"When my son was still under 5, I worked at the local library. In my free time, my son was basically my best buddy. My supervisor at the time had teenagers, so she was in a different parenting stage than I was. I remember her saying that the secret to keeping her kids close was to drive them around as much as possible. This kept her kids talking to her and enabled her to maintain close relationships with them."
"My son just turned 12, and the shift from boy to teenager seems to have happened overnight. He is becoming more independent and less talkative - with me, but not his social circle. I know it's the natural order of things for him to spread his wings and to push back a bit against me. But sometimes I just really miss my best buddy and all the fun we had spending time together when he was little."
The parent observes that the son became quieter entering tween years and that car rides became the most meaningful time together. Early years featured close companionship, but the twelve-year-old now grows more independent and talks less to the parent while staying social with peers. A former supervisor recommended driving children around to keep them talking and maintain relationships. Regular driving to school, sports practices, and games adds up and creates low-pressure opportunities for connection. Sixth grade brought more invites to parties and hangouts, and a future part-time job will increase scheduling demands. Consistent presence and providing transportation preserve closeness more effectively than forced conversations.
Read at Business Insider
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