Student Drving - The Coach Approach

Dear Parents,

After taking my 15 year old driving, it was interesting to notice what he
talked about afterward, what really made an impression on him.

Professionally, I am a coach.  As a coach, I know that the most valuable
learning modality is experience.  Once you've had an experience, you
can work on modifying if necessary. 

So I used this same approach with him.  I just told him what to do
(drive to that landmark in reverse, make a u-turn, park in that space).
I didn't tell him how to do it, I just let him do it.  Then we just deal
with what comes up.

I noticed afterward as he spoke about his experience with others
that being trusted to "just do it" seemed to add a sense of pride
and confidence.  I think as parents of teenagers it's important to
remember that our job is to help them build trust and confidence
in their own abilities.  And experience is the best teacher.

To Your Family,

Jane Cabrera
The Parent Success Coach