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Although I love to be on the go (actually I am a productivity junkie!), I do NOT like to be in the car. I've tried books on tape, reading when I am the passenger, and "enjoying the scenery," but I just don't like it. No matter how hard I try to enjoy the ride I can always think of some better use of my time. That is why my family has always lived in a very central location. When in D.C., my husband and I lived within walking distance to public transportation or anything else we needed. Once we moved to Baton Rouge we made our home just minutes from work, school, church, library, etc. You name it and we could be there in five minutes flat!

So it is no surprise that my children have always used the bus for transportation to school. Sure I like that it saves on gas and cuts down on emissions, but really the bus was for my sanity, or so I thought. This past week we did the unthinkable: We moved out of the Mid City area. While I love the new home, I was anxious about the whole carpool thing. We went from a five-minute bus ride to a 30-minute commute each morning and afternoon! I am happy to report that after a full week of driving I think it might be my favorite time with my daughters each day.

I am finding that the time in the car actually takes away all other distractions. We don't turn the radio on and I don't talk on the phone. Instead, they talk and I listen. I find out what they are looking forward to, who said or did what during the day, and who needs a little extra TLC when we get home. I attended a child-safety workshop this past week and heard the same message that I heard a few years ago. Children learn by the age of 8 to 10 years old that Mom and Dad are too busy or not interested in what they have to say. This leads to the general disconnect around that age, so that by age 12 you can't pry any information from a child, much less expect them to come to you in a time of crisis.

I have learned the hard way to NEVER be prideful when raising my girls and think that "it won't happen to my family," but I am going to try really hard to use my hour in the car with the girls each day to listen. Cell phone and radio off. Grocery list put on hold. I think it will be the most productive hour of my day.