Which Child Rides Shotgun in Your Family?

[Anonymous]

You solve it like the Bradys did -- pull up contest. The 16 year old has to do 1/2 more pull ups than the 13 year old. Winner gets the front seat until dethroned, contest held the first Sarurday of each month.

[Anonymous]

I'd say take turns. (and privately remind the 13yo that the older child will be away at college soon, and then he can ride shotgun all the time.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:16 year old rides in the front. 13 year old rides in the back. Seriously, the kid is in high school, and probably having sex, let his ass ride shot gun.

I don't think my 16 year old is having sex. Should I punish him for this by making him sit in the back? If my 13 year old starts first, should I reward that with a front seat spot?

[Anonymous]

Never. I like my peace in the front.

[Anonymous]

If they can't work it out among themselves (with us making some suggestions on how to compromise/find a win-win), then they both sit in the back seat. We won't have it be a debate every time we get in the car - they need to work it out and keep track themselves, or they can both go in the back. We're pretty hard line on this. We don't tolerate arguing over petty stuff, and we see it as a good opportunity for them to learn to find a compromise on their own. We tend to look at most stuff as life-lesson opportunities though, we're kind of annoying like that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do Rock Paper Scissors each time. They have to do it once, right in front of you. First winner gets shotgun.

We did that for a while, with once twice three shoot. Turns out, for reasons we still don't understand, my brother is incapable of beating me. Even I eventually agreed it wasn't fair and we took turns, or called it.

[Anonymous]

My daughter refuses to ride shotgun. She prefers to sit in the back with headphones on. I'd love to have this problem.

[Anonymous]

So far mine have liked to stay in the back together so they don't have to talk to me! (or so they can talk to each other)
I do expect this to be a problem as soon as one hits a growth spurt.

[Anonymous]

We yelled shotgun and made the mad dash to the car. Occasionally a legit fight would ensue and the victor claimed the seat.

[Anonymous]

Mine are grown now I miss those days of "SHOTGUN"!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our kids are also three years apart. One week is her week to ride in front, one week is his week to ride in front. If you're sick during your week and don't go anywhere, too bad. If you're on a trip during your week, too bad. If you argue about it, we'll make you BOTH sit in back for a month.

We shut that shit down. I don't want to hear arguing over ridiculous things.

I like this approach!

[Anonymous]

The older kid, good experience for him learning to drive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We rotate. When they fight over it, they both ride in the back seat.

This is what we do, too.

[Anonymous]

Both these teens should be safely in the back seats, in their boosters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Both these teens should be safely in the back seats, in their boosters.

+1 With nothing but magazines & paper cups, you know, to protect against projectile damages.