Car Conversation: On Your Way to Mass

Kids in the car!

It can be a struggle to get in the car, but once you're there you have a great opportunity to engage your children in preparing for Mass.  Here are a few ideas:

• If possible, you can have someone in your car read through the Gospel.  Talk about the Gospel for the few minutes you have.  Your kids will be more focused during the Gospel after having talked it through.
• Only one driving?  When we're at Mass, we have a chance to bring in all that happened during the week and pray through the events and circumstances of our lives.  Have everyone answer and share one of each the following:
• What are you thankful for this week?
• What do you need need forgiveness for this week?
• What sacrifices have you made this week?
• What do you need to pray for for this upcoming week?
• Need some quiet time?  Ask everyone to spend a few moments conversing with God (AKA praying).  Sometimes when we're running close to the start of Mass, this quiet time is important to help us transition  into Mass.

What sorts of conversations do you have in the car with your children before Mass?  Is it pure chaos?  Leave a comment below and share.

Image Credit: Thomas Widmann on flickr

Car Conversation: Good Post-RE Questions

After RE classes have ended, you have a perfect opportunity to talk to your children about RE.  Following up will reinforce what they learned because it gives them an opportunity to articulate their faith in terms they know and use.  We'll take a look below at how to rephrase two common questions, and give you two more good questions to ask your child.

Rephrase Common Questions

• "How was class today?"  This question has a very limited answer range and doesn't invite children to give a good response.  Instead, try asking for something concrete: "What was your favorite part of class?"  They'll have an opportunity to pause and replay class in their mind before giving you an answer.  Give them time to respond, and make sure to ask all your kids.
• Potential follow up: "Why was it your favorite part?"
• "What did you learn about?"  Many children will answer this question with "God" or "Jesus" or something along those lines.  There answer isn't wrong, but probably isn't want you hoped for.  Try asking: "Tell me about what you learned?"  This question invites a much more thought out response.  Instead of answering a question, they can tell a story.
• Potential follow up: "Tell me more!"

Car Conversation: Reminds You of Jesus

a statue of Jesus

An easy car conversation to hold with your children this week: Who have you seen or encountered this week that has reminded you of Jesus?  In what ways?


Makes sure before you ask the question you have an answer from your own life.  Your kids will probably ask you for an example right away.  The best examples will be someone that they know too, someone in their life.

Don't be intimidated or afraid -- you can do this!

Image: zole4 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Car Conversation: Gives You Hope

Look familiar?

Northern Virginia has awful traffic.  In any given week, you might spend a few hours in traffic with your children driving to school, after school activities, and the grocery store.  Instead of jamming to the Top 40s or everyone popping in their headphones, shake things up with a car conversation.  "Car Conversations" suggests topics that you and your children can talk in the car while you're waiting for your red light on 123.