Getting a license is a big and exciting deal in your teen’s life, so share in the experience by acknowledging the accomplishment and be supportive of your teen’s growing independence. However, make certain that you discuss the responsibility that comes along with this achievement as well. Here are some key points to think about:
- Start Sooner Than Later – Start to initiate the driving dialogue by the time your teen reaches junior high and make the conversation light, not a lecture. Continue to find ways to keep the conversation active, especially during those crucial months after they begin to drive on their own.
- Know And Discuss Your State Laws Together – Get a copy of your teen’s driving restrictions, rules and curfews. Discuss in detail the good, bad and the ugly. So, they know exactly what to expect, not from what their friends tell them.
- Express Your Authority – Like your state laws, you need to set some of your own guidelines that you expect them to follow and any consequences that will enforce your guidelines, if violated. They need to know what your values and expectations are, as well.
- Talk To The Parents Of Your Teen’s Friends – This is key! Find out about what rules they have for their teen driver and share yours with them. Parents can often gain useful advice from each other as well as help keep your teens in line together.
- Talk About Teen Driving In School – In a parent meeting, ask for the next discussion to include teenage driving.
Let the discussion about teenage driving be the initiative to start talking about other important decisions in your teen’s life. This newfound independence will bring other tough decisions your teen will soon start to face. Keep the lines of communication open and let them know that you have trust in that they will make the right decisions and that they can always come to you for guidance and love.
Here at Donald J. Medeiros Insurance Agency our goal is to try to help our viewers by suggesting solutions for all insurance needs. By no means can we address each reader’s specific concerns in every incident. So, we strongly advise you to check with an insurance representative to address your specific needs. However, you can also contact us for any questions or concerns and we will be happy to help you. We can offer a complete line of personal & commercial insurance products for all of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire.
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