Five words that cause parental angst: “Can I take the car?” These words are now spoken with alarming frequency in our household since my 17-year old passed his driving exam and is now eligible to head out alone or with a friend.
It’s uplifting to see your child pass another milestone in the road of life but this particular achievement carries with it intensified risk and greater consequences. Fortunately, like BC, most provinces have some form of a graduated licensing program that places restrictions on novice drivers. I like that – it brings me comfort; at least for now.
Still, those five words cause worry, and when uttered, set parents against offspring. What’s reasonable? Unfettered access? Access with restrictions? Curfews? Only for work or school? Finding the right balance between freedom for the young driver and sanity for the parent is a challenge.
Obviously, I’m not the first parent to go through this, and I certainly don’t profess any greater insight or wisdom on the issue. I’m interested though in hearing from others. How have you, or would you, respond to the five words of want?
The best I can do is ask myself whether he’s sensible or not. I think he is, so for now the benefit of the doubt goes to him, but it’s a precarious bestowment at best. So Austin, when you read this – and I know that you will – focus on those key words, “precarious bestowment,” and drive accordingly.
It’s uplifting to see your child pass another milestone in the road of life but this particular achievement carries with it intensified risk and greater consequences. Fortunately, like BC, most provinces have some form of a graduated licensing program that places restrictions on novice drivers. I like that – it brings me comfort; at least for now.
Still, those five words cause worry, and when uttered, set parents against offspring. What’s reasonable? Unfettered access? Access with restrictions? Curfews? Only for work or school? Finding the right balance between freedom for the young driver and sanity for the parent is a challenge.
Obviously, I’m not the first parent to go through this, and I certainly don’t profess any greater insight or wisdom on the issue. I’m interested though in hearing from others. How have you, or would you, respond to the five words of want?
The best I can do is ask myself whether he’s sensible or not. I think he is, so for now the benefit of the doubt goes to him, but it’s a precarious bestowment at best. So Austin, when you read this – and I know that you will – focus on those key words, “precarious bestowment,” and drive accordingly.
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