Teaching My Son To Drive Is Driving Me Crazy
Posted: Tuesday, July 15, 2008
by Roschelle Nelson
By the time we made it to the highway, beads of sweat were pouring down my brow. My hands were
wet and aching from me gripping them together so tightly the nails almost popped off from the pressure. My butt cheeks were clasped together in an iron vise that most assuredly was going to cause my head to explode. Finally in the thick, humid air that we've come to endearingly call "Summer in the South", my son looked over and asked, "So, Mom, do you like my driving?"
I must admit he really wasn't doing too terribly bad. He had both hands on the wheel. His gaze never left the road and his handling of the vehicle was far better than I'd ever imagined it would be. But for heaven's sake, this was my baby.
Just a few years ago, (well maybe more like 10) I was teaching him to ride his bike. We started one evening right at dusk. He was so excited to get his training wheels off. Of course you know it was a long evening. He fell several times but always got back up ready to go again until he mastered riding that cute little red and green bike which is now old, rusty and pushing up daisies in the backyard.
Looking back, I guess it really wasn't about him driving. It was about him growing - attaining more and more independence; not needing me so much anymore.
He's 16 years old and will be a senior in high school this fall.
This will truly be a memorable year for both of us. He's poised to have one of the best years of his young life and I'm on the verge of what most assuredly will be a complete mental breakdown. For this is probably the last year my baby will be at home on a regular basis.
After this school year, it's off to college and from there out into the real world. And it all happened so fast.
Time is so relative. As a child, it seemed like I'd never grow up. Time seemed to stand still. It wasn't until I gave birth to my new "chauffeur" that the hands on the clock started spinning out of control. Where does the time go?
So, I guess you could say that his driving lessons are lessons for me too.
I'm being taught that it's his time to take the wheel and steer as smoothly and skillfully as possible into his future.
I'm being taught that it's his time to proceed through life's green lights while I yield and allow him to move forward.
I'm being taught that it's his time to stop and proceed with caution while utilizing the things I've taught him in the many lessons we've had over the years.
I've been preparing and teaching my son to drive for the past 16 years. The time has just arrived for him to execute what he's learned.
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More commentsVery good article. I have two sons one 21 and one 19 Understand the meaning of your article 100% My son's are both in the ARMY. Time goes by so quickly.Please log in to respond to this comment.Time FLIES!!! I'm greatful for many wonderful memories and two beautiful boys that have truly kept life exciting. Thanks for reading and commenting.Please log in to respond to this comment.
Roschelle you will look back at some point and ask them "who taught you to drive" and they will say "YOU" and you will say, I never drove like that and then you will get that look and you will know that as mom when your right your right and when wrong, oh well your still right. Good article, Robert.Please log in to respond to this comment.Thanks for commenting and you are so right....Mothers are NEVER wrong.Please log in to respond to this comment.
Wonderfully well-written article. I loved it. I remember going through the same thing--three times (two boys, one girl). Although, I did have to replace a few vehicles; like you said, it's not about them learning to drive, but growing up, spreading their wings, learning to fly on their own. It is a beautiful time in a parent's life---but then, most times are beautiful.Lovely story, Roschelle.SandraPlease log in to respond to this comment.Thank you so much for commenting Sandra. You are soooo right. Life is beautiful. In my journey, I have truly been blessed. Again, thank you.Please log in to respond to this comment.
Roschelle,I loved this article. I especially liked "it's his time to proceed through life's green lights while I yield and allow him to move forward". That's good stuff. I just started teaching my daughter to drive. She's my youngest too.StevePlease log in to respond to this comment.
It truly has given new meaning to "nerve wrecking". But it's just a part of the process called 'growing up'. I'm kind of enjoying it in my own little way. Thanks for commentingPlease log in to respond to this comment.
This was a good trip down memory lane. I have three boys, and when the twins (double eek) starting driving, I just knew that things were going to be changing. I pray for my children unceasingly and God has been the "comforter" without a shadow of a doubt. I now am a grandma and will probably be hidng in the backyard when the grandkids start driving. LOL. God bless you Roschelle.Please log in to respond to this comment.Thank you so much. I'm glad this article provided a wonderful walk down memory lane for you. God Bless You as well and thanks for the kind words.Please log in to respond to this comment.
Beautifully written, dear Roschelle! Oh, how I know that 'ache'. Bravo for recognizing what's going on here...and for being a good enough Mom to let your boy fly. That, as far as I can tell, is precisely what we're here to do. As the saying goes, children do not belong to us. They're merely here on loan until it's their time to give their treasures to the world. Well done!Please log in to respond to this comment.
thanks, Anonymous. I couldn't agree morePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Roschelle, what a super article!! I remembered my mom teaching me on unpaved country roads. I remembered the local college parking lot that my girls still tell stories about because their dad taught them there. I realized that following your thoughts and reactions, and the normal fears, I was "tearing up"! A wonderful tribute to a special time many parents and teens treasure long after! So good!!Please log in to respond to this comment.
Thank you so much Jane! I almost teared up reading your response. I'm so glad this brought back wonderful memories for you. I'm hoping my son (the chauffeur) will read it soon and witness the reactions "his story" as brought about.Please log in to respond to this comment.
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