Effective Parenting for Teens

You don’t want your teen to question whether you have the right to be teaching about safety. This raises the question, “Are You a Good Role Model?”

Teens are great at pointing out their parents’ faults, especially when we don’t live up to our own words or actions. You may not realize it, and they may deny it, but teens view parents as their most important teachers. They learn more by observing what you do on a daily basis than by anything you say. When it comes to driving, you should demand very high standards from your teens. They, in turn, expect you to be a good role model.

TIPS

Practice what you preach.

Be sure to point out safe driving behaviors so your child will view them as the behaviors you expect to see when they drive. Drive home the message on distractions:

• Point out unsafe driving behaviors, such as talking on a cell phone.
• Show your child that it's okay to tell passengers, "Please don't distract me while I'm driving."
• Pull over to use your cell phone or have a passenger answer it instead.
• Don't change CDs or the radio or reach for a map. Pull over and explain the need to devote your full attention to the road.

Model these absolutes:

• Always wear a seat belt and insist that others do.
• Never drive impaired (drugged, drowsy, or drunk).
• Avoid distractions that take your attention from the road.
• Treat other drivers with courtesy.
• Come to a complete stop at stop signs and signals.
• Keep a safe following and stopping distance.
• Obey the posted speed limit.
• No use of cell phones or other electronic devices while driving.

Talk about how experience matters.

Your teen may ask why you can drive with more than one passenger, make that quick turn, or take a long drive late at night to clear your head, but he or she can’t. Calmly explain that because you have many years of driving experience, you don’t have to follow the same rules as a new driver. As your child gains experience, more privileges, such as driving with more than one non-adult passenger, will come.

It's never too late to change.

Even if you haven’t been the best role model up to now, that’s okay. Teaching your child to drive is a good time to start. Stress the fact that you’re being safer on the road to help your teen become a safe, skilled driver. You’re not a hypocrite; you’re a role model.

This is also a good time to encourage other adults to model safe driving behaviors.