Enjoy the Ride: Make Your Commute Time Count

By: Colleen Langenfeld - [work]

Enjoy the Ride: Make Your Commute Time Count!

by Colleen Langenfeld Copyright (c) 2003

Are you a commuting parent?

Do you know what that is?

Not just a parent who commutes, but a mom or a dad who must commute WITH their little one each day.

If this is your daily routine, are you making the most of it?

Lower your frustration level and enhance your relationship with your precious child by taking some simple steps to ensure your daily commute time with your child is the best it can be.

For example, if your child is preschool or elementary age:

* Fix up several different sets of traveling toys and rotate them. Expect each set to be interesting for about two days in a row; then put that set away for awhile. Upgrade your sets every 6 months or as necessary to keep the interest level high for your child.

Need ideas? Try these:

- Book/puzzle set.

- Magnetic toys set.

- Dress up stuff (hats work great while buckled up and make for a silly game of 'Who Am I?'.

- Beads and strings.

- Handheld video games.

- Traveling art board.

- Puppets, hand and finger variety.

- Plastic dinosaurs, action figures, toy animals, etc.

* Is your child old enough to read? Purchase a question/answer or trivia-type handheld game appropriate to the age of your child and reserve one commute per week to exploring the questions. Excellent conversation starter plus you will bask in the glory of being the 'expert' for your child. (Really enjoy this; it won't last forever!)

* If your child is preteen/teen, go to the library and check out current-event magazines. Again, a great conversation starter plus an excellent way to pass on your family's values and beliefs.

* Plan your family's weekly menus and grocery lists during one commute.

* Get some audiotapes to listen to together.

* One commute can even be song or music time. Search the library or internet to gather age-appropriate songs you can learn and enjoy together. Pass on your love of music to your child and listen with him or her to what's 'popular' these days. Again, a tremendous opportunity to share your values with your child.

Got teens?

* Ask the question, 'if you could do anything...'. Then listen.

* Ask the question, 'what's bugging you the most these days?' Then REALLY listen.

You get the picture.

Carve out a little quality time from a daily grind and watch your relationship with your child blossom. Plus, when the two of you do arrive home, you'll probably both be ready to spend some time alone or with other family members.

The key? No matter what your schedule, make every moment together count.

Colleen Langenfeld delivers deals, tips and creative resources to working moms who want the most out of their homes, families and careers at http://www.paintedgold.com . Sign up for our free newsletter and get an online Creativity Toolkit as our gift to you!

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