My 16 year old son is driving now; he's borrowing our little red mustang. He's been driving to his friend's houses, going to the movies and to high school basketball games this weekend. I'm biting my nails and stumbling around the house like a zombie, worrying!

On the upside, he's been through drivers-ed--he did well in that. But I still worry...
In the back of my mind though, I recall the insane stunts I pulled when I was 16 .
Then I recall the good friend of mine that got killed in a car crash back in 1980 when he was 16 (the same name as my son).

As a mother, this has been one of the hardest times! I'm trying not to be one of those prying, nervous mothers!
I just had to vent...

Well, I don't have kids but let me give you this: :bighug: You may want to PM Ann (aka AB). She has a son who is 16, too, so she can really relate to you. Plus, she's a doll. Best to both of you!!

I"m sorry, I can't really relate either, as I do not have children myself. But I can relate to being behind the wheel alone for the first time, which happened just a few years ago... and I know my mom was nervous. But I was very cautious, perhaps overly, and my mom has slowly learned to trust me. My advice would be to talk with your son and teach him about the rules of the road and being careful etc... I think sometimes the parents just have to sit back and relax while the kids grow up and learn responsibility. He's going to make mistakes, but you just have to teach him how best to deal with them and make smart decisions. Don't get me wrong.. I know this is one of the hardest things you will ever do...

I hope everything works out well for you and your son!
And remember to relax...;)

Let us know when he gets home safely! :wave:

Well my son is too young to drive he's only 2 but i know when he does start driving I will feel the same as you. :)

He sounds like a responsible young man and I'm sure he'll be OK :)

My 16 year old son is driving now; he's borrowing our little red mustang. He's been driving to his friend's houses, going to the movies and to high school basketball games this weekend. I'm biting my nails and stumbling around the house like a zombie, worrying!

On the upside, he's been through drivers-ed--he did well in that. But I still worry...
In the back of my mind though, I recall the insane stunts I pulled when I was 16 .
Then I recall the good friend of mine that got killed in a car crash back in 1980 when he was 16 (the same name as my son).

As a mother, this has been one of the hardest times! I'm trying not to be one of those prying, nervous mothers!
I just had to vent...



I dont have any kids so I cant relate either. I would just lay down some rules about driving and such. If he was like me he'll do whatever you will tell me to do because I loved getting behind the wheel at 16, and If I got out of line, no driving for me.

How's it going so far? Is he your first child to drive?

I know exactly how you feel. It's so hard on the parents when they first start driving. But hopefully, he will do fine. My son started out just driving to school everyday and now he's driving to ballgames, to the Mall and to his girlfriends house. He did however get a warning about speeding in the school zone a couple of weeks ago. So get ready for a few surprises. lol!

Thank you all for your kind words of support! He did just fine this past weekend.
I have a new found respect for caring parents (my own included) that have to let go and trust their children each step of the way towards adulthood!

Thank you all for your kind words of support! He did just fine this past weekend.
I have a new found respect for caring parents (my own included) that have to let go and trust their children each step of the way towards adulthood!
Glad to hear everything went OK. :D

I think the hardest part of being a parent is letting your kids go. You have to do it thought cause if you don't they will never learn for themselves. Glad to hear all went well. I had a feeling it would. I know if my parents had a Mustang that I was allowed to drive I would do everything I could not to screw up just so I could drive it again. :D

Karen, you sound like a great mom. Your son is really blessed to have such a concerned parent like you!! :bighug:

Karen, you sound like a great mom. Your son is really blessed to have such a concerned parent like you!! :bighug:

I agree, and I'm glad things went well for your son this weekend, Karen.;)

I'm happy that everything worked out with your son, Karen. It was only natural for you to be nervous. That's the sign of a loving and caring mother. I'm glad you're relieved now. :)

Just try not to become too much of a backseat driver, Karen. My mom does that to me - and I'm almost 30!!!! :eek: :lol: