one year ago today, I posted my first post here- some might remember my story of my then 13 year old daughter deciding one evening she could drive- then took my wife's 2009 Honda Accord on a little joy ride- she made it about 4 miles before crashing into a power pole and a smaller utility pole- she wasnt injured.
pictures dont do it justice - whole front end had to be replaced along with axel/suspension. Basically, everything under the hood was rearranged- $11,000 dollars- insurance covered it.
So anyway, eveything is back to normal- as normal as can be with a 14 year daughter:-) We kept her in sports- girls softball,she is on the freshman volleyball team and has started cross-country practice.
We did keep her phone from her until this month - a one year suspension..OMG! the social network media withdrawals she went through- I dont think she will be doing any more unauthorized driving:-)
And lastly - I had to get this picture for her reminder- I dont think she ever wants to be in the back of one these again
Wow. I do remember.
and if i remember correctly Miranda, Wendells and Angels daughter chimed in for her first post adding some good insight for a young woman!
Now, take her out to dinner for an anniversary celebration. Let her know that we all do stupid stuff, we pay for it in consequences, then it's forgiven and forgotten.
Let her know how grateful you are she's still here! I mean, TELL HER.
Don't we just love our kids??? ;o)
JBS
That is what we call, "unconditional love"!
"Now, take her out to dinner for an anniversary celebration. Let her know that we all do stupid stuff, we pay for it in consequences, then it's forgiven and forgotten.
Let her know how grateful you are she's still here! I mean, TELL HER."
That is one of the most important things you can do for your kids, is to tell them from time to time how much they do mean to you. Also don't forget to mention some of those great times and great things that she had this past year and tell her you are glad she was here to have them - and then remind her that the best times and best things are yet to come!
> Now, take her out to dinner for an anniversary celebration. Let her know that we all do stupid stuff, we pay for it in consequences, then it's forgiven and forgotten.
>
> Let her know how grateful you are she's still here! I mean, TELL HER.
>
> Don't we just love our kids??? ;o)
>
> JBS
Yes. Do this! Great suggestion John.
> and if i remember correctly Miranda, Wendells and Angels daughter chimed in for her first post adding some good insight for a young woman!
Yup Yup I remember this all too well!! Raising a teenager definitely is not easy but it's good to know we aren't doing it all alone!!! Mine will be 18 October 3rd. I told her if she gets into ANY mischief and winds up in the clink, dad and I will NOT be bailing her out!! I hope that sticks with her. 🙂
RaG.
I wouldn't be tooooooo hasty about the advice given. I would wait unitl she is no longer a teenager - like in 40 to 50 years. LOL
So, if she is 14, does that mean you left the Desert in 95 or so. Is she a native Texan, or did you transport the tender thing to Texas? Were you working for Mr. "H" just before leaving, or did you venture out to anyone else in the area before heading East?
Bring me up to date,...........p l e a s e..
thanx,
Geezer
I bent my folk's cars a few times and got a good *ss-chewing, of course.
I got off pretty easy as a parent that way.
Claire (24) is still driving one of our cars but she's actively looking for a car.
Anyway she got rear ended on the freeway yesterday by some kid driving a small Beamer. The kid (Claire calls her a "Ditz") jumps out and says, "I didn't see your brake lights" and "I can't find my insurance." Soon the CHP shows up, does a traffic break, asks Claire to take the exit, turn right and wait, he'll be right there (the Beamer is not driveable). It turns out the Dad of the other driver has the insurance information. We comply with State law by having the insurance information in the car and we each have a wallet card the insurance company gives us.
CHP comes a few minutes later, has her check the brake lights (he must've heard the story) and says, "Yep they are very bright." Gives her a collision card with his contact information for our insurance company and thanks her for cooperating in getting off of the freeway and waiting. CHP officer will do a complete report with names, etc. AAA is good about chasing down the responsible party's insurance.
The bumper cover is torn and the whole bumper looks shoved forward plus the exhaust is bent. She is going to get it fixed.
GA
only you will understand this post - for everyone else, geezer and I used to work together in the california desert back in the early 90's.
I was working for another group over in Palm Desert for a awhile- came back to texas in 94- VR and I went our separate ways in 95- re-married in 2000 to my current wife who had a little girl when I met her- I adopted my now 14 year old daughter...
you are now up to date!
Priceless photo!!
I have taught my kids to drive very early (not in city traffic). My son could drive better than most women when he was 10. Now that he is almost ready to drive legally, he can almost drive well enough to survive on the roads.
My daughter is 12 going on 13. She has a harder time seeing over the hood, but does fairly well.
I treat driving a vehicle like the guns in my home. I give the kids plenty of time doing what they want when I'm around, so they do not sneak out and try something new and dangerous when I'm not. If they do, they will be prepared to not get hurt.
Now....I know what your thinking....where I live there are wide open dirt roads with no traffic.
I cannot imagine sending 16 year old kids out into the city to learn how to drive. I tell my kids driving will probably be the most dangerous thing they will ever do...be good at it.
PS, tell your daughter "Smooth move Ex-lax, hope you learned your lesson!"
I can hear the wheels turning now....what does that mean?????
JRL
