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L essons F rom the D river ’ s S eat THE REALITY OF TEEN DRIVING
JANUARY 2025
Do you remember the excitement you felt when you first received your driver’s license? When I was growing up, it always seemed like teenagers were chomping at the bit to get their license and start driving, but these days, that excitement is wavering. Many kids don’t want to get their license when they turn 16. Maybe it’s due to laziness or the desire to avoid taking on a more significant responsibility. Regardless of the reason behind their choice, they will have to get their license and start driving at some point. January is Teen Driving Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to sit with your kids and explain the importance of driving safety. Like many others, I didn’t receive my dream car when I turned 16. My dad was fairly frugal, so he hired a guy to go to an auction to buy a used car for me. He came back with this powder blue Plymouth Acclaim that you could see coming a mile away. I was so embarrassed by that car, but it didn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things. I was extremely excited to have the freedom that came with owning my own car. Of course, when the time came for me to get a new car, I made sure to get something that didn’t stand out as much (nice silver Honda Accord that looked like every other car on the road! I’ll be the first to admit that I was a terrible driver when I first got my license. My parents tried to teach me but were so afraid to be in the car when I was behind the wheel that they avoided it as often as possible. My sister didn’t share the same feelings as my parents and gladly drove around town with me wherever we wanted to go. We thought the fact that we could drive up to McDonald’s after school without any adult supervision was the most exciting thing ever. Whenever my sister rode with me, we joked that her life was in my hands — scary. Of course, the irony is that she had far more accidents than I did, but that’s a story for another day.
When I look back on my early driving experiences, I’m shocked that I wasn’t involved in any accidents that were my fault. I was in a couple of fender benders, but nothing more serious than that. I didn’t even get any tickets! I’m pretty sure that was because the police officers didn’t want to write a ticket for someone bawling their eyes out after being pulled over, crying about how my dad was going to kill me.
After reflecting on my early driving experiences, I’m convinced that I will hire a professional teacher for my kids when they’re ready to get behind the wheel. I vividly remember driving with my family in an unfamiliar part of town when I came across a unique intersection. Unsure where to go, I started to drive through the intersection, going the wrong way and causing everyone in the car to start screaming. I can still feel that stress when I think about the experience. As parents, we have to be ready for our kids to break a few rules when they start driving, but hopefully, we can provide them with enough knowledge to stay out of trouble. When I was 16, I told my parents I was going to stay the night at a friend’s house but actually went to a party. I was such a bad driver that I hit a curb and got a flat tire. I knew I couldn’t call my dad for help, so I just waited. Thankfully, a super friendly man stopped and changed my tire, but I don’t know what I would have done if that man hadn’t stopped. I wouldn’t have been in that situation if I knew how to change a tire! Learning to drive is an exciting yet daunting experience for many teenagers. By being supportive and offering advice, we can help our kids gain confidence and navigate the streets safely!
LEARNING TO DRIVE IS AN EXCITING YET
DAUNTING EXPERIENCE FOR MANY TEENAGERS.”
- Esther Vayman
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S hining the L ight on L ighthouse P arenting
PARENTS SET BOUNDARIES AND OFFER SUPPORT. Unlike authoritarian parenting, which might stifle a child’s sense of independence, lighthouse parenting encourages self-reliance through trust and minimal but firm boundaries. Parents provide the framework, trusting the kids to make good decisions. This method helps to build a robust support system where children know they have the safety net of their parents’ guidance when needed. KEEP THE LIGHT ON Adopting the lighthouse method involves unconditional love paired with expectations and boundaries. It’s about guiding children through the complexities of growing up without removing the essential experiences that teach them about life. Of course, no single parenting style is perfect for every child. How you reinforce lighthouse parenting depends entirely on your child’s needs and developmental trajectory. Ultimately, lighthouse parenting aims to prepare children to thrive independently, ensuring they know the way back to shore, no matter how far away they sail.
A BALANCED APPROACH TO RAISING INDEPENDENT CHILDREN
IT ADVOCATES FOR A BALANCED APPROACH. Lighthouse parenting positions itself in the sweet spot on the parenting spectrum — not as overbearing as helicopter parenting nor as detached as free-range parenting. It focuses on being emotionally present and available, providing a safe space for children to bring up issues and learn from their experiences. This method involves: • Checking in Regularly: Ensuring open lines of communication. • Encouraging Autonomy: Allowing kids the freedom to make decisions and learn from the outcomes. • Promoting Resilience: Supporting children as they navigate challenges, helping them to develop coping skills and independence.
Among the countless parenting styles out there, an approach called “lighthouse parenting” is a beacon for guiding children through life’s turbulent waters while giving them the space to navigate on their own. While it may sound ideal, is it the right parenting style for your kids? WHAT IS LIGHTHOUSE PARENTING? Coined by Dr. Ken Ginsburg, a professor of pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, lighthouse parenting is a philosophy detailed in his book “Raising Kids to Thrive.” This approach emphasizes a balance of nurturing and communicating with children while allowing them the freedom to grow independently. Just as a lighthouse guides without steering the ship itself, lighthouse parents offer direction and ensure safety without overly controlling their children’s lives.
GUARDIANSHIP VS. CONSERVATORSHIP
W hich O ne I s R ight for Y our L oved O ne ?
In recent years, the media reported on a few unique situations involving the term
making “The Blind Side” appear more fiction than fact. These stories have made Americans wonder what conservatorship is and how it differs from guardianship. In most cases, a conservatorship gets established after a court determines an individual is unable to manage their own financial matters. The court will appoint a conservator to make those decisions on their behalf. Their responsibilities can include paying bills, making investments, engaging in estate planning, and performing other vital financial services. Most conservatorships start after an individual begins struggling with dementia, other mental health issues, or a serious injury. Guardianship is much more focused on an individual’s well-being than on finances. Although it’s still court-appointed, guardians are responsible for things like medical care, housing, and more. Guardianship is often seen in reference to minors, specifically in adoption, but it can also apply to
adults. The big difference between guardians and conservators is that conservators are primarily responsible for financial and property management, whereas guardians focus on the individual’s personal care and health. Conservatorships have some advantages and disadvantages. First, they require court supervision, which helps protect the individual’s property. The conservator will have to file an inventory of the individual’s property and provide reports to the court. However, conservatorships can be a time-consuming process between managing the individual’s financial affairs and dealing with the court system. Conservatorships aren’t talked about as often, but they can be a helpful tool for those who need it. If you have any questions about conservatorships and how they work, please give us a call. - Andrea Johnson
“conservatorship.” Britney Spears was famously and involuntarily placed under a conservatorship, and football star Michael Oher was actually put in a conservatorship instead of being adopted,
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Amanda D. Trying to get more sleep Amanda H. Getting healthy and my daughter’s UGA graduation Sara Traveling more Brooke Ringing in the New Year in Boston Ashlyn The 8 concerts I already have planned
Madison Traveling to New Orleans Leah Travel and maybe a new puppy Grace Wine Down Wednesday Tennis League Abby My friends’
“I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS FIRM! THEY LISTEN, APPRECIATE YOUR TIME, AND GIVE YOU ASTONISHING ADVICE FOR WHATEVER IT IS YOU ARE GOING THROUGH. FRIENDLY, EXPERIENCED, WARM, WELCOMING, AND AN ABSOLUTE PLEASURE TO WORK WITH!” RAVE REVI EWS
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST IN THE NEW YEAR?
wedding next year Maggie
Traveling to the Grand Canyon with my family
W inner W inner P otluck D inner
ingredients • 1 lb ground beef • Salt and pepper, to taste • 3 tbsp butter • 2 cups sliced, peeled potatoes • 2 cups finely chopped celery • 1 cup finely chopped carrots • 1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper
BRAIN BREAK
• 1 cup finely chopped onion • 1 cup water • 2 cans (10-3/4 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted • 1 can (5 oz) chow mein noodles, divided • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
You can make this dish to take along to any potluck — it’s always a hit!
directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble beef until no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. 2. In the same skillet, add butter and sauté potatoes, celery, carrots, green pepper, and onion for about 5 minutes. Add water, cover, and simmer for 4–5 minutes. Stir in soup and beef until well incorporated. 3. Sprinkle half the chow mein noodles into a greased, shallow 2-qt baking dish, and spoon meat mixture over noodles. Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Top with cheese and remaining noodles. Bake, uncovered, another 10 minutes or until heated through.
BEGINNINGS BLANKETS CARNATION CAPRICORN
ICICLE PENGUIN PLANNING
RESOLUTION SNOWBOARD SOUPY
GARNET HEALTHY
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A JOURNEY THROUGH TEEN DRIVING
LIGHTHOUSE PARENTING: ILLUMINATE THE PATH TO INDEPENDENCE AND RESILIENCE WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GUARDIANSHIPS AND CONSERVATORSHIPS?
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QUESTION AND ANSWERS
WINNER WINNER POTLUCK DINNER
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6 STATE LAWS YOU WON’T BELIEVE EXIST!
F rom F orbidden F ortune T elling to S andwich S hop S ilence UNPACK AMERICA’S QUIRKIEST STATE LAWS
Every state has its own bizarre laws, and while they make for a fun read, the fact is that these rules were once created to address some specific “problem!” From unusual dress codes for hot dog vendors in Florida to bizarre regulations about fighting birds in Indiana, every state has its share of head-scratchers. Let’s take a stroll through six of the wackiest laws — you can’t make this stuff up! QUIET HOURS FOR SANDWICH LOVERS In Arkansas, think twice before honking your horn at a sandwich shop after 9 p.m. This law might have stemmed from one too many late- night sandwich cravings disturbing the peace. So, keep your sandwich enthusiasm to a respectable volume! DRESS CODE FOR HOT DOG VENDORS In Florida, hot dog vendors must think twice about skimpy wardrobes as a marketing tactic. Dressing provocatively is a no-go, as it’s considered a serious traffic hazard. So, those planning to sell hot dogs should keep their attire conservative to avoid stirring up more than just appetites. FIGHT BACK BIRDS IN INDIANA In Indiana, you can only throw a rock at a bird if you’re defending yourself. Hopefully, you’ll never find yourself in such a peculiar
predicament (or Hitchcockian nightmare), but it’s good to know the law’s got your back — just in case.
NO CLAIRVOYANCE IN CEDAR RAPIDS Fancy yourself a fortune teller in Cedar Rapids, Iowa? Think again. Practices like palm reading or phrenology are off limits, preserving the town’s focus on the tangible here and now rather than the mystical future. GREASE IS THE WORD IN NORTH CAROLINA In North Carolina, stealing over $1,000 of used restaurant grease is a felony. Yes, used grease! As biodiesel’s popularity rises, so does the value of this slippery commodity — so keep your hands away from the grimy fryer vats. OKLAHOMA’S ANIMAL ANTICS And finally, in Oklahoma, you’d better not find yourself tripping a horse or wrestling a bear. Engaging in or even promoting these dangerous and unusual animal antics is illegal. It’s all fun and games until someone gets a bear hug they didn’t ask for!
So, next time you think you’ve heard it all, remember: The law books might have a few more surprises waiting for you.
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