by Beatriz Sylvain

Created on: July 16, 2009   Last Updated: July 19, 2009

Teens should purchase their own car and insurance. I am relatively young (30 years old) I bought my own car and insurance when I was 18 years old. I never asked my father for a car, even I did he wouldn't be able to afford it. Spending my own money taught me how to be more responsible even thought I didn't need the car for that. It taught me how to appreciate and care for something that I spent my hard earned money on it.

Of course there will always be parents buying their kids' car. Do I condemn them? No. Do I think it is the wrong thing to do? Yes. American teens are lost. It is almost they are running on foot on the highway towards incoming traffic. What else can we give away at no cost or boundaries to act irresponsible with? I also think that teens shouldn't be allowed to drive at 16 years old. I am sorry you hardly grew your pubic hair and you can have access to a powerful machine capable of harming others? It doesn't seem right. I like the 18 number. In many countries that seem to be a magic number. At 18 you can drive, vote and have alcohol. Unfortunately that is another debate.

I have a step-son who is 16 years old. We have been telling him since he was on seventh grade that he will be responsible for getting a job, buying his car and insurance and he will need to keep good grades to be able to go out on his car. Well, when he turned 16 he didn't really care about keeping good grades, he didn't seem too eager in getting a job (although recession hit), and all his friends have cars now. Basically he can live through them. It will be his choice, but I will not reward him for something that he doesn't deserve. The good point for me is that I don't need to be worrying about him getting behind a wheel late at night or even worse behind a wheel under the influence. Alcohol and pot are part of many kids' lives these days. It has consumed this country. Entire towns, counties and even states are being consumed through drugs. Imagine all the teens out there using the car that mom and dad bought after they used drugs or had few beers. Some parents choose to close their eyes to this fact, but it is happening and probably is happening with your kids right now.

Now if my step-son graduated from high school, demonstrates responsibility and gets accepted into a college I will have no problem co-signing for a car. Give as a gift? Never. I bought my car he will buy his. It develops character. It surely developed mine.

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