I've been a little puzzled over the last few years over why Daniel doesn't seem more excited or motivated to get his drivers' license.
Let me explain first that here in Idaho, driver's is not part of the high school curriculum. It is offered by the school district after school for $250-$300 dollars with a strict policy of not missing any of the classes. We told Daniel he would have to pay for it--that could be one deterrent, although he's had the money in savings several times and would have been able to do it.
We had also said (when he was about 11 years old) that he would have to have his Eagle Scout award in order to get his license. Another deterrent, but nevertheless, we said he could take driver's ed, get his learner's permit and practice until that requirement was met (incidentally, I have many regrets about tying driving to the Eagle Award among which is the fact that since he couldn't drive, we've had to chauffeur him everywhere--keep reading, though, I've found a solution).
When he turned 17, driver's ed was no longer a requirement for getting a license, so we got the driver's handbook, figured he could get his learner's permit and practice driving. He has studied the book and is probably ready to take the written test for his learner's permit. Several times, Paul has said, "Hey, let's do it this afternoon!" Wouldn't you think most teenagers would jump at the chance and be chomping at the bit to go? Not Daniel. He had to do this or that and taking the test could wait til' tomorrow so he could get this done today.
I think I've figured out the problem. Take a good look at this picture...
Do you see any problems? Yes, this picture is a year or two old, but it illustrates my point completely.
In order to drive, Daniel would be required to cut his hair sufficiently to be able to SEE! However, I think his love affair with his longer hair outweighs the desire to drive. The mere mention of cutting his hair brings dark clouds into his eyes and resounding, "No! I'm not cutting my hair."
Nevertheless, for his safety and the safety of everyone else on the road, the hair must be cut. Therefore his solution is that he will delay driving.
MY solution is that if he does not get his permit within the next two weeks we will no longer chauffeur him to work, to friends' houses etc--he will have to find his own way. After all, he is an adult now at eighteen and ought to take more responsibility for these things!
He still may choose to walk or ride his bike, but then that is his adult choice!
Are we being too hard-nosed about this?
Right away, she said, "Well, I can meet Ellie (and Maddie on Tues/Thurs) at the bus and walk them home." I had been afraid to ask, because it seemed like a lot to ask her to do it every day.
Daniel also agreed very readily to help out by taking the dog out, unloading the dishes and making sure things were in order to be able to eat dinner on time while Emily does the prep work.
