Learning to Drive

Learning To Drive 

Learning To Drive is a milestone celebration for students who are getting learner permits and preparing to drive. (15 – 17-year-old students and families).

Parenting of this age group goes beyond just preparing students for the responsibilities associated with driving. As students get ready to experience new levels of freedom that come with getting the keys to a car, the realities of making responsible and God-honoring choices really begin to set in. Because, in this phase, students really feel the weight of the choices they make.

The 5th Milestone is about empowering them with this new freedom and responsibility by celebrating “Learning to Drive.”  

Tell me, What is This Phase All About?

Around the ages of 15 to 17 is an ideal time to clearly give your child a vision for their future as an emerging adult. It will arrive before they know it! Through these years you will challenge your teen to leave behind the world of childhood, while inviting them into the ranks of emerging adulthood. This is a crucial part of helping them anticipate and prepare to accept God’s plan for their future. As they continue to discover and settle into who they are, you get to celebrate what you see God doing in their life.

In this phase you will also begin to anticipate and practice moving from a coach to a consultant in your child’s life. This looks like asking more questions to guide their decision making instead of mapping every tiny detail out for them. Let them know that you will be there to help them work through challenges and navigate landmines as they take ownership for choices and a future walk with God. Create intentional one-on-one times to connect and keep the lines of communication open over the coming months and years.

Put it Into Practice

Here are some ideas to help you navigate this phase:

• Model it – You cannot pass to your child something that you don’t have. Schedule a regular time to read the Bible in a place where your kids can see you. Openly share what you are learning from God’s Word.

• Keep the lines of communication open – Ask open-ended questions that require more than a one-word answer. Ask your teen about their friends, what they are learning in scripture, if and how they are navigating anything that’s difficult for them.
• Invite those trusted adults from the last phase who are speaking into the life of your child to continue to affirm them and support them. Teens need consistency so they can build trust.

Next Steps

• Set up a time to meet with our ministry team and learn more about the importance of establishing pre-decisions and navigating the teen years.
• Ask yourself the following questions to plan the best approach to supporting your son or daughter through this phase:
  • Is our relationship strong enough to feel authentic vs. forced as we keep the lines of communication open?
  • What other adults do I see in my child’s life that have influence in his/her decision making?
  • Does my teen show signs he/she is willing to move toward adult responsibilities and attitudes? Why or why not?
• Have your teen revisit their pre-decisions from the previous phase and check in on how they are maintaining them or if they are struggling. Ask them how you can support them best. If they haven’t made pre-decisions yet, make them now.