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Teenagers need to feel loved and connected to their parents, according to a study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association. 

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Researcher Michael Resnick, Ph.D., and colleagues at the University of Minnesota reported that teenagers who felt loved and connected to their parents had a significantly lower incidence of teenage pregnancy, drug use, violence, and suicide.

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So important is the bonding between children and parents that it overrides other factors traditionally linked to problem behavior, such as living in a single-parent home or spending less time with a child.

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Unfortunately, a study published in USA Today reported that "on average, parents spend less than seven minutes a week talking with their children."  That's simply not enough time to create a real bond with a child.

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One cool way we found to bond with your child (especially fathers and sons, but not exclusively) is by restoring old cars, in particular muscle cars.  You know the kind ... camaros, chevelles, novas, firebirds, and the ever famous GTO.

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We contacted the Wichita Area Chevelle Owners car club to gain a little more insight into how restoring cars can help parents bond with their kids.

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"It's about what the car represents.  Power.  Freedom. The whole Route 66 cruising-down-the-road-with-the-wind-in-your-hair-thing," explained Dave Gohring.  "For the kids, it's something cool.  For the fathers, it's nostalgic. A lot of us had one of these cars when we were teenagers or wanted one real bad.  Nothing brings a father and son together better than tearing one of these cars down to the frame and building it back up again to mint condition."

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So, is it all about working on cars?

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"Half the fun is in driving one of these babies," explained Dave.

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Dave's club regularly gets together for "dinner cruises."  Twenty-five to thirty  Chevelles, their owners and families  all arrive at the same location.  As many as 60 to 80 people show up, wives, kids, everyone. 

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"That many Chevelles in one place!!!" exclaimed Dave.  "It's quite a sight!  Very cool!"

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Join Us Backstage With Our Featured Members  >

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Roadside Attractions  >

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Vintage Barbershop - A Step Back in Time  >

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Return to Elegance  >

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&

<  Return to My Guide to the Backroads of America

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