One car, two teen drivers
Posted August 11, 2015 - 12:27pm
For the past two and a half years, my son has been driving. We have one kids car, but now that my daughter has started to drive as well, we've been running into some issues. They carpool to school together, but otherwise they both always want the car. Especially this summer, there have been a lot of scheduling conflicts and fights. My husband and I don't want to get another car, but the situation just keeps getting worse. Does anyone have any solutions or ideas? Any advice would be great.
SuperDuperMom
I had to share a car with my brother when I was younger so I get the woes! My parents just resolved it by being flexible about dropping us off somewhere if we needed it. That was the price they paid for not buying another car haha
Haymalz
Maybe get together at the beginning of the week with your kids and figure out a schedule. Every Sunday, sit down and figure out who needs the car on what days. If there is a conflict, discuss solutions such as having one child drop off their sibling on their way to their event. Use this situation as a way for your kids to practice problem-solving skills. No need to get another car.
CShelton
This is such a good idea. It also applies to other aspects of life--communication in general!!
Haymalz
Exactly CShelton! We actually do this in my family for the whole schedule, not just for the car. We'll all get together at the beginning of the week and plan out the next few days. We start by organizing our first priority- family events. Family time always takes precedence over social events, but we try and be flexible around what the kids are excited about. We all write down the official family schedule so that there isn't any confusion for the rest of the week. We have yummy snacks and the entire event becomes a fun bonding experience instead of a tedious chore.
DanaP
Thank you, Hayden! What a great idea. I am going to try and implement this schedule idea this upcoming week.
CraigK
yeah you have to try and establish a schedule with them and then leave it up to them to figure out how it's supposed to work. If they have to trade days, so be it. But if they don't want to pay for another car, they should be grateful that they have one in the first place. It's a privilege, not a right!
DanaP
I couldn't have said it better, Craig. Having a car is a privilege, not a right.