I'll start this post off by pointing out that my wife taught our three sons how to drive.
By the time they were old enough to drive I was burnt out teaching family members how to drive. But I digress. That's a post for another day.
I've been unable to come up with any stats on how many parents in America teach their children how to drive. As you are aware there's other options like paying someone else to take on the task.
But today I'm celebrating those daredevil parents who take their children out for their first driving experience.
Imagine the guts it takes to allow a teenager behind a wheel when their only driving experience was video game vehicles. Not everyone is that brave.
I think we need to come up with an award for those dedicated parents who don't even get combat pay for risking their lives. For instance, they could get free psychiatric care for life.
Like nurses, teachers, and animal rescue workers, parent's contributions to society are seldom recognized nationwide.
Proposed Categories
** Most hours without vomiting from fear.
** Seizing control of the steering wheel at least once to avoid a head-on with another vehicle.
** Most obstacles narrowly missed in one lesson
** Parents that have taught the most offspring to drive (I think Mormons would have an edge in this category.)
** A category for parents who don't go crazy or develop nervous ticks after completing their mission.
As it stands, I have a nagging feeling there should be more categories. If you have any suggestions, please email me (richarddavestancliff@gmail.com