Running Errands

I feel overwhelmed sometimes--just too much to do and not enough time to do it all. My teens sometimes are a big help, but often they are ADDING things to my to do list instead of helping me to get them accomplished. I think I am really looking forward to the stage when I can call my son on his cell phone and ask him to pick something up on his way home--this cannot occur until he is driving on his own, but it isn't that long until December (when he turns 16). I also think it will be a relief to have him drive himself to places instead of me always having to drop everything and transport him somewhere. Still, even though I say this, I will admit to being fearful of those days as well. How can parents relax when their teens are driving? I KNOW it is a good thing--I know it is an important rite of passage and a step toward independence--I know he will soon leave home and be completely on his own not too long after that. Still, it is a scary thought. On the one hand, yes, the convenience of having him drive himself sounds good. On the other hand, it sounds like a horrible idea! I hope I will adjust well to this stage--it is much tougher than I thought it would be, and we haven't even reached the ultimate point yet when he can drive alone. I'll try to relax, teach him well, and convince myself that having an extra driver around will be a good thing. I will try to use the "someone to help with errands" angle to convince myself that it CAN be a good thing! :)