Learning how to drive is a turning point in almost every person’s life. It’s one of those skills you have to learn in society. Teaching your teen how to drive helps them develop responsibility and independence. It can also be one of the most stressful tasks you face as the parent, foster or biological.
If your foster child is of driving age, here are some tips to keep in mind before getting behind the wheel.
Planning
Before each driving lesson, you should plan out what you intend to cover as well as plan out your driving route. It’s better to avoid heavy traffic areas and construction zones. Discuss the route with your teenager prior to the lesson.
Lesson Lengths
Keep the lessons to an acceptable length for your teen’s driving level and activity level. A teen who is tired from a full day of school and sports practice may require a shorter lesson than they would on a Saturday. Gradually lengthening lessons allows teens to safely adjust to driving and absorb everything you are trying to teach them.
Breathe
Remember to stay calm and avoid getting angry at your teen. This is a learning experience and mistakes are bound to happen. You want this to be a positive and engaging experience for your teen, not one they dread.
Practice What You Teach
While on the road, be sure to reinforce good driving habits. Provide directions in advance, enforce that there is no texting, or any other action that would cause them to become distracted.
Be Understanding
Remember your teen is a new driver and doesn’t have your same driving skill. You need to keep an eye out for any potential hazards you may see or anticipate, such as a small child playing with a ball near the road.
For many teenagers, parents do not have the time to teach driving, and driving lessons can be an expense that many foster families can’t afford. Donate to Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation today to help cover the cost of driving lessons for Arizona teens in foster care.