Every parent will agree that all kids grow up fast. One can really feel their age when a teen learns to drive. As parents we all sweat bullets. The thoughts that go through our minds are horrible.
By remembering back to when we are teens may help. Just imagine what our parents thought. Talking about biting nails, bet they all did it, just like we are about to now. Kids of today drive faster and they go everywhere. Our parents said the same. They were as worried as we are today.
Allow you teen small trips to the store alone to start. You yourself are having more than worry thoughts of them driving, you are having thoughts like oh, geez he/she is a young adult. Subconsciously you are coming to grips with their independence.
Allowing these small turn about trips to and from the store for you, gives them the practice they need. If you feel unsafe with them going it alone, go along for the drive. In this, do not sit there and bite your nails and be all panicky. Just remember the first time you drove your parents. Be calm, as this will let your teen know you are OK with him or her driving.
By starting with small steps and allowing your child this small freedom of driving to and from will aid in keeping your nerves in check. Take time to tell them if they did well and tell them if they are missing something after you arrive back home. Do not get them nervous out there on the road. By keeping it all together moms and dad the kids will improve.
