When you have children, life can get pretty hectic, and you want to ensure you have everything you need be able to attend to your needs and theirs. Owning a car can be another way of making sure that you do just that.
In 2019 the percentage of Americans that did not have access to a vehicle was reported to be around 8.7%, which is probably more people than you think. So here are some of the positive benefits to owning a car, particularly when you are a single parent and have children.
You Can Take Them to School
When they are young it is much more reassuring knowing that you are driving them directly to school and picking them up. This ensures that they arrive safely there and back. You can then continue with your errands the rest of the day and hopefully have a productive working day. Once they are a bit older than you could encourage them to take advantage of public transportation, if you live near good transport programs, of course.
Gives You Independence
When you are a single parent you have to get used to doing things on your own and not having to rely on others. Owning a car also provides you with that independence as you can organize you and your children’s itinerary for the week and just get on with things without having to rely on anyone else.
Not Having to Share The Same Vehicle as Your Ex
You might have only had one family car when you were with your ex- partner. If you can afford to buy your own, this will prevent you from having to see them if you can avoid it, particularly if it was not an amicable split or divorce. It will be better for you and your children without having to endure any stressful meetups with your ex. You will have the freedom instead to drive yourself and your kids to where they need to be without involving them in your everyday plans.
Saves You Time
When you have your own car you do not need to rely on the timetable of public transport and can tick off your to do list by driving directly to each destination that you need for that particular day. This will enable you to spend much needed family time with your children when you are at home together as you will have been able to get all your errands done during the day.
You have the Space for Your Grocery and Target Runs
When you have children they certainly tend to get through a decent amount of food. When you have a car you can head to a big grocery store and do your weekly food shop so that you can buy what you need, hopefully find some bargains and be able to stick to your monthly budget plans.
Visit Family or Friends That live Far Away
You might have close family or friends that live in another state who you do not get to visit often. They might be elderly relatives who cannot come and visit you either. So when you have your own car you can easily go and visit them, especially if they live far from public transport links, in a more remote location.
Go On Road Trips
Going on a family road trip is a fun way to spend the summer vacations. Having a family car can certainly be useful, and if you don’t, you can always get a decent used or second hand vehicle from your local dealer, like Bayside CDJR. It will enable you to explore more remote, scenic locations so that you can visit picturesque parts of the country at your own pace. You could go on a week-long road trip and stay at various locations along the way or simply spend a few days in one location.
Your World is Opened Up
If you go on a family vacation with your children abroad and want to hire a car you will be able to if you have a driving license. This will enable you to visit more remote locations that you would not have been able to visit if you did not have a car.
You Are Protected From Bad Weather
Getting drenched in the pouring rain on your way to work or taking your kids to school is not the most positive way to start your day. Getting into the comfort of your own car will protect you from any bad weather if it does decide to suddenly pour down with rain.
Collect Your Children When They Are Feeling Unwell
If your kids are feeling unwell and you need to make a trip to the emergency room or doctors, it is a lot quicker and easier to just get into your car and drive them directly, as opposed to navigating your way with public transport. This can also be applied if you need to suddenly pick up one of your kids from school due to them feeling unwell.
Encourages Your Children To Be Independent
The skill of learning how to drive is something else you can add to your list of achievements. The ability to drive enables you to be more independent in life and will inspire your children to take up this skill perhaps when they are old enough to learn.
Overall there are many positive benefits to owning your own car when you are a single parent. If you can accommodate this into your budget then it is certainly worth considering.