Shifting Gears into Growth: Essential Skills Teens Gain on a Road Trip

Last updated on March 22nd, 2024 at 11:31 pm

There are few things teens enjoy more than driving. They’re probably never happier than when they can take a road trip to see a friend or check out a college.

But, while most young drivers love the idea of getting out on their own to see the world, as a parent, you might be hesitant to let them go. That’s completely understandable, but allowing them to take that road trip might just be a good idea.

There are some valuable life lessons to be learned and experiences to be had that can benefit your young adult. Let’s discuss some of the essential skills teens gain on a road trip.

Road Trips Teach Teens About Independence

A road trip will allow your teen to be truly independent. And, while they probably like the idea of freedom, they’ll soon find that they need to learn a few things before they can handle life on their own. So, in advance of their trip, go over the basics of vehicle maintenance and how to prevent a breakdown during the trip. 

Allow some time, as you’re preparing a car or truck for a young driver, to show them how to inflate the tires and how to check tread depth. This is also an excellent chance to teach them about brakes and how they sound when they’re wearing thin and need immediate attention. 

Don’t forget about the vehicle fluids. Your teen should know how to check the oil, coolant, and brake fluid. In addition to keeping the car running smoothly, these tips will help your teenager become a better driver because the car will work for and not against them.

While you can provide some guidance, don’t pack your teen’s bag for them. Instead, let them find the clothes and accessories they’ll need for a comfortable and safe trip. It’s also an opportunity for them to learn the importance of researching the weather ahead of time so they can pack warmer clothes, or sunscreen, and any other items necessary for the season. 

And, show your teen how to make an emergency kit that contains items they may need during a road trip emergency, including maps, a first aid kit, jumper cables, water, snacks, and an ice scraper.

Finally, don’t forget to tell your child about the importance of the car’s registration and insurance information and what to do in case of an accident.

Time and Money Management

Once your teens are on the road, they’ll learn a lot about time management as they calculate the miles and time between stops and arrange their meal stops and bathroom breaks accordingly. They’ll also learn the gas mileage of their vehicle so they know how far they can go without filling up or worrying about running out of fuel. 

Longer road trips will force the kids to learn about budgeting and money management, including how much gas costs per gallon at each leg of their journey and ensuring they have enough to last until the next stop. In the meantime, they can also research and learn how to make gas last longer, such as keeping the tires fully inflated, maintaining a steady speed, and planning the most direct routes.

They should also learn the art of budgeting. They’ll need to sit down and consider the various expenses that come with a road trip, including gas, meals, snacks, lodging, and tolls. Before they leave, they’ll need to ensure that they have the funds to cover it all.

Teens Can Learn To Navigate and Choose the Best Routes

If they do it right, a road trip can also give teens a chance to learn about navigation. While there’s plenty of value in using Google Maps to chart a course, this could also be a chance for your teens to learn about navigation via a map and compass. Drive far enough off the beaten path, and there’s a chance they could be in an area without the internet, so learning how to read a map is an essential skill.

This is also a good opportunity for your teen to understand the importance of planning some leisure time during their road trip. While they may want to drive straight through to get to their destination, they should understand the value of getting out of the car, stretching their legs, and taking in a bit of nature along the way. There may even be some scenic views or tourist spots along the way, so build in time for breaks.

And, of course, time spent outdoors is good for your mental health and physical well-being. In fact, many doctors are “prescribing” that patients with heart and weight issues spend more time outdoors. So, teach your teens to stop and smell the roses during those long stretches of highway.

Improved Communication Skills

Finally, a road trip can help your teens’ communication and collaboration skills as they meet new people and experience new environments. Traveling often means making small talk with strangers, and these conversations are important, especially if your teens only interact with a small group at home. Just remind them that safety is paramount when they’re interacting with others. 

Traveling can also help teens to learn about themselves and their emotions. When they’re away from home, they might feel nervousness, homesickness, or anxiety. Learning to talk out these feelings with their road trip buddies or by giving you a call can help them channel their emotions and learn how to cope when they’re out of their comfort zone. 

Conclusion

As you think more about the essential skills teens gain on a road trip, you’ll find that there’s more than meets the eye. When you give your young adult a chance to leave the nest and explore (knowing they have your full support and guidance to fall back on, if needed), they must just return more confident and well-rounded than when they left!

Also read:
A Basic Car Maintenance Checklist for Teen Drivers
How to Help Your Child Become a Confident Driver: 4 Tips
How to Choose the Perfect Car for Your Teen Driver + Top Picks Under $20K

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