Talking to
Parents

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To teens, driving is about freedom and independence. To parents, it’s about responsibility. That can sometimes make for some difficult conversations. So when it comes to driving, how do you meet in the middle? Start by better understanding where your parents are coming from — and helping them to better understand you.

Talk frequently

Communicating isn’t just about the conversation at hand. It’s also about developing a common understanding over time. Talk with your parents often. About school, about your interests, about anything, really. Because once you’ve established that connection, it’s much easier to handle more difficult conversations.

Choose the right time

If you need to talk to your parents about something important – like driving – choose the right time. Wait until you both can devote your full attention to the conversation. And it doesn’t hurt if everyone is in a good mood. Your parents can get stressed out just like you do. Pick a time when they are relaxed and ready to listen.

Think about what you're going to say

Before you talk to your parents about driving, think about what you’re going to say. Be very clear and try to stick to the point. If you are prepared for the conversation, you’ll be better able to get your point across and avoid misunderstandings.

Be honest

If something is bothering you, tell your parents. Be very straightforward. And if they ask you a question, answer it as honestly as possible. If you want to show your parents you can handle the responsibility of driving, they need to know that they can trust you.

Stay calm

Conversations between teens and parents can sometimes get a little heated. Do your best to stay calm – especially when things get emotional. If you or your parent gets mad and storms off, the situation won’t get resolved. Think about what you really want from the conversation and focus on the goal. Getting angry isn’t likely to help.

Listen

It sounds simple enough, right? And it works. If you want your parents to listen to you, try listening to them first. It doesn’t mean that you will always agree with their points. But it does show that you respect their perspective. And if you respect theirs, they are more likely to respect yours. Don’t roll your eyes or look distracted. Make good eye contact, and don’t interrupt. When it’s your turn to speak, you’ll likely find you get the same attention and respect back. And you’ll have a better chance of making your point about driving.

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