Well, it’s official – our oldest son, Nickolas passed his drivers test yesterday. He was so excited. We were too…..we see less driving to the football field in our future! Woo Hoo! After he passed his test, Nick was filled with a new confidence we had not seen in him before. Maybe confidence is not the right word. Maybe…it should be called ‘foolish wisdom’. All the sudden he could give anyone driving advice! So, maybe it was not all foolish…whatever you call it…he felt good!
Kevin and I sat on the couch last night as we handed the keys to our son. Nick took a friend with him on his first solo journey to the movies. It was very surreal but exciting too because I remember how cool that felt. Total independence, or at least I thought that at the time! Anyway, our deal was that he was to call us when he got to the movie theater. Guess what happened? No call. So, being the mom that I am, knowing the movie had already started – I called his cell until he answered. (Teenagers don’t turn off their cells in the movie…they only silent them. You know… they don’t want to miss an important call) So, he finally answers and tells me the movie started so he can’t talk. Excuse me….you forgot to call me was my reply. “Oh…mom, I forgot. I’m sorry. We’ll you can see that I got here safe. So everything is fine”. I had a moment to tell him that “no…it wasn’t all fine and if you are going to drive you MUST listen and obey me. This part is about me and my security in knowing you get where you are going safely”. I wasn’t angry….just needed him to know this is an important part of us allowing him to drive now. And…it was dark! He should be glad we even let him go!!! Right?
So…its time to be very clear with our rules. With Nick being the oldest…this is the first time we’ve had to go over driving rules and expectations. I would love to hear from some of you who have already been here…or ideas you remember from your teenage driving days. What advice do you have for a first time parent of a 16 year old?
2 comments:
Yay!!! Nick got his license, Nick got his license!!!
I can't wait to read all of the advice that everyone will leave on here...hint hint, as we are just now beginning this journey!
Alec had a friend over last night (17), and they just...left. They went to rent a movie, but didn't tell me. I called him and told him even though he said he wanted to go do that, he needed to tell me "Bye", so I could know when he left!
We are writing our instruction manuals as we go....
You asked us about this and we briefly answered. I really think all of them (16yr. olds) forget to call Mom or Dad when they are told to, because of whatever. I don't even remember how many times we had to call Katherine in the same situation. Finally after sitting her down at home for a week or two with no going anywhere she got the message. She now calls one of us to let us know when she gets there and when she's leaving. You are right that's for your peace of mind. She is by no means perfect at it but she does ok. They just don't think about it at the time.
It is cool when you don't have to take them everywhere.
Alright Nick!
Steve
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