My teenage daughter just got her driving permit about a month ago, and my husband and I have had her out on the road here and there getting her prepped for her driver's test to get her license...which will take place in January.

I have mixed feelings about the thought of my daughter driving alone. On one hand, it's scary for obvious reasons. If you read just a few statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, it's enough to send any parent into a near panic attack. This is not to mention the NY Times article I happened upon the other day titled, 'Teenage Drivers? Be Very Afraid.' On the other hand, I'll gain a whole lot of time back once my daughter can transport herself from one place to another. As of late, I feel like a constant Uber driver, except I'm only transporting one person and never getting paid.

This all being said, so far, so good. My daughter is 1) excited about driving 2) she's a good listener, 3) she's focused, and 4) she seems to have the gist when it comes to safe, basic driving techniques already...all good things.

Helping to instruct her has been a good reminder for my husband and I, as well, regarding how we can effectively help her out, without getting frustrated.

In this process, we've been reminded that...

a) Never assume they know what you're talking about, even if it's something quite obvious to you

'Mom, what is rubber necking?'

Chances are, when we're teaching something, the subject is second-nature to us. But this may not be the case (and probably isn't) with the person you're educating. So, whether you're teaching someone to drive, training a co-worker on how to use a computer program at work, or telling a neighbor how to plant tulips...

a) be sure not to use jargon,

b) demonstrate to them if possible rather than just give verbal instructions, and

c) allow them to practice actually doing whatever it is, with you, until you're confident they are able to do it themselves.

d) Also, depending on what it is, if you can provide written instructions later that can be referenced, that can be extremely helpful as well.

b) Teach in small steps because it's very difficult for a novice to follow a long 'paragraph' or 'speech' of instructions

New drivers have to digest a lot. Plus most of the time, they're a bit nervous, even if their nervousness is not apparent.

The same is true about new employees, new golf players, new quilters...and basically any newbie. The more instructions you provide at once, the more of a chance they're going to be more anxious and the less of a chance they're going to be able to perform all the steps.

My daughter has easily been able to follow instructions like:

'Drive to the end of the road. Stop at the stop sign.'

OR

'Slow down at the Yield sign. If someone is coming, stop to let them go first.'

The best way to teach anybody anything is to give them clear, concise instructions...a tiny bit at a time...until you're sure they understand perfectly and they can be successful at what you're telling them to do.

c) Mini-goals are good for the student...and for the instructor.

Just like most anything, learning things in small bursts, and practicing one skill at a time, is not only less frustrating, but allows the information and the appropriate action to become more ingrained in the person's mind. It gives the learner a greater chance of success...and feeling successful. Plus, it's less frustrating for the person teaching because there are fewer set backs, which means less need to constantly correct the other person.

d) Practice required

It's impossible to teach a new driver everything there is to know in one driving session, just like it's impossible to teach someone to play guitar very well in an hour, or to teach someone to be a master chef in a day. There are just some skills that require many lessons....and lots of practice time.

Be patient when teaching someone something, encourage them to practice, and remain as positive as possible through the process. Before you know it, you'll be able to congratulate whoever you're teaching, and pat yourself on the back for a teaching job well done!

Just a very quick shout out to let you know that my latest issue of Anything and Everything is now available. It's the SEPTEMBER 2019 issue and I know you're going to love it. Check it out:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

If you don't already receive it, it's a great time to get your hands on a full year of Anything and Everything because, when you do, we're giving away 10 Bonuses, AND ALL of the back issues...complimentary!

Here are the topics in the SEPTEMBER Issue...

Getting your home ready for fall...inside and out
Fall is coming...can you feel it? Here's your guide for getting your home ready for the season ahead

Laziness.the good, the bad, and the ugly
Laziness has very negative connotations, and although laziness certainly can be negative, I genuinely believe good laziness exists as well

Mice don't have bones.and other weird animal myths
'Of course the mice got into that cupboard. They can squeeze through anything? After all, they don't have bones'? Here's the truth, along with other weird animal myths

Doodling...it is a good use of time
Doodling starts from a very young age, usually in a notebook in school when things start to get a bit boring. I've heard many a teacher scold, "Stop doodling." On the contrary, doodling is actually a very good use of time

Yoga...wherever you are
Don't worry...you don't need to attend a class, change clothes, or even have a mat. Here's how you can practice Yoga anytime, anywhere.and why it's so good for you

Recipes of the month
Rotisserie and Potato Chowder...yum...and Chocolate Almond Stuffed Baked Apples...double yum!

Easy pumpkin decor
A gorgeous decoration for your porch or in your home.no carving required and looks adorable

Are you hurting your eyes
There are everyday things we do that are not good for our eyes. Knowing what they are can help us preserve our eyesight

Daily 'dressing'
Since we get dressed every day.sometimes a few times a day, I thought I'd share some of my all-time favorite quotes about clothes and fashion

If you don't already subscribe to my 'Anything and Everything' resource, you can learn about how to do so here:

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We have thousands of readers who LOVE it...and I'm certain you will too!

Maria

P.S. BONUSES...Only Until 11:59 p.m. on September 6th: When you sign up for your Anything and Everything Subscription, you will receive tons of bonuses, plus ALL the BACK ISSUES COMPLIMENTARY!

Organizing Quick Tip Gift cards often get lost or forgotten before they are used...here's how to prevent that from happening
getorganizednow.com/organizing-quick-tip-gift-cards.html


GON SEPTEMBER Checklist September is prime time for getting organized. Begin with our NEW September Organizing Checklist
getorganizednow.com/organizing-checklist-sep.html


GON SEPTEMBER Mini Challenges For each week of September, our organizing challenges will be focused on Tidying Up. Here are your mini weekly challenges...
getorganizednow.com/organizing-challenge-sep19-tidying-up.html


In addition, on my HOME PAGE, you'll also find lots of NEW and featured goodies including...

New Web Poll 'I pay my bills using this method...' Vote in our web poll choosing one of the options

Routine is our theme of the week and our home page quotes reflect that. Do you have a routine you follow each day?

SEPTEMBER goals What are your September goals? Join the discussion!

Access ALL of the ABOVE on my HOME PAGE. Visit:
getorganizednow.com

'In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn.' --Phil Collins'

I'd love to hear from you.

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And remember...Being organized creates a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

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