Mark is 14 and, as of two weeks ago, has his driver's permit.

As the Dad, I have taken mark out a few times to get him accustomed to driving and how to turn corners without sideswiping a convoy of school buses.

Watching Mark learning how to drive really made me aware of how poorly I drive. Rolling stops, speeding, etc. Not only am I aware of it, but Mark is to…and he announces it. "Dad, was THAT a complete stop?" I can't say "yes" because then that's what he would do. So I fess up. "Yep, I totally should have stopped right there." I just hope this doesn't expand into other things.

"Dad, did you just use a credit card to buy gum?" "Yes, yes I did. I shouldn't have, but I did. I'll try better next time.

"Dad, is THAT the way you are supposed to dress? Are sneakers 'Business Casual'?" That's when I smack him upside the head.

Brian "Parallel Park" Matthews