I’ve always been kind of a hands-off dad. My wife
passed away when our son was eight, and I haven’t really had the time to do much
of anything but work to help support sending him to private school. It was one
of my wife’s dying wishes. “Make sure our boy gets himself a good education.”
How could I say no to that? Still, it’s been difficult not being there the way
I would have loved, but I knew it was what we wanted for him. To give him a
better chance to succeed. Little did I ever think that no matter how much
education I could provide for him in school, as he grew he was going to start
making adult decisions that could have lasting and perhaps devastating
repercussions for the rest of his life. It all started with a night of drinking
and driving.
- 1 in every 10 children around the ages 12 to 13 uses alcohol every
month.
- In one year, 522 children under age 14 were arrested for driving intoxicated!
- 70 percent of all teenagers drink alcohol.
- 60 percent of all teen deaths in car accidents are related to
alcohol consumption.
Who was raising my son?
In High school my son spent a lot of time away in a
dormitory with dorm parents essentially raising him. I’m sure they dealt with
kids and alcohol based on what I know about the prevalence of teenage
consumption of alcohol in American society. Whether we want to admit it or not
our children are starting to drink regularly at a very early age. Often years
before they are legally allowed to do so. I hoped that he would be making the
right choices and be surrounded by the right influences. But I had little
control over this.
Caught!
It wasn't until I got a call from the Headmaster
that I began to understand the lack of control I had over the situation. “I’m
sorry to tell you this Mr. Connors, but your son was caught in the same car as
another student of ours who was driving while intoxicated. Drunk driving teens
will not be tolerated!” His friend was expelled and even though my son had not
been drinking, he was suspended and we both considered this a very close call.
Children Grow up Fast
“Listen, I don’t want to have to call a drunk
driving defense attorney for you one day!” I scolded him hoping he really had
learned a valuable lesson but doubting if my parenting had done any good over
the years. As our children grow up it becomes increasingly difficult to monitor
every last decision. This is especially true as they become more inclined to
make adult decisions. Be there for your children every step of the way and try
to be the best role model about making decisions regarding drunk driving. Never
do it and insist that your children never do too.
For more teenage drunk driving solutions visit Legal-yogi If you would like a free consultation call them at 1-800-397-1755.
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