving. Use the following strategies to help prepare future drivers. One year before your teenager is ready to get their permit, sit down and talk about the major points of driving:
- Driving is a privilege and not a right. It is a privilege that is granted by parents and can be withdrawn. Parents are responsible for minors and the driving privilege is contingent upon abiding by rules established by law and set by parents.
- Attitude does make a difference and it is important to be respectful to parents and others.
- Driving is a very serious matter. Discuss the statistics and national trends related to teenagers and crashes. Talk with your teenager about the importance of abiding by the law and what happens when distractions such as radio/CD’s, cell phones and being in a rush, interfere with driving. Develop a driving contract, listing rules your teenager will abide by. Clearly state the consequences for broken rules. Six months before your teenager gets his license, complete the contract. Review the contract again right before the final test and make sure it is signed by the teenager and both parents.
Source: Suzanne Bond, Ed.D., & Dan Bond, M.S.W., Seattle, WA for Family Information Services, Mpls., MN
Dan & Suzanne Bond; Meridith
3/27/2007