My Teenager Driving me Around for the First Time!
Another "First", driving around with my son at the wheel!
Last night was a new "first" for me. My teenager was driving ME around town! Talk about a somewhat nerve wracking thought! Now my husband has taken him out driving like in parking lots, etc. This though, was the real deal from backing out of the driveway to pulling back into the driveway, with two stops in between at local stores. Sometimes the only way to let them get better or grow in such things, is to just let them do it, right? So off we went, as there is nothing like a new CD calling your name from Target, one in which it is the last of its kind at least for the time being. I said, "well I need to also go to Walgreen's, will you take me by there?" He agreed, and we were off!
We have a fairly tight driveway, so it was a little challenge getting out, and I didn't realize until we were on our way out that he had never done that part before! He made me aware of that and I was only a bit nervous as our street is a main thoroughfare in our neighborhood. Who cares, I was feeling adventurous tonight! I noticed too, that the music was on, but he is a music loving kid, and I was feeling nice, so I let it stay on. More real experience.
He was a little awkward with the wheel, but not too bad and also apologetic, and I told him he was doing just fine. A little encouragement goes a long way, right? He needed to make a left out of the neighborhood onto a bigger street, and then I saw lightning in the distance. Hey, all the more to add to the experience, that and music, right? I just smiled and left the route up to him, giving him a few choices along the way.
We did have to go behind the whole shopping center, as we turned a little early, and went over several speed bumps. It was about this time that I realized he didn't much like slowing down for turns, and our minivan would feel a little out of control. I tried to explain to him a better way, and while he did it a few more times I think he began to get the idea. We made it to Target and he got some parking experience. You have to start somewhere!
We went on to Walgreen's, and I got a couple things I needed, and then he drove me home. I have to say, that it was a very sweet, and a little nerve wracking, but I enjoyed taking him out for driving. On the way home some guy or gal got right on his tail, because he was watching his speed. I told him to never ever mind those kinds of people. He did great, and sure enough, a police officer was hiding in the shadows and he got nervous but didn't need to. I just reassured him it was good he didn't much pick up any speed in that zone, because don't you know WE would have been the ones to be pulled over? That guy or gal had to back way off soon as they saw the copper too.
Proud of him, he is learning and doing great and growing up. You gotta love those teenagers!
