I just got back from the polls and it was great to see a high voter turnout. Today is Election Day and I know most of us are glad it is here. My mail will be a little lighter tomorrow and I won’t have as many voice mails to listen to when I get home.
Despite all the problems our country is facing today I still believe it is the best country in the world to live. We can go to the polls without incident. We hold our leaders accountable by voting them in or out of office. It is a great process.
Parents can learn a lesson from today. Our country has many laws. The police enforce these laws, sometimes to protect us from ourselves. We don’t always make the right decisions. Why should we expect any less from our children?
When it comes to teaching your child to drive responsibly parents need to lay down the law. Your children need to know that there will be consequences if they do not drive safely.
Driving is a privilege not a right. Parents can take that privilege away.
I suggest that every parent sit down and discuss the laws of driving with their children. Some of these laws may be to obey traffic laws, not to text or talk on a cell phone while driving, have no more than one passenger in their car at a time, use seat belts and not to drive if tired.
Just as important parents must hold their child accountable if they break the law. Your child needs to know the consequences of breaking the laws. For example you may tell your child if they get a speeding ticket that not only will they have to pay the fine, but they will lose their driving privileges for 30 days.
Just as important as having this discussion with your child is the need to write it down. I don’t know about you but with all that goes on in my life I sometimes forget things unless I write them down. This should be no different. Write down the rules and consequences on a piece of paper and have your child sign it. Did you ever hear your child say “you never told me that”? Now if they forget you can pull out the contract and show them what they signed.
Parents need to keep their side of the contract also. If you encourage your children not to drive when they are tired you need to be prepared to pick them up without being angry and be happy that they called you. If you tell your children not to text or talk on a cell phone while driving don’t do it yourself. You are setting an example every time you drive with your child. If you speed your child will speed. I think you get the picture.
Learn how to teach your children to be safe drivers. Your car insurance agent should be able to help you in this area. Call your agent for a copy of a driving contract and a list of consequences.
Driving contracts and a list of consequences can be found at www.teendriverinsurance.com/spencer.
Check out my next blog when I discuss a GPS system to help you monitor your child’s driving.
