We spend a lot of time on the road, navigating neighborhoods and parking in all sorts of…interesting places. Sometimes, parking is the most stressful part of the home visit. Let’s talk about some of my own parking unfortunate events, and some practical advice.
Parking at Early Intervention: Home Visits: Avoiding Getting Stuck
In the mud…
There was the time we parked in what we thought was a grassy field next to the driveway. After an couple of hours and a tractor haul later, we were out of the mud.
In the driveway…
There was the time I parked in a client’s driveway, only to be blocked in by the father, who then wandered off to the neighbor’s, keys in pocket, phone off. That one-hour visit? Turned into a three-hour parking lot hostage situation.
In an awkward confrontation…
And who can forget the lovely neighbor who emerged from her meticulously manicured lawn to deliver a ten-minute lecture and formal request to avoid parking even an inch into the grass?
These experiences, while humorous in retrospect (sort of), highlight some key points.
The Unwritten Home Visitor Parking Rules
“The code of neighborhood parking has been the cause of some serious Hatfield/McCoy feuds. Parking can turn the friendliness neighbors into vehement enemies in short order. Now, while laws are laws when it comes to parking, the unwritten rules of leaving your car are usually the ones that really get you in trouble.”
True Performance Real Estate
Then there’s the mud. Sun Auto Service, in their article on avoiding getting stuck, reminds us that even in areas without snow, mud can be a major challenge. They offer practical tips like checking the mud depth before driving in, maintaining a steady speed, and avoiding ruts. If you do get stuck, they suggest rocking the vehicle, adding traction materials, or, as a last resort, calling a tow truck.
Parking as an Early Intervention Professional Hazard
Parking, while seemingly unimportant, can significantly impact our work. It can lead to delays, damage, and even conflict. As early intervention providers, we need to be aware of the unwritten rules of neighborhood parking and the potential hazards of driving in challenging conditions.
Early Intervention Home Visit Parking Lessons Learned
So, what can we do to minimize parking-related headaches? Here are a few practical tips:
- Be Mindful of Others: First of all, always consider how your parking might affect residents.
- Just Ask: During your first few visits, get the parking conversation started by asking. A simple, “Is it okay if I park here?” can go a long way.
- Avoid the Mud (Unless You’re Prepared): Unless you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle and experience driving in mud, it’s best to avoid it altogether.
Share Your Parking Stories!
What are your parking horror stories or helpful tips? Share them in the comments below! Let’s navigate the wild world of early intervention parking together.
References
“Neighborhood Parking Etiquette.” True Performance Real Estate. Accessed March 25, 2025.
“How to Drive So That You Don’t Get Stuck.” Sun Auto Service. Accessed March 25, 2025.
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