The Time Has Arrived

Posted by The Tub Lady on Jul 14, 2017

If you follow this blog at all you know I have children, most moms seem to have issues with their little girls grow up. For me it has been my boys, don't get me wrong I am working on shaping them into fine men, who will one day be wonderful husbands and great dads.

From time to time I barrow my now 4 month nephew for a few hours, I call it "grandma- training hour". However my boys (14 & 16) love to help care for the little guy, they are great with him and really want to learn how to be good dads. We send them off so much in life to learn things, I think some things should be taught at home.

When I set down to write this blog today, my mind isn't on teaching them about being good husbands or dads.... my mind is thinking about my oldest son driving. Because the time has come- this was a FB post I made a few days ago after he came home from taking his test.

"Today's the day- the day my little Andrew has been waiting years for. Only my little Andrew isn't so little, in fact I may have to stand on a step stool soon to look him in his eyes if he keeps growing up.- who am I kidding I already have to! Today's the day he spreads his wings and drives off alone for the first time, today's the day my heart sinks, I hold my breath and will smile and wave as he pulls out of the drive way. Today I'm reminded I no longer am the mom of a little boy but if a fine young man. I'm so proud of him for a million different reasons!"

This is without question a hard thing for me to come to terms with, I wish I knew WHY. I still haven't put a finger on my worry. I did however do what I always do and read/research safe driving info for teens. So below is my list -I hope this helps other moms out there... These are in no order just things I want to pass a long to you.

1. Invest in a safe driving course: best money we have spent in a long time! Most cost on average $50-75 a lesson.

2. Have a heart to heart: I am close to my kids, so these happen often. With driving I had to choose my words careful, I wanted him to understand his actions could take a life (his or others) but didn't want him to fear driving.

3. Discuss driving costs: We have done this, we talk about the cost and expense of most things. In our home the rule is if you want to drive you need to be a B or better student. This shows me you are responsible - and shows insurance you are as well. Most ins offer save driving discounts as well as good student discounts. Andrew received both so his ins isn't high really at all. $75 a month. Don't forget to talk about cost of tires, oil changed ect. Driving cost don't stop at insurance and gas.

4. Set a zero-tolerance drinking policy: This is a no brainier, we've talk a lot about drinking and drugs over his 16 years. This day in age you HAVE to, he knows the rules.... but he also knows he can ALWAYS call home even if he choose to break it. Not that I will be happy with him, but I would much prefer him to call than get behind the wheel. I beg you please stress this a million times over with your kids.

5. Be prepared: Before you head out, especially on a long trip, pack an emergency kit in your trunk. Items such as a flashlight, jumper cables, and first-aid kit are helpful to have just in case

6. Limit night driving. Graduated driver licensing programs place limits on night driving and for good reason. In 2010, 17 percent of teenagers' fatalities occurred between 9 p.m. and midnight, and 24 percent occurred between midnight and 6 a.m.

7. Watch the weather. In inclement weather, it is even more dangerous for a young driver to be on the road due to their inexperience handling the car in those situations. Teach your child how to confidently handle weather challenges. Consider sending the teen to a driving school to learn car control techniques in a safe environment, preparing them to manage a skid or hydroplaning incident before they are faced with such challenges alone.

8. Limit passengers. The more passengers in a vehicle the higher the fatal crash risk. With three or more, the fatal crash risk is about four times higher than when a beginner drives alone. Studies also show that teens with passengers are more likely to take risks and be distracted, and when things go wrong, the tragedy is multiplied.

1. Invest in a safe driving course: best money we have spent in a long time! Most cost on average $50-75 a lesson.

2. Have a heart to heart: I am close to my kids, so these happen often. With driving I had to choose my words careful, I wanted him to understand his actions could take a life (his or others) but didn't want him to fear driving.

5. Be prepared: Before you head out, especially on a long trip, pack an emergency kit in your trunk. Items such as a flashlight, jumper cables, and first-aid kit are helpful to have just in case

6. Limit night driving. Graduated driver licensing programs place limits on night driving and for good reason. In 2010, 17 percent of teenagers' fatalities occurred between 9 p.m. and midnight, and 24 percent occurred between midnight and 6 a.m.

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