If you’re a parent, you know how awkward it can be to discuss certain topics with your kids, like birds and bees, using protective equipment, and staying away from drugs. Neither you nor your child may like these conversations, but they are still necessary.
Thankfully, mother-of-four Dr. Megan Martin has revealed some advice to make these conversations less awkward for you and your kids.
This mom shares the best parenting advice she’s ever received that will make those awkward conversations easier.
Martin admitted that she didn’t come up with this recommendation, but that her close friend @teawiththeteach shared the valuable advice with her.
“Have those conversations in your car,” Martin insisted, referring to the awkward conversation. “It’s great. You can just sit behind the wheel and look straight ahead, and you don’t have to make eye contact with anyone.”
“You also have a captive audience behind you, literally seat belted,” she continued. “They don’t have to look you in the face. They can be as involved or uninvolved as they want, but they’re in the car and potentially have to listen to you.” yeah.”
The car serves as a safe space for meaningful conversations.
This method provides an intimate environment to address important issues by limiting eye contact, minimizing distractions, and eliminating the risk of interruption. Talking about home can get serious and awkward, but riding in your car allows for a more casual approach.
“We’re just sitting in the car and talking. It’s no big deal,” Martin added.
Children may also feel safer opening up when they’re in the car because their parents’ attention isn’t solely on them. You still need to be aware of the road and surrounding environment.
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Martin said she has successfully used this technique with older children for several years and found that the children genuinely listened to her without causing unnecessary discomfort. It has also become a “safe place” for her children to use if they have any questions or concerns.
“I don’t know anyone who necessarily looks forward to having these conversations, but having them in the car takes some of the pressure and weirdness off,” she said.
Consider using the time you spend driving to connect and socialize with your loved ones.
Put uncomfortable conversations aside and take advantage of the connections you can make with your kids and loved ones while driving. Cars provide a unique environment for meaningful conversations without the distractions of daily life.
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The enclosed space, combined with the shared activity of car rides, fosters a sense of privacy and focus, making it an ideal setting for dealing with sensitive topics.
The family car should serve not only as a means of transportation, but also as a transportation mecca for connection and communication.
Francesca Duarte is a writer on YourTango’s news and entertainment team based in Orlando, Florida. She covers topics in lifestyle, human interest, adventure, and spirituality.
