Make the most of drive time
For many parents, time spent driving is a great time to discuss values and spirituality with their kids -- while they're a captive audience. Gloria Thomas, a retired Christian educator for the United Methodist Church offers these ideas for turning the time you spend driving
Pray for injured people and emergency workers when you hear sirens.
Talk about behaviors you observe: road rage, rudeness and so forth.
Discuss billboards - how they're designed to make you want things you don't need.
Put the phone away. Concentrate on being present with, and for, your child.
Talk about a recent lesson from church or Sunday school.
Watch for "teaching moments." Children often open up in the car in ways they won't elsewhere.
If you have a group of children in carpool, just listen. You'll learn so much about your child's world and collect topics for future discussions.
Try a little silence. Turn off the radio. Use car time as quiet time.
Discuss important questions. Have some conversation starters ready - questions about current events or concerns of your family.
Explore ways you should respond as people of faith.
Mary A. Jacobs