So you’ve just gotten your driver’s license and your mom has been a mess. I feel ya, friend, mine was too. Perhaps she’s been a bit on edge every time you mention going out on the road to practice. Any time you’re near the car the pitch of her voice raises an octave or two. It’s understandable, you’re her baby and she wants to be able to keep you safe and sound and the roads aren’t always as safe as she’d like them to be. So, if you want to help your mom make it through your driving lessons, follow these simple tips.
Step 1: Compliment your mom. She’ll need the emotional boost before getting in the car.
Step 2: Make a plan of your route with your mom. Perhaps you notice Mom has started hyperventilating, talk her through your route gently and give her a little hug. There, isn’t that better? She’s started breathing a bit more normally.
Step 3: Go over the specific road skills you’d like to work on today. Mom’s eyes have gone the size of saucers, but never fear as you explain how to perform the skills you’d like to work on, grab mom a chocolate bar, slowly pass it over to her and as she eats and calms down, ask her if she’s ready to get out on the road. She seems nervous, but it looks like she’s accepted.
Step 4: Now that you’ve gotten Mom into the car, praise her for how well she is doing. This was a big step for the two of you. Give her the map of your route and confirm that she knows where you will be going. Praise her one more time. GOOD JOB MOM.
Step 5: Check all of your mirrors, seat and steering wheel position to be sure everything is at the correct position. Mom was about to ask if you adjusted everything, but you beat her to it! Your thoroughness seems to have relaxed her slightly. Only slightly though. No sudden moves.
Step 6: Ask Mom if she’s ready to go. She may be clutching the door and armrest a bit, so put on some soft calming music in the background. Like really in the background. You don’t want it to be so loud that you can’t hear Mom, or you get distracted by the dulcet tones of Ed Sheeran. Once Mom’s death grip has loosened, you can start the car.
Step 7: Tell mom you’re going to start driving and back up VERY SLOWLY. She is still extremely skittish and you don’t want to startle her.
Step 8: Now that mom is engrossed in her task of giving you directions, she seems to have calmed down a bit more. The first stop sign has appeared and she is already trying to slam her foot through the floor, be sure to gently reassure her that you’ve got it under control. No use getting flustered along with her. Your calm will help calm her.
Step 9: You’ve finally reached your end destination, and Mom seems to have made it through ok. Go over what you worked on, what needs improvement still and what you want to go over on your next driving lesson. Praise her again and give her a big hug. This was a big step for Mom, and she made it!
Step 10: You’ve made it home safely, and mom is now napping after having such a big day. Now you can reward yourself by binge-watching Game of Thrones for several hours. You deserve it!
Connect with us
