As parents we often have to make unpopular choices for our children - perhaps most often when choosing their first car. Teenage boys, particularly, look at cars as status symbols. The bigger the engine, the faster and racier the car, the better. As parents, older, slower, and safer is what we prefer.
A few points would have to be considered when you are choosing a car for your teen. First and foremost, there is a budget to consider and your child should consider this as well. Gas guzzling cars may be out of the question on your budget or if your child will be paying for their own gas. Smaller, slower cars tend to be more economical on fuel.
Driving experience is another thing to consider. Do you think that a 16 year old is equipped with the experience to handle a fast car? What about their reactions, are they honed by years of driving in traffic? No matter how badly they want it, if a brand new car has a fast engine then it is an unguided missile in inexperienced hands. In fact, the chances of your teen bumping the car within the first year is pretty good. The more expensive the car, the more expensive the repairs are going to be.
A huge concern for parents of teenagers who drive is safety. We can make sure that they keep their cars in good working condition even though we can't stop them from driving. Routinely checking tire pressure, oil levels, tire wear, water levels, and lights on the car is what you need to teach your child. In case of a puncture, they should also know how to change a wheel. Safety in a car is about more than just airbags.
It would also be helpful if you set a good example in terms of driving habits. As long as you don't speed, drive recklessly or break the law, then it's likely your child won't do those things as well. Explaining the consequences of dangerous driving is vital - a car is a one ton weapon in the wrong hands, and the result of careless driving can be tragic and life-changing. You teenager needs to be aware of the dangers as well even if you don't want to dampen their enthusiasm.
Convincing your teenager that they don't need the newest, fastest car on the lot is not going to be easy, particularly if they have friends who have them. Even though it will make you unpopular, keep in mind that it's your responsibility to look after them. Just like other decisions parents have to make, once your children have kids of their own, only then are they likely to understand and appreciate them.
A few points would have to be considered when you are choosing a car for your teen. First and foremost, there is a budget to consider and your child should consider this as well. Gas guzzling cars may be out of the question on your budget or if your child will be paying for their own gas. Smaller, slower cars tend to be more economical on fuel.
Driving experience is another thing to consider. Do you think that a 16 year old is equipped with the experience to handle a fast car? What about their reactions, are they honed by years of driving in traffic? No matter how badly they want it, if a brand new car has a fast engine then it is an unguided missile in inexperienced hands. In fact, the chances of your teen bumping the car within the first year is pretty good. The more expensive the car, the more expensive the repairs are going to be.
A huge concern for parents of teenagers who drive is safety. We can make sure that they keep their cars in good working condition even though we can't stop them from driving. Routinely checking tire pressure, oil levels, tire wear, water levels, and lights on the car is what you need to teach your child. In case of a puncture, they should also know how to change a wheel. Safety in a car is about more than just airbags.
It would also be helpful if you set a good example in terms of driving habits. As long as you don't speed, drive recklessly or break the law, then it's likely your child won't do those things as well. Explaining the consequences of dangerous driving is vital - a car is a one ton weapon in the wrong hands, and the result of careless driving can be tragic and life-changing. You teenager needs to be aware of the dangers as well even if you don't want to dampen their enthusiasm.
Convincing your teenager that they don't need the newest, fastest car on the lot is not going to be easy, particularly if they have friends who have them. Even though it will make you unpopular, keep in mind that it's your responsibility to look after them. Just like other decisions parents have to make, once your children have kids of their own, only then are they likely to understand and appreciate them.
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