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ANNIE’S MAILBOX: Driver’s contract can help teens

Saturday, February 19, 2011

By Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar

Dear Annie: It has been more than 13 years since I first had a situation that was resolved with the help of Ann Landers. My daughter was about to turn 16 and get her driver’s license when I came across a column that included a contract to help keep her on track.

My problem is, I have a friend in the same situation, and she needs the contract for her daughter, and I can’t find a copy of it. Could you please look into your archives?

Friendly Dad

Dear Dad: Here it is. We hope your friend as well as all parents with teenagers will keep a copy:

“Contract for Drivers” by John Violette

It is understood and agreed that having a driver’s license and driving a car are privileges. Any privilege has to be earned, and it must be earned on a continuing basis. This means that driving privileges may be revoked due to an infraction of the following rules:

  1. Breaking the driving laws or abusing a motor vehicle can result in the loss of driving privileges, even if we learn about it from a source other than the police. You never know who may be observing you.

  1. You will strive to maintain the grades, conduct and attitude at the same high level as when we first granted your driving privileges.

  2. No one else should be allowed to drive a vehicle entrusted to you. This means you may not lend your vehicle to friends.

  3. If you are ever in a condition that might render you less than 100 percent competent behind the wheel of a car, phone us. We will come get you. This will not result in the loss of your driving privileges.

  4. You are never to be a passenger in a car in which the driver should not be driving. A call to come get you will not result in the loss of driving privileges. If you cannot reach us, call a taxi. We will pay for it, and there will be no punishment.

Signed this_ day of 20

Dad _

Mom

Newly Licensed Driver _

Dear Annie: “Between a Rock and a Hard Place” said her daughter-in-law is a terrible housekeeper, a hoarder and never cleans the litterbox. Now there is a new baby. I was surprised you didn’t mention the possibility that she could be suffering from depression or postpartum depression. I suffered with depression for many years, but it wasn’t until after the birth of my second child in 13 months that I was diagnosed. I thought all women went through the hopelessness and dreariness I felt.

Please tell “Between” that her daughter-in-law may not realize she is depressed. If it weren’t for the love and support of my family and their insistence that I be seen by a medical professional, I don’t know if I would still be here.

Finally Seeing the Sun in Ky.

Dear Finally: It’s possible that on top of her other issues, she is also suffering from depression. We hope her husband will insist she talk to her doctor about it.

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