5 Ways to Pass the Time and Grow in Faith on a Family Road Trip
This week I’m in the throes of family vacation! I feel like summer just started, and we’ve completed our first road trip of the summer. My husband’s work schedule prevented him from joining us, so the kids and I embarked on a girls trip down to Texas to see Grandma and other extended family.
I always think that summer will be less busy than it ever is. The reality is between camps, trips to the city pool, and feeding kids nonstop all day, my grandiose plans of daily catechesis usually goes out the window.
For me, it doesn’t matter if it’s the summer or the school year, it’s tough to find time to get it all done. That’s why I’ve become creative with the wonderful pockets of time when I have my kids strapped down in place, unable to escape me: the car.
Back when my husband and I were taking classes to become licensed foster parents, we learned that car time is a perfect opportunity to have conversations with your kids, particularly if it’s a conversation your child may be slightly uncomfortable with or uneasy about. Our educators explained that because our eyes are trained on the road ahead of us and not making direct eye contact with them, some of the anxiety and pressure of conversing is alleviated.
I have found over the years that this is 100% true for my family. We have had intense car conversations about everything from their birth parents to where babies actually come from. I think that my girls like asking me questions in the car because they don’t have to see my face react to such a big question, plus I can’t get out of answering since I’m also strapped into place.
I love that my girls feel comfortable asking me these types of questions, and I always answer to the best of my ability (and to age appropriateness, of course). But I’ve found that car time can be for so much more than just serious talks.
Here’s the list of things my family does to maximize time in the car. These tips will be especially helpful on road trips, when we have hours and hours day after day, not only are we growing in faith, but we’re helping the time pass by, keeping everyone (especially me!) happy and sane.
Pray the Rosary - We are not consistent with a daily family rosary, or even decade of the rosary (see the above comments about our busy lives!). When we’re home, there’s always something going on and something that needs my attention. On the road, when I’ve got nothing but time and miles ahead of me, we never miss a rosary. Our tradition is to pray an Our Father and three Hail Marys for safe travels as we start our journey, and then pray the full rosary after lunch. The girls know that once we finish eating it’s time to pray, and more times than not, they’re the ones reminding me to grab the rosary beads.
Faith Podcasts - This is a big one for us. Over the years we have listened to many, but our hands-down favorite is Saints Alive. These audio-dramas are engaging, fun, and really well done. I can’t speak highly enough of them. We’ve also listened to Catholic Sprouts, Saint Stories for Kids, and By Kids for Kids Bible Stories. We rotate between these and some of my kids’ favorite secular podcasts and time flies by.
Memorize Scripture - Right now, we’re working on memorizing the beatitudes in order. My youngest actually suggested this when she came home with a craft project from VBS with the beatitudes listed on it.
Tell a Story About Living Our Faith - I love to share simple stories with my kids about prayers being answered, when I felt God’s presence or guidance, miracles of the saints, or fascinating things I’ve learned from the rich history of our church. Rarely do I have a chance to share these random experiences or stories, and time in the car is perfect for that.
Talk About Real Stuff - Like I mentioned above, time in the car is perfect for discussing topics that otherwise might not come up. Depending on the ages of your kids, topics may vary but they might include things like generosity, homosexuality, modesty, saving sex for marriage, abortions, practicing mercy, encountering non-believers, spiritual warfare, etc. Our kids will learn about all these things, and it’s always best if they hear the truth from you first.
Copyright 2024 Maria Riley
Images: Canva
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