I have the best conversations with my tween while driving to school

My son became quieter as he entered his tween years, and car rides turned into our most meaningful time together. When he was under five, I worked at the local library and he was basically my best buddy. A former supervisor who had teenagers told me the secret to keeping her kids close was to drive them around as much as possible, and that advice has proven true.

He just turned 12 and the shift from boy to teenager seemed to happen overnight. He is becoming more independent and less talkative with me, even as he talks constantly with his social circle. Now he is often home in his room talking on the phone or playing games online; our drives are mostly to and from school, though practices and games during football or basketball season really add up.

Sixth grade has felt like a turning point, with more invites to parties, hangouts and sleepovers. I don't try to force topics — serious talks or discipline in the car usually backfire — so I let the conversation flow organically.

tween, parenting, car rides, school commute, sixth grade, teenagers, phone calls, online gaming, youth sports, sleepovers