| Oh the joys of parenthood! When your teen becomes | | | | tasks and obligations they have as being a part of the |
| of driving age, more often than not they'll be asking for | | | | family. It is important to make clear that certain things |
| their own car. What should you look for in a car for | | | | are required while they are behind the wheel. Such |
| your teenage driver? And what should you expect of | | | | things as wearing a seat belt, rules about being on the |
| them? | | | | phone and text messaging, and even operating their |
| While safety is certainly key when looking for a car for | | | | MP3 player. Let them know if their phone rings, they |
| your teen, the safest option doesn't always mean the | | | | need to pull over to the side of the road or into a |
| newest vehicle. Especially if the car is just going to be | | | | parking lot before answering. |
| used to get from school and work, nothing fancy is | | | | Rules as to how many passengers may be in the |
| really needed. Making sure the vehicle is in proper | | | | vehicle should be set too. There are different rules in |
| repair is the most important thing. Your teen will have | | | | each state, but parents should let their teen driver |
| plenty of time to earn their own money for that new | | | | know who can and cannot be in the car with them as |
| car they want - it can come much later in life. | | | | well. |
| Rules need to be established when you suddenly have | | | | Nighttime driving, speeding, seatbelts and alcohol use |
| a teen driver. They must know where you stand, and | | | | should all be addressed long before they take the |
| understand your expectations of them with certainty. | | | | wheel. Set clear and firm rules with harsh punishments |
| These ground rules should be in place before you ever | | | | for breaking any of them. This is not only for their |
| hand over the keys. Doing this you will greatly reduce | | | | safety, but the safety of others. |
| the number of conflicts that may arise and it just may | | | | Be a strong parent, set the ground rules and follow |
| help you feel more confident about their safety. | | | | through with consequences. If these rules are |
| These ground rules should include not only rules for the | | | | established in the beginning, they will be easier followed |
| road, but for their behavior and grades as well. Their | | | | than if you make them later in their teen driving years. |
| driving privileges should hinge on a variety of different | | | | |