Do you need to buy your child their first car?
By the time children reached the age of 18 they’re lawfully seen as responsible individuals who are capable of making mature decisions. When your son or daughter reaches this age, you may consider buying them a car.
Some might say if you can afford to buy a car for your child, then you should. Others might say children shouldn’t be entitled to getting a car from their parents, simply because all their friends are getting cars or because they’ve reached a certain age. The question comes down to this, is having a car an earned privilege or is it a right?
Can this gift teach your child a lesson?
Good parenting doesn’t revolve around being able to provide a car for your child or not. A good parent is able to provide love and support to their child without compromise. A parent can be disappointed in the behaviour of their child, but it could never cause them to hate their child. Your reasoning for buying your child a car shouldn’t be based entirely on their behaviour only, but also their need to have it.
Whether you decide to buy their first vehicle or not, the purchase of one shouldn’t create tough adjustments for them later in life. However, ensure they don’t expect everything else will be handed to them. Giving them a car should teach them if they work hard enough they will be rewarded for their efforts. If you decide to buy them a car, ensure they understand they aren’t getting it because they want it but because they’ve earned it.
The kickstart they need
The setback of not buying them their first car could hold them back from a good first start in life. In certain instances it can become difficult getting certain jobs without having their own reliable transport. At this stage in their life they should be spending their time focusing on their studies and pursuing their interests, rather than working extra jobs to buy a car. Even if it’s your spouse’s used Nissan bakkie, having their own reliable transport could be the extra help they need to get ahead in life. Having a car of their own would be a benefit. However, if you’re unable to afford the purchase of a car, then don’t let it become a priority for your child to have one. Their studies will always come first and that should be the main priority in any scenario.