You are probably well connected to your teen. You talk and text frequently, you both share joys and disappointments about sports, music, education and what the future holds. You help your teen with homework and he or she helps you on the computer. You may even like the same music. Have you met anyone who does not like at least one song by Jack Johnson or the Black Eyed Peas?
You have the foundation in place. The "connection" that you have developed and fostered over the child rearing years is a tremendous asset for this very important next step of discussing the privilege of driving. Open communication is essential for a successful long term interactive relationship and will help your teen see the value in sharing information about the different situations he/she is encountering as a driver and a passenger of other teens.
Go out driving frequently with your newly licensed teen. Take them out to practice merging and driving at higher speeds on the highway. Compliment your teen when he or she makes a good driving decision like safely moving to another lane when a car cuts in front of your car. Celebrate and go out for a Café Latte after your teen has accomplished a new driving skill. Discuss a future family road trip. Set clear expectations but also foster open communication by being a good listener. Stay connected!
I am dedicated to providing you with the tools you need to work with your teen and foster a great relationship to help your teen attain a safe driving attitude and lifetime safe driving skills.
I would love to hear from you, contact me: Anne Scallon at annescallon@aol.com or 262.617.3139.
