I remember being in high school a thousand years ago, and being unable to wait to turn sixteen. Sixteen meant getting a driver's license, and getting a driver's license meant freedom, which is precisely what I wanted as a teenage boy.
For the past year and a half/two years, I've been excited for my teen daughter, Riley, to turn sixteen as well, so she could obtain a bit of freedom herself. Since being a high schooler, Riley's life has revolved around social activities with her group of girlfriends. I shouldn't really say that, because she does focus on her job, her schoolwork, and being on the cheer team, but as the "designated driver" it feels as though I am always taking her and her friends to the mall, picking them up from the beach, and driving them to and from sleepovers.
It would be nice for my girl to start getting herself around town, but unlike my teen years, kids today don't seem to need to drive as badly as we had. Oh sure, I'm sure there are plenty of kids who get their license on their sixteenth birthdays, but far more are putting it off, my daughter being one of them. She says she'd like to drive, but taking the courses and training are just inconvenient for her at this point, precisely because of all her school work, her job and her cheer.
So, that means she's still relying on the Dear Old Dad Taxi Service to get around. But recently, a couple of her friends have gotten their license and a couple more are taking the courses to get theirs. I've spoken to some of the parents of the new drivers and realize there's a new inconvenience with a teen driver...worry!
I'm hearing that since you as a parent aren't dropping them off here and there, you never are quite sure where your kid is. Of course you fear for their safety on the road, and you never know if there will be driving while texting, talking on the phone or while intoxicated.
After hearing from the other side, I happily accept this lesser of two evils (far lesser). Sure, it's inconvenient, but at least I know for the time being that she is safe. Yes, she will have to drive one day, and I need to let my little one fly out of the nest. I'm not holding her back, but if she wants to put off driving, I'll happily be her shuttle service.
For the past year and a half/two years, I've been excited for my teen daughter, Riley, to turn sixteen as well, so she could obtain a bit of freedom herself. Since being a high schooler, Riley's life has revolved around social activities with her group of girlfriends. I shouldn't really say that, because she does focus on her job, her schoolwork, and being on the cheer team, but as the "designated driver" it feels as though I am always taking her and her friends to the mall, picking them up from the beach, and driving them to and from sleepovers.
It would be nice for my girl to start getting herself around town, but unlike my teen years, kids today don't seem to need to drive as badly as we had. Oh sure, I'm sure there are plenty of kids who get their license on their sixteenth birthdays, but far more are putting it off, my daughter being one of them. She says she'd like to drive, but taking the courses and training are just inconvenient for her at this point, precisely because of all her school work, her job and her cheer.
So, that means she's still relying on the Dear Old Dad Taxi Service to get around. But recently, a couple of her friends have gotten their license and a couple more are taking the courses to get theirs. I've spoken to some of the parents of the new drivers and realize there's a new inconvenience with a teen driver...worry!
I'm hearing that since you as a parent aren't dropping them off here and there, you never are quite sure where your kid is. Of course you fear for their safety on the road, and you never know if there will be driving while texting, talking on the phone or while intoxicated.
After hearing from the other side, I happily accept this lesser of two evils (far lesser). Sure, it's inconvenient, but at least I know for the time being that she is safe. Yes, she will have to drive one day, and I need to let my little one fly out of the nest. I'm not holding her back, but if she wants to put off driving, I'll happily be her shuttle service.
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