This week was a disappointing one for my oldest son. He took his driving test and while we both went into it with a lot of confidence, he ended up failing. Honestly, I think my son is a better driver than me and I really didn’t think for a moment that he wouldn’t pass.
However there are some automatic disqualifications and he did one of them. Apparently he was very nervous and let his nerves get the best of him. Now he has to wait another month and a half to retake it.
My son is very laidback and not much rattles him. But he sure was down about this one. However I tried my best to encourage him. I told him to look at the positive side. This way he knows what to expect and has more time to really get it down.
I was looking at it to my advantage, too. This means at least another month and a half of not having to worry. Once he does get his license and begins going out on his own, I anticipate some struggles with worry.
Disappointments are part of life. But through disappointments we can really learn a lot. When what you expected to happen doesn’t then you are given a chance to make progress. You are given an opportunity to get back off your feet and try again.
Teenagers tend to believe that the world revolves around them. When they discover it doesn’t and they lose some of their confidence that can actually be a wake up call.
One of the things his driving examiner said to him is that some things you do while driving could cause a serious accident. He did one of those things. So now he knows to really pay attention next time.
The next time your teenager is disappointed use it as an opportunity to discuss it. In every disappointment in life there is something to be learned.
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