“My son is going to turn 17 next month and has informed me that he has saved up enough money from his part-time job to buy a second-hand car. I know that’s a credit to him, but I’m really not happy about the prospect,” she writes.

“I’ve let him take my car up and down the lane, but I’m worried that he is still very young to be out on the road. Of course, he tells me that I can’t stop him spending his own money and even his father says I’m being over-cautious.

“To be honest, I’d be much happier if he held off another year until he is 18. Is there anything I can do to convince him to wait or do you think I am being over the top?”

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Miriam will share her advice in the next edition of Irish Country Living on shelves 23 April, but what do you think? Is she being over-protective or should she stick to her guns?