Many parents remark that the best conversations they have with their teens take place in the car, but they don’t always know how to get the ball rolling. Car Questions are “ice breakers” that can lead to deeper discussions of self-esteem, family dynamics, and hopes and dreams. A new question is posted in the worship bulletin every Sunday. See our list below for previous questions.
When asking one of these questions, try fueling the conversation by asking follow-up questions. “Why?”, “What made you think of that?”, “Is that a different answer than you would have given last year?” are good examples. Also be sure to share your answers! The idea is to create dialogue and help our children learn to be good question-askers, too.
Questions:
Often when we connect with nature, we feel closer to God. So, how do you feel in and on the water? Does it refresh you to swim? Calm you to paddle board? Exhilarate you to sail? Where is God in all of this? Or, does water make you nervous? And where is God in all of that?
President Kennedy once said that the definition of happiness is “The full use of your powers along lines of excellence.” If that’s true, what is your source of joy?
“I’ve conquered an empire, but I’ve not been able to conquer myself.” —Peter the Great What have you not been able to conquer? Using only one positive word, describe everyone present.
Who did you see being a leader today? What makes a good leader?
Describe an event that changed the course of your life.
Have everyone present share what they think is the best trait about you. Take turns doing this for everyone present.
If you could only travel one way for the rest of your life, which mode of transportation would you choose? (Flying, walking, sailing…)If you could eliminate one animal from the world, which would you choose? Alternately, if you created one, what would it be like?
If you had to have one piece of music stuck in your head for eternity, which would you pick?
If you could make a sequel to any movie you’ve ever seen, which would you choose?
If you could be any living sports figure, who would you want to be?
If you could choose one symbol for your family crest, what would it be and why?
If you were going to give an award to someone, who would it be, which award, and why?
If you could, in retrospect, add one thing to your childhood, what would it be?
If you could go back in time, as yourself, to live for one year at any point in history, what year would you choose, and where would you go?