The Family Times March 2018

moms & dads

How to be the Best Driving Instructor for Your Teen By Lauren Kolacki

The number one priority of a parent is to keep their child safe. For some, it would be easiest to shelter them, refraining them from hitting any big milestones that could potentially lead them down the wrong path. Driving is one of those milestones. Instead of recoiling due to fear, step up and become the most informative, patient instructor. After all, knowledge and practice is the best way of protecting your children. Pro Tip: Before driving with your child, take a ride in the passenger seat to get a better understanding of what the road looks like from that side. This will decrease sudden outbursts from fearing they are about to run into something.

Start in a parking lot to teach the basics and to test how much your teen already knows

• Tour the vehicle; fill your driver in on every control and feature. • Seat belts are buckled • Mirrors are adjusted • Have them practice accelerating smoothly and making turns

Once your driver has become comfortable behind the wheel, it is appropriate to have them drive the car out of the parking lot and onto quiet side streets.

Remember what it was like your first time driving

• Keep cars distance between you and car in front of you • Look out for potential hazards • To improve observation skills, ask questions involving relevant objects surrounding you • Pay attention to not only the car in front of you, but several yards in front of them. Beware of brake lights, stop lights, stop signs, etc.

After, they have mastered the side streets, it is time to move to roads with a faster pace. They are ready for a main road or highway but it is important to remember to stay calm as the copilot.

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Keep up with traffic

• Plan a route out in advance so they can be confident. Don't scream or change the route last second.

After you return home, be sure to recap the session. Do not only dwell on what can improve but emphasize what they did well. Allow your driver to practice often, giving them more range each session. Before you know it, you will worry less knowing you have followed these important points.

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