Be a good role model…in life and while driving

driving-tips-car-games-2009-01-711x260I try to be a good role model. With 4 kids, plus their friends, watching me, it’s sometimes tough to do the proper thing as a parent. Being tired or frustrated leads us into doing the wrong things at times. We know as parents we shouldn’t follow the rule of “Do as I say, not as I do”. There’s often that little voice in the back of my head that tells me “Don’t do it! The kids are watching!” which helps to keep me in line when I may be tempted to do the wrong thing in front of my kids. That same voice also lets me know I’m doing the right thing. That’s reassuring. Maybe you have that same voice in your head?

Despite the number of years you’ve been driving, there are always temptations to perhaps not do the proper thing while driving. Having a bad day or a bad moment may temp drivers to verbalize their displeasure toward another driver. Bite your tongue and say nothing. Be patient. I remind myself of the same advice I’ve given to thousands of drivers about letting it go. I honestly do feel better when I do let the frustration pass by, even if it does take a few minutes. Not only does it help to let it go so you can make better driving choices, it helps to send the message to your kids who are in the vehicle with you that staying calm is a better idea while driving.

I’m not sure how I would feel if any of my kids got in trouble from something they did while driving and all they did was act the same way I normally do. I take that back. I know exactly how I would feel. I would feel like I let my kids down, especially if they said to me “Dad, I only did what you do all the time.” Doesn’t really sound fair to them now does it?

I recently watched the dad of friends of my kids show a poor driving style. Being a positive role model is more than just keeping your temper in check, it’s also about how much of the traffic laws you follow. Driving behind them I witnessed the dad rolling through 4 stop signs. He wasn’t even close to stopping when he needed to. It was like the signs weren’t there. Both of his kids were in the vehicle with him. Does this mean when they learn to drive it’s okay for them to do the same thing?

Remember, when your kids learn to drive, the role model they’ve had their entire lives when it comes to driving is you. If you roll stops, they will too. If you talk on your cell phone while driving they will too. If you constantly speed, they will too. The list is endless. So make the best of it and show your kids how to be the best driver there is. Your kids are depending on you.

**Have a quick listen to this short episode of the “Speed Bumps” podcast as it explains why following the rules benefits more than you!