How to Teach Your Children to Drive Safely and Courteously - Article 2 of 2

As children approach their teens, they naturally become more interested in driving and the rules of the road. As parents, we may notice them becoming more observant, asking questions ... or even criticizing our driving!

But even younger children are already developing habits and attitudes about driving, long before their interest becomes apparent. They are learning from mom and dad what it "feels" like to be in a car under different circumstances. They are watching us react to varying situations and listening to us talk or "emote" about things that happen when we drive. While our kids may be far too young to be handed the keys, they are never too young to begin to learn about the rules of the road and the attitudes that will make them safe and courteous drivers. The simplest way to convey these lessons? A three step technique - "Explain", "Demonstrate" and "Quiz".

"Explain" - One of the easiest things we can do as "driving instructors" to our young children, is to explain things as we drive. With our younger children, we can talk about the road signs and symbols around us. Although we may be unaware of it, we observe and respond to them almost constantly. Our kids see them, too, and love to learn about their meaning. From the earliest and easiest - What parent hasn't taught their children the meaning of the three colors of a traffic light? - to more advanced signs and concepts for older children - from merging to four way stops to flashing red lights to double yellow lines - children of all ages love to learn about driving from mom and dad.

As our children get older, more mature and aware, we can also discuss driving techniques and decisions. For instance, explain why we keep a certain distance between cars on the freeway, how long it can take a car to stop going a certain speed, what might happen if we are unable to stop in time. Explain who goes first at a four way stop and the logic behind the rule. Explain how to check your mirrors and look behind you when changing lanes or turning and explain why this is important. While this may all seem obvious, it is not always natural for parents to verbalize what have probably become near-reflexive actions and decisions. But learn to make a habit of explaining them and your children will benefit from your knowledge and experience.

"Demonstrate" - We can also take this a step further by demonstrating what we are talking about. Most commonly, we can explain what we are doing when we are doing it. In so doing, the demonstration comes with the verbal lesson! Are you keeping proper distance in traffic? That's demonstration! Now point it out to your kids. Are you pulling to the side of the road to let an emergency vehicle pass? That's demonstration! Now explain how to do it properly and why it's done so they understand.

On other occasions, it may not be practical or safe to demonstrate a concept while driving in traffic. In these cases, you can make up scenarios and have the kids join in in trying to figure out what would happen, then explaining the proper way to execute a given manuver - sort of a "mental" demonstration. But on other occasions, find a place where you can demonstrate a concept and do it! For instance, do you want to show your children how a car may not break properly on an icy road by simply holding down the brake? You wouldn't demonstrate that behind another car! In this case, perhaps you can stop later in an empty parking lot and slowly, safely demonstrate the difference in holding down the brake or pumping it to stop in icy conditions. Always use common sense and demonstrate only what you can do so safely. But demonstrating is almost more impactful than explaining alone.

"Quiz" - Believe it or not, this is usually the funnest part for your kids! As you explain and demonstrate safe and courteous driving techniques and attitudes to your children, they will love to share them back with you. When on the road, point out a situation, perhaps a car following too close behind another and ask your children, "Does that look like a safe driving distance to you?" At a four way stop, ask them which car should go first, which should go next? Give them scenarios and let them tell you how to properly handle it. This quiz isn't like a quiz in math or history! You'll find your kids so enjoy talking about what they're learning about driving, they'll soon be telling you how you're doing and talking about what other drivers are doing around them. And all while they're developing their own safe and courteous driving habits and attitudes; habits and attitudes planted by you!