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How to Curb Your Fear When Your Kid Starts Driving

Parents try to protect their children from any dangers in life. How to mentally prepare yourself when your child starts driving?
Aigerim Berzinya
The first time your child gets behind the wheel, can be terrifying. The harsh turns, jumpy brakes, and nervousness for the first time would make anyone uncomfortable.

If your kid’s new driving is about to give you a heart attack, check these tips for a smooth ride and calm mindset.

Have the Conversation

Before handing over the keys to your kid, it is important that you sit down and have the conversation with them. In this conversation, it is important to cover all of your bases, including the laws surrounding new drivers and information about car insurance.
Another important thing to mention is any relevant emergency information. If you have time and skills, a crash course in changing tires might be a good idea. Keeping a tool kit and a spare tire in the trunk never hurts a new driver, and might be helpful for them.

Practice Before Hitting the Road

A key to having a clear conscious as a parent of a new driver is to feel confident about your child’s skill level. This means going to an empty parking lot or other space free of cars to practice turning, using signals, parking, and any other skills.
Setting your child free on the open road without much training is likely to result in a fender bender. While it might take more of your time and energy upfront, putting them through the driving boot camp for a little while will ease both of your minds and provide necessary confidence.

Create a Set of Guidelines

It is perfectly fine to set up some formal rules with your kid as they start driving. These rules can be simple, but will surely bring peace of mind. One example is, to have your new driver text you when they arrive at their destination.
Even if you are not a huge disciplinarian, having your kid stick to the rules you set, is important. Driving is inherently dangerous, and mistakes can harm other people. Making your new driver aware of this fact will make them more receptive to a little more oversight.

Check the Car’s Features for Safety

No matter how prepared your driver is, for the road, all of that training is meaningless if their car is a death trap. Low tire pressure or tire quality, a faulty engine, or incredibly old cars can set your child up for disaster.
Consider using quality tires to make sure that your kid does not end up with an unexpected flat tire. Also, before they set out, ensuring that their oil is all set and checking their engine for defects, is important for safety purposes.

Recap

Watching your child drive for the first time is undeniably scary, and seeing them pull out of the driveway might make you want to hurl. Use these tips when you’re anxious though, and soon enough you’ll be the proud parent of a great driver.