1. One Car Household
For many families, the cost of having a car for every driver is prohibitive. Often when teenagers first get their license, it may be a while before they can afford their own car. Perhaps one of your cars is in the shop and you must share one car for some time. While it is nice to have your own vehicle, free to come and go as you please, sometimes circumstances prevent that luxury. Start by wrapping your mind around the idea of sharing the family car and work with the other drivers to make the experience as stress free as possible.
2. Set Schedules
Talk to one another and agree when each person will have use of the car. When people know ahead of time that the car will not be available, they can change their plans, find other ways to get around or negotiate for their desired time. Put up a calendar if necessary so each driver in the house can check to see when the car will be available. Include discussion of the car's use in your regular family meetings. If you don't have family meeting times, this situation can be the catalyst to get them started.
3. Respect Each Other
Maintain harmony in the family when you are sharing a car by respecting each other and making sure you leave the car in good condition after your turn at the wheel. Fill the tank with gas or at least fill it back to where it was when you took it out. Pick up your trash and remove it from the car. Turn down the radio if you listen to your music louder than others. Turning on a stereo that is set on high volume can blow the speakers out anyway. Get the car washed occasionally as a treat. Don't smoke in the car if other drivers are non-smokers. Set the set controls back to where they were when you took it out.
4. Who's the Boss?
The parents should be the ultimate decision-makers when it comes to the family car. While you should try to include the teens or young adults in the family in discussions concerning the car, one or two parents will hold the ultimate authority. Young drivers are still immature and do not always make the best decisions. Don't let them guilt-trip you into giving up your authority in the name of fairness and sharing.
