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Is your teenager ready to drive?
Remember yourself being 16 years old? It was a wonderful time. We’ve had our dreams and goals ahead of us, everything seemed so simple and there was nothing impossible.
Now we have kids that are all grown up. Is it a time for your child to learn how to drive? Great! Read: oh, the extra headache! But before all the fun of choosing a car and getting the drivers license, you should be sure your “little one” is really ready for such responsibility. It is good to always be an example for them, because they watch us and copy everything we do or say. If you are driving like a mad person, so will your child. And do you remember all the hormones?
Since we are the parents and still are in charge, it is up to us to avoid and reduce some risks in our child’s life. Here’s how we can do that:
- It will help both you and your teenager if you’ll prolong him from getting his license for some time (good luck with that);
- Do not buy an expensive sports car - it will only motivate the youngster to drive faster and bring the cost of his auto insurance up to the sky;
- Purchase a car with safety features, like air bags and antilock brakes. Get a vehicle that tests well in crash tests. Plus, there will be a discount on auto insurance;
- Have your teen practice his driving in different weather conditions. Make sure to explain how the car behaves on a slippery and wet road. Take the vehicle to a sandy or muddy place to have a child learn the power of the wheels, brakes and gas;
- Have the Students Against Driving Drunk (SADD) contract, where your teen agrees not to drive after using drugs or alcohol, and you agree to a hassle-free pick up;
- Teach your child to follow traffic laws and speed limits;
- Seatbelt is in a car for a reason – to save lives. Even for passengers wearing it is a must.
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The bottom line is to take it seriously. Only you know if your child is mature and responsible enough to be driving. Do not rush: age 16 does not mean that someone is automatically entitled to a driver’s license. Make sure they understand that “mistakes” on the road may lead to serious consequences. Be an example. Be a parent.
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