If a parent knows that their minor child has a propensity to act recklessly or carelessly when driving, then the parent is expected to take reasonable steps to prevent that child from causing foreseeable harm to others.
For example, in Missouri, if a parent knows his or her child is an inattentive driver who constantly talks or texts while driving and despite that, the parent allows the child to continue to drive the family car, and the parent makes no effort to restrict the child's use of his or her phone, then a parent would be on notice of the child’s dangerous propensities. If the child ends up causing an accident while talking or texting, the parent could be considered negligent for failing to prevent foreseeable harm.