“Family dinners!” I looked in the rearview mirror and saw a surprising smile on my teenage daughter’s face. For a moment, I thought she was being sarcastic, but as the conversation progressed, I felt her sincerity. I was asking some car ride questions and had asked, “What is one thing we do as a family that you would miss if we quit doing it?” With a busy schedule, we don’t always get a chance to eat dinner together, but we try to do it as often as possible. My daughter is usually the last one to the table and often gives the impression that it’s a major inconvenience. That’s why I was so surprised to hear her talk about how much she would miss it. I never would have thought the meals were meaningful to her if I hadn’t asked that question.
Take advantage of time in the car by having meaningful discussions.Whether we are driving to a youth ballgame, going to visit relatives, or taking a vacation, my family is often sitting in the car together—and yours probably is too. When this happens, our kids can have our full attention. Take advantage of time in the car by having meaningful discussions. Here are 20 car ride questions to get the conversations started.
1. What are some jobs you think would be fun when you are older?
2. What is something you like about your brother/sister?
3. What are two things we do really well as a family?
4. What is something you see another family doing that you would like us to do?
5. What is something you do that makes you a good friend?
6. Who is the kindest or friendliest person you know?
7. Who have you been hanging around with? What do you like about them?
8. What questions do you have about our family’s past? What do you want to know about your grandparents, great-grandparents, etc.?
9. If you could start a business, what would it be?
10. What would be a good way for our family to volunteer in the community?
11. Are there any activities, sports, or hobbies you would like to try?
12. Other than family members, who do you look up to?
13. What is your biggest frustration? What causes you stress?
14. What could our family do to be better?
15. What is a bad habit you would like to stop or a good habit you would like to develop?
16. Where do you think you would like to live when you are older?
17. If you were going to help raise money for a charity, what would it be?
18. What do you think makes someone a good friend?
19. What do you like about your favorite coach or teacher?
20. What is something you would like to learn more about?
Earn some points: Are you married? If so, share these conversation starters from iMOM with your wife and enjoy them yourself: iMOM Conversation Starters.
Sound off: What are some of your favorite car ride questions?
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What topics should we discuss more often?”