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Kids are a blessing.
So is a little help raising them.
Just when you’ve got all the sleep-deprived, crying, teething days and nights behind you, up comes a whole new stable of far-reaching concerns. How do you keep your child safe in the car? How do you keep from losing your wits when it’s time for them to take the wheel? And how in the world do you teach them the value of a dollar?
Keep them safe wherever you go.
You may be the safest driver on the road, but that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone else follows your example. In fact, the #1 killer of kids 3 to 14 is still auto accidents.¹ That’s why we can’t stress enough the importance of making sure your child is buckled in safely – and properly – each and every time you put them in your car. Follow these fast rules:
- Do restrain your child appropriately for his or her age, weight and height.
- Don't put your child in the front seat - kids 12 and under should sit in the back seat appropriately restrained.
- Do follow your safety seat directions, as well as the child passenger restraint directions from your car’s owner's manual.
- Don't place a child in front of an active airbag – they’re made to protect adults, not children, and the force with which they deploy can injure a child.
Fast Fact! 48% of kids aged 4 to 8 who were killed in car crashes in 2001 were unrestrained.²
It’s a good idea to also have your car and safety or booster seat inspected to make sure it is properly installed and being used correctly for your child’s age and weight. State Farm hosts annual Child Safety Days across the country for this very reason.
Fast Fact! A crash at 78 mph is twice as violent as one at 55 mph.³
So, your teen’s ready to drive?
It’s a rite of passage that can strike fear into the hearts of parents everywhere – your 16-year-old getting a driver’s license. We know you can’t be in the car with them 24/7, but you can help keep them safer behind the wheel by steering them in the right direction.
Here’s what to tell them:
“No speeding.”
High speeds cut down on reaction time and increase the severity of crashes.
“Home before curfew.”
They’ll fight it, but it could save their life – 53 percent of all teenage motor vehicle deaths occur on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with 43 percent between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.⁴
“No drinking and driving.”
Nearly 50 percent of traffic deaths are alcohol related – and more than half involve 16- to 20-year olds.
“Who’s going with you?”
Know your kid’s friends and their friend’s driving habits. Discourage your teenager from loaning his or her vehicle to friends and from "joyriding."
“Turn down the volume.”
Music in the car can be a huge distraction so tell your child to keep it down. While you’re at it, prohibit eating, talking on the cell or applying makeup when they’re driving.
“Use seat belts.”
They reduce the risk of death to front seat passengers by 45 percent and the risk of moderate to critical injury by 50 percent.
Talk to your kids about money.
One of the best gifts you can give your child is to teach them how to be financially responsible. And while we’re pretty sure they’ll think spending every dime on games and toys is more fun than learning how to budget, it’s a lesson that will prove to be invaluable later in life. By following a few rules, the money talk can be pretty painless.
- Keep things positive – and make sure your kids understand that you trust them.
- Don’t lecture – give them an opportunity to give you their two cents.
- Ask questions – and make sure you really listen to their answers.
- Practice what you preach – if you’re not responsible with your money, they won’t be either.
Think your message won’t be heard? Think again. A recent study by researchers at Penn State University found parents are the leading source of information and advice for college students regarding credit-card use5. Start talking to them early and you’ll start them off on the right financial foot.
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