We are currently experiencing a milestone moment with our oldest daughter, and my husband and I are not handling it well. Okay, I’m not handling it well. Yes, all the milestones and rites of passage children go through while maturing are magical to watch. The first word, the first step, the first tooth, the first haircut, etc. all fill parents with an overwhelming sense of wonder and joy. As children grow, these firsts start to take on a different feel:  the first day of school, the first ‘drop-off’ birthday party, the first sleepover, etc. These milestones involving letting go and allowing a growing independence are a little bit harder as you watch your baby skip off into the big world without you. 

Well, I have discovered the most nerve-racking rite of passage yet… My daughter just turned 15 and is the proud owner of a new restricted driver’s license. I found myself in tears one night watching a Subaru commercial called “Baby Driver” that so poignantly depicted what I am experiencing right now. I have actually found myself online looking for support groups for people in this situation (if you know of any, please send them my way).  While researching, I did come across startling statistics regarding teen drivers.  Kim Painter of USA Today cites some pretty alarming facts that support her assertion that the sweet 16 birthday is even sweeter without a driver’s license.  While she does make a very good argument, we have decided to teach our daughter to drive and to allow her this new privilege. It is just so scary! I’ve explained to her that mistakes will always be made when learning something new; no one is an expert right away. The problem is that a mistake while driving could have very serious consequences.  I think I used the word ‘fatal’ in our discussion. In Florida, a 15-year-old has one year to drive “restricted” before earning his/her full driver’s license, so I guess I should be happy with a year of imposed restrictions before we experience the first time we hand over the keys and watch her walk out the door alone. 

I feel like we are entering a whole new era of milestones. I look at all the kids in colleges and think to myself that these kids all have parents who were able to do this. They all survived the beginning driving years, the worry, the trust that their kids are going to be okay, the letting go. But how? I look at my daughter and now see this incredible young woman. I tell her she is at such a magical time of her life. She can do anything; she could change the world. I just wish I could drive her there!

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