I have to admit that as a teenager, I was skeptical when you made me drive on icy snowy roads.

“You need to learn how to drive in these conditions,” you said calmly as I careened along the roadways.

At the time, I thought it odd, given that we lived in central Texas.

These days, I am profoundly grateful. Those lessons have served me well, from the year I spent in the Panhandle to the 10 I’ve been in Arkansas.

So here’s my advice to parents of teens: Get them out there and let them practice in a safe area. They will thank you later.