Red Jacket High School Newsletter

Parenting active kids often feels like moonlighting as a taxi driver, shuttling from one practice, game, or activity to the next. But amidst the hustle and bustle, I’ve discovered that the car isn't just a vehicle for transportation; it’s a vehicle for connection. There's something magical about the confined space and forward-facing seating that encourages kids to open up.

In the truck, they talk about their dreams, their struggles, and even the funny little things that make up their day. And while I’m still Dad (not just their chauffeur), I find that the greatest value comes not from what I say, but from what I hear. These rides have taught me as much about parenting as they’ve learned from their coaches and teachers.

Here are a few strategies I've picked up for turning car rides into meaningful conversations:

1. Ask Open-Ended Questions
   Instead of the classic, “How was school?”—a question that tends to elicit a one-word answer like “fine”—I’ve learned to get creative. Open-ended questions encourage them to think and share. A simple shift to, “What was the most interesting thing that happened at school today?” or “What’s something that made you laugh?” opens the door to richer conversations.

2. Listen Actively
   It’s tempting to interject or jump in with advice, but I’ve found that the best moments happen when I truly listen. Validating their thoughts with a simple, “That sounds challenging,” or “I can see why you’d feel that way,” encourages them to keep sharing. If they pause, I try to nudge the conversation forward with more open-ended follow-ups: “What do you think you’ll do next?”

3. Create a Judgment-Free Zone
   The car can feel like a safe bubble. By keeping the tone light and judgment-free, my kids feel comfortable sharing more openly. Whether it’s a funny mishap at practice or a tough moment with friends, I focus on being a sounding board, not a critic.

4. Let Silence Work Its Magic
   Not every moment has to be filled with chatter. Sometimes, after a long day, they need time to decompress. And that's okay. Often, after a stretch of quiet, they’ll surprise me by opening up on their own.

5. Celebrate the Little Things
   I’ve learned that connection doesn’t have to come from deep or profound topics. Even chatting about the songs on the radio, their favorite snacks, or a silly memory from the weekend can strengthen our bond.

These truck rides remind me that parenting isn’t just about guiding our kids—it’s about learning from them too. Their stories, perspectives, and insights often leave me inspired, humbled, and even a little amused.

So, while I might still joke about being their personal taxi driver, these moments in the car are anything but ordinary. They’re opportunities to connect, to learn, and to grow—together.

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supports the Twin Cities Holiday Program. This year, the program helped 78 families in the Manchester-Shortsville community by providing food and gifts. It’s truly inspiring to see the generosity of both the school staff and the entire Manchester-Shortsville community during this special time of year. Your kindness makes a real difference!