I am writing this here to, hopefully, get to as many people as possible. Our community was recently rocked by a single vehicle accident which has claimed the lives of two teenagers - rising seniors this coming year. All of the details are not out yet, but there was drinking involved, and no use of seat belts. I am writing because I am urging all parents of teens, and future parents of teens to sit down and talk with your children (even if they are taller than us, they are children!) Sit down and write a contract. Make them promise to use seat belts. Even more, make them promise that if they have been drinking (which almost every teen will try, at least!) they will call you, no matter what time of day, to come and get them. You make the promise that you will say nothing to them about it for 24 hours. Write it and sign it and give each of them a copy of that agreement. You can add any ruffles and flourishes you wish. But, get the kids home safe. Then when the day has passed, have an honest and calm discussion. It may not work for every teen and every family. But, if doing this helps prevent one such incident such as the one which has happened up here, then it will be worth your time and effort, and the space on this board. Pass this along. It is not new. It is an old idea being revisited at this time.. Shalom; Rev. Rick
Devastating news. You will be in my thoughts today. And 14 years from now when my 19 month old daughter is old enough I will sign a contract with her about drinking and driving.
I worry about this all the time as I have two teenage boys with their own cars.One of them got into trouble not because he was drinking and driving but because his friends in the car had open beercans . Peer pressure can lead kids astray even with the best education so its also important to monitor who their friends are too.
when did you become a mod? hes obviously trying to get more people to see an important message. i know the board is slammed with info and news july 2nd.......but im sure itll be moved to the appropriate forum soon
Friend Killerphins: your posts are always hot, provocative, interesting but what I like most about you is you are sincere & reasonable kudos, to a fine fellow poster on our forum
Terrible news, RevRick you are in our prayers. I am very fortunate in that our only daughter hates alcohol and won't even drink a glass of wine with us at dinner, though we offer it (she's 20 next month), and she already has stated she won't even cross a parking lot without her seat belts on. Praise God!
nope duh.... read much crunchtime explained it would be moved how hard can this stuff be now do you get it?
And if you read much you`d know the good Rev acknowledged it was the wrong forum. He`d just wanted as many people as possible to read it. Some people.....
Gish I hear what ur saying, but its worth a try nowadays.....I wasnt signing any contract back in the day, nor did my father think of that... Lets say he used the more hands-on approach than the comtemporary ideas now..... I will try it though when my daughter reachs that age....thanks Rev..
Too many communities at this time of year experiance the pain my brother rev is talking about. SADD seems to think the contract idea works so I support it. As a parish pastor and emergency chaplain, I have seen it too often. If it helps one case it is worth the effort.
