When children grow up, maintaining a steady line of communication with them can become challenging. Parents often struggle to keep the dialogue open as teenagers seek more independence and tend to share less. However, one busy mother from the United States has found an unexpected solution that works wonders for connecting with her adolescent daughters.
Finding connection during daily routines
Sari Hitchins, a working mom with a full schedule balancing work, school, and extracurricular activities, explains that it is easy for family members to feel disconnected given their packed calendars. Though they try to prioritize family dinners, those moments often feel rushed and lack quality time. “When they were little, I knew everything they did and everyone they interacted with, mostly because we, as parents, planned it all. But now that they are older, they are creating their own lives, and sometimes it can be difficult to get them to open up,” she explained.
What turned things around for Sari and her family was recognizing the value of time spent together in the car during daily commutes. Rather than viewing car trips as just a necessity or a logistical challenge, she transformed them into precious opportunities for meaningful conversations.
She highlights how driving to and from her daughters’ activities has become a key time to be present and engaged with her teens. The vehicle creates a unique environment free from distractions like phones or siblings competing for attention, allowing each child one-on-one moments with a parent.
How car rides create unique communication moments
For Sari, the car rides are a kind of neutral space where the usual family dynamics don’t apply. “The girls don’t have to compete with each other for our attention or end up talking over each other and arguing,” she said. This atmosphere helps the children feel more comfortable opening up about their day, challenges, or interests.
Her husband shares similar experiences during his drives with their daughters. He uses the time to ask questions, listen to their stories about school or friends, and even chat about lighter topics such as theater shows they enjoy. These small but focused conversations help maintain a strong emotional connection at a stage of life when teens often pull away.
Sari’s youngest daughter is especially open during these trips, “We’ll talk soccer, she’ll fill me in on the latest trending tween terms, or laugh about something a kid in her class did”, she added.
Why this approach works for busy families
Many parents face the reality of juggling multiple schedules and limited family time. The car ride method offers a practical solution to overcome these challenges without needing extra hours in the day. By reframing these moments as opportunities rather than chores, parents can build stronger bonds without added pressure.
The confined space naturally encourages focus, minimizing distractions common in the home environment. For teens who seek privacy and independence, the car ride provides a comfortable setting where they can share their thoughts on their own terms. This contrasts with traditional family gatherings that may feel less spontaneous or authentic.
