What to Do When your Child is Afraid to Drive
Most teenagers look forward to getting their driver’s license because that license means more freedom to them. However, not every teen is looking forward to getting their license and some may even avoid it at all costs. The most common reason for a teen not wanting to drive is fear. Unfortunately, parents may not want to be taxi drivers until their teen heads out to college so many need to know what to do when your child is afraid to drive.
There are ways to help when your child is afraid to drive that could help them get over that fear and receive their license and many of them are simple.
Be Understanding
The most important thing a parent can do in their child’s life is understanding them, even when that seems impossible. Some teens are very open about how they feel but in most cases, teens are closed off. There’s nothing wrong with either approach teens take to how they feel and parents have many different ways of dealing with them. However, there is a valid reason for a child to be afraid to drive. Teens are in the top majority of people who get into accidents year after year and that’s mostly due to a lack of experience. But driving is important and should be learned when they have the time to do so slowly. Be as understanding as possible and let your teen know that their fears are valid but can be overcome.
Time is Flying By
Point out to your teen that learning how to drive as soon as possible is important because of time. Once a teen reaches college years and beyond, spending time learning how to drive may be even more difficult. The extra time teens have to learn how to drive can be done slowly, especially with online learning and every detail can be learned properly.
Take Baby Steps
Getting a learner’s permit doesn’t require much driving, except the hours during behind the wheel training or done at home with a parent. Once a permit is earned, teens can take things slowly and learn how to get comfortable driving in baby steps with a parent. There is no need to hit the highway right away and it’s a great way to ensure comfort.
When to Practice
There is no better way to learn how to drive when your child is afraid to drive than to practice on the roads with other drivers. However, there is nothing wrong with practicing when the roads are quieter. Use times of day to your advantage and let teens learn when they feel more comfortable.
Decide with Your Teen
Forcing a teen to learn how to drive may not be the best idea. By forcing a teen to learn how to drive, you could be putting an unsafe driver on the roads and confirm their fears when they get in an accident. Talk with your teen and weigh the benefits and the cons and make sure your teen has their fair say. If they absolutely aren’t ready now, give them time and return to the topic in a month or two.
