Thread: what to do with kids today

I think it was very generous of you to buy her the car.

My former wife & I did the same thing with our 18yo, but we own the car and it is very clear that it is in our names and he has the privilige of driving it at our discretion. He has to fuel it and register it and pay for 50% of the servicing + wear and tear items. Occasionally we decline to let him take the car if we think the destination is innapproprate (such as a schoolies function - not a chance).

If the same thing happened to us, he would be catching the bus. It's not so much the accident, as they can happen to anyone any time, but the lying about taking it.

Responsibility (lack thereof)....

Consequences.

She can think about it every time she catches the bus.

If she wants you help to get another one, then she will have to atone for her unwise decision so that you are happy to help out again, and not begrudge it.

My thoughts anyway. I don't think children need to have a completely pain free life and this will be character building for her.

My son rolled over and killed my brand new Subaru Brumby three weeks after he got his licence. It was on a gravel road and it was obvious from the various skid marks in the area, he had been skylarking.

Luckily for me, he was working at the time and I made him pay the insurance excess and he also paid the difference in my insurance premium for the next few years because I lost my no claim bonus. Additionally, as the car was brand new, the insurance company replaced it OK, but I had to pay the Gov't stamp duty and licence on it...which I also made my son pay.

He didn't complain, because he knew he was wrong, even though all-up it cost him around $7000.00. The best thing is that the scare of rolling the vehicle and being fortunate enough to survive it turned him into a very responsible driver.

Now as for my daughter when she was a teenager.....all I can say is she is very lucky that it is illegal to kill your own children.....

Hi Dawg
Sorry to hear about your scare I can’t imagine how bad it must have been.
I haven't any kids, (well not for another 5 months anyway!) so I can't give any parental opinions. But I would like to say how glad I am your daughter didn't come to any harm.

I really don’t know what I would do in your situation, and I’m not going to give you the, when I was a young lad routine.
The only thing I would like to mention and I don’t want to offend you it’s just a general observation, I see it every day. Your daughters car insurance would be a whole lot less with a smaller car. I see lots of youngsters in 3,4,5 litre cars, new and old. I think that until someone has learned the skill of driving they should drive a small cc engine car. Preferably front wheel drive.

My missus has a 800cc car! She loves it, cheap to run, easy to park, gets her from a to b. What more do you want. OK so I’m the exact opposite I drive a 4L falcon but I have been driving without so much a scratch for about 15 years. Anyhow I won’t waffle on too much. I’m just glad for you she is OK.

Originally Posted by downundersteve

Hi Dawg

I haven't any kids, (well not for another 5 months anyway!) so I can't give any parental opinions.

Actually mate, we're really missing the boat here. We should be offering lots of opinions while we are still right

Originally Posted by walker

Mind you......I did nearly write-off his Range Rover into a house 2 days after a got my liscence. He was really good about that but it definately prompted the "Buy your own car you are not using ours" talk!

So 'Walker'...

Having observed your driving, when IS it going to improve