When my kids started school, I realized that I had to do something to keep them challenged. I started focusing on talking with my kids each and every day to see what they learned and how I could help, and it really started to make a difference. We focused on finding programs that were interesting and challenging for our children, and it helped them to blossom when they were in school. Within a few short months, we could see a serious difference in our kids, just because we had guided them towards the right coursework. Check out this blog for more information.
Choosing Better Programs For Your Kids
5 Tips For Overcoming New Driver Nervousness
Penny Brown
You just received your driving permit and have begun learning how to drive. You know that getting your driver's license will enhance your life and independence in many ways, but there's one problem: you're terrified! Feeling nervous when you learn to drive is absolutely natural. The key is to work through it, gradually become a more skilled and confident driver, and avoid letting your fear get the best of you and deter your efforts to become a licensed driver. Here are five tips for overcoming new driver nervousness:
Take as Many Lessons as Possible
The more practice you get as a new driver, the easier driving will become for you. Instead of just taking the minimum hours of driving lessons required in your state, opt-in for as many hours as you are able (or your parents are willing to pay for). Professional driving lessons through a school are especially important for nervous new drivers because driving instructors are calm and know how to adapt their teaching style to your level of nervousness and lack of experience. Their job is to ensure you become a confident, skilled driver, even if that feels impossible right now. Check out sites like http://www.a1peckdrivingschool.com for more information.
Be Cautious About Who You Drive With
As a permit holder, you are allowed to drive with any licensed adult over the age of either 19 or 21 (depending on the state) in your car. Driving with the right adult is a great way to get additional practice under your belt in addition to your professional lessons. Since you are experiencing a lot of nervousness about driving, however, it's important to be careful about who you choose to drive with.
Ideally, you will only drive with adults who have calm temperaments and who don't overreact or make you more nervous if you make a mistake. For example, if your mom tends to yell at you when you forget to use your turn signal, driving with her may make your nervousness worse instead of helping you. Find a way to tell her you'd rather not drive with her in the car until you become more experienced.
Focus on Gradual Steps
Another strategy for making driving less scary is to focus on gradual baby steps. Start with driving in an empty parking lot, practicing accelerating, braking, parking, turning, etc., until you perfect these kills. Then you can graduate to driving in quiet neighborhoods with lower speed limits, then slightly busier roads, then city streets, and finally, driving at night and driving on the highway. By only moving onto the next nerve-inducing step once you have mastered new skills, your confidence will grow.
Have a Calming Pre-Driving Ritual
Calming rituals can soothe your anxiety and get you into a more level head space before you take the wheel. Spend ten or twenty minutes alone before a driving lesson, listening to soothing music, practicing deep breathing, or doing some gentle stretches. You can continue listening to soothing music at a low volume and taking slow, deep breaths while you drive if you find this helpful.
Don't Avoid Driving
It's natural to avoid things that feel uncomfortable, but this is a bad idea when it comes to driving. If you avoid driving out of fear, the skills gained in your lessons and practice sessions will become weaker instead of strengthening. Driving will turn into something scary and larger than life in your imagination if you completely avoid it. By making yourself continue to try even though you're scared, you will have something to be very proud of.
By following these tips, you will become a confident and calm driver much sooner than you think.
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