Teaching your teenager to drive can be a daunting task for many parents.
Here are 7 tips to help make the experience less stressful and more enjoyable:
- Be patient: Remember that your teenager is still learning, and it’s natural for them to make mistakes. Stay calm. Don’t get too frustrated if they forget to check their mirrors or struggle with parallel parking. Taking deep breaths can help you maintain a sense of calm and perspective.
- Stay calm: As a parent, it’s easy to feel anxious and stressed when you’re teaching your teenager to drive. But it’s important to stay calm and avoid using negative language that can make your teen feel more anxious. Instead of saying, “This is terrifying” or “You’re going to crash,” try to use positive and encouraging language such as “You’re doing great. Keep it up!”
- Give clear instructions: When you’re teaching your teenager to drive, give clear and concise instructions that are easy to understand. Avoid using technical jargon that can be confusing or overwhelming. Use simple language.
- Practice in a safe area: Finding a safe place to practice is critical when teaching your teenager to drive. Look for quiet side streets or empty parking lots where your teenager can practice their skills without the pressure of heavy traffic. Use cones to help your teen practice parking skills and manoeuvring around obstacles.
- Set expectations: Be clear about what you expect from your teenager when they’re behind the wheel. Set rules about speed limits, using indicators and not using their phone while driving. But don’t be too strict – remember that learning to drive can be overwhelming. Mistakes will happen.
- Take breaks: Teaching your teenager to drive can be tiring and stressful for both of you. Take frequent breaks to talk about what you’ve covered, give feedback, and provide encouragement. Taking breaks can also help you both recharge and stay focused.
- Consider professional lessons: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or don’t have the time or patience to teach your teenager to drive, consider hiring a professional driving instructor. In New Zealand, there are plenty of driving schools and qualified instructors who can help your teen learn to drive safely and confidently.
Remember, teaching your teenager to drive can be a positive and rewarding experience. With patience, clear communication, and a positive attitude, you can help your teen become a safe and confident driver while creating fun and memorable moments together.