I knew it was coming… the day when I would have to teach my oldest daughter how to drive, and to be fair, it terrified me. Now that I am in the midst of actually doing it, my fears were correct because it actually IS terrifying. My daughter is capable, she is bright, she is responsible. I repeat these things over and over in my head, because they’re actually true. But my daughter is also the child that asked to steer the shopping cart numerous times and bumped into people, and walls… and produce. And now I am supposed to trust her with my $30,000 new-ish vehicle, on the road? With other people? Excuse me while I hyperventilate.
Whether we like it or not, the day comes. I am a fairly reasonable and patient parent, but let me assure you, teaching a teenager how to drive responsibly will test your parenting skills beyond what you ever imagined. Here are some tips I have learned along the way (to ensure you both survive).
1. Deep breaths. Since I don’t drink alcohol, this is key!! You need to relax, mama. When you’re stressed out, it stresses out your child, and when you’re in survival mode you don’t need more stress, trust me! You need to make it out alive, so calm down and do some breathing exercises before you leave. Do some yoga. Get a massage. Whatever it takes! If you do drink alcohol on occasion, you will be tempted to do so on this occasion, but don’t. You know, that whole “don’t drink and drive” thing… not good.
2. Chocolate. Eat all the chocolate it takes to find your happy place. I store mine in the glove compartment, you know, for emergencies.
3. Practice waiting in lines. Between getting your child’s learner’s permit and their actual licence, you will probably spend approximately 3, 297 hours at the DMV. Half your life, at least. Practice talking to older ladies about their cats, and invest in some comfortable sneakers. Maybe take up knitting to pass the time.
4. Invest in bubble wrap. There are no laws against wrapping your car in bubble wrap, I looked. You can buy it in bulk on Amazon.
5. Make sure your horn works, or better yet buy a boat siren. You know, whatever it takes to get people out of your way and off the roads. You need lots of room. LOTS OF IT.
6. Say your prayers. Say all of the prayers. All of them. Whether you’re religious or not, you need all the help you can get!
And now that you have these super helpful and practical tips, you’re ready to take your child on the road! In all seriousness though, driving with your child is a great bonding experience, and with patience, love and lots of practice they will rule the road in no time! Most of our parents survived teaching us how to drive, and you will too!!
For some “real” tips on teaching your child how to drive, check out this helpful article!
