subject: Driving Safety: Talking To Your Teenagers [print this page] There is no doubt that talking to teenagers about anything can be difficult at times. Many develop a know it all attitude and it is tough to get the message across to them about even the simplest of things. However, one thing that all parents and educators need to get through to teens about is driving safety.
From the first second a teen gets behind the wheel they need to be completely aware of safe driving practices. They need to understand what is expected of them from them in a variety of situations, understand the rules of the road, and understand the responsibilities that are part of being a safe and effective driver.
To ensure that your teenagers are ready for the responsibilities of having a drivers license you need to talk with them. This doesnt mean lecturing them about driving and yelling at them if they make a mistake when they are learning to drive. Talking to your teens about driving and driving safety needs to be a positive experience that is focused on having a conversation and not telling them what to do.
Here are some effective strategies that can be used to talk to your teens about driving safety:
Establish yourself as the parental authority that you are: make it clear to your teens of the values and expectations that you have of them when it comes to being a driver. Teens like direction and want structure. Inform them of the guidelines you have for them and make it clear what the repercussions are if they violate these guidelines.
Celebrate their accomplishment: When your teen passes their driving test take the time to celebrate it. Tell them you are proud, establish it as a life milestone and keep the conversation active and upbeat.
Be active and involved: When your teen gets their license, this is only the start. They still have to work their way through the graduated licensing process and go through driver training. Support them during this time by talking to them about the progress and be actively involved in their development as a safe and effective driver.
Create a driver safety dialogue, dont make it a lecture: No one likes to be lectured, especially your teens. Avoid this by creating an open dialogue with your teen. Give them the opportunity to ask questions and have a discussion with you bout the merits of various topics related to driver safety. You may be surprised how insightful your teens are.
Be realistic about your expectations: Your teens are not going to be perfect and do everything you say. But, this doesnt mean you have to lecture them every time they make a mistake. Small errors in decision making can be discussed and forgotten. Save the lecture for when they make more serious mistakes that could put them or others in danger.
Talking to your teens about driver safety is not always going to be easy. But, if you take the right approach you will have a much great impact on them and their ability to be a safe driver.
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