Weaving conversations of faith through everyday events:

1. Breakfast Dates – Dr. Cheryl Crawford talked with one dad of four daughters who took each of them out for a one-on-one breakfast date every week. This was done throughout middle school and high school.
2. Dinner Questions – On dinner nights together create a tradition of sharing each other’s “highs” and “lows” of the day. Ask everyone at the table daily questions such as “How did you see God at work today?” Often kids don’t have answers to this question, and that’s ok. In fact, more important than the kids answering that question is that they get to hear how you answer.
3. TV as a Catalyst – Eileen a mother of two teenagers decided that when her kids have the TV on, she will sit and watch it with them, but she’s the one holding the remote. During or after scenes that show something sexual or related to drugs or alcohol – or anything controversial or provocative, for that matter – Eileen will hit the pause button, ask her kids questions, and share her own thoughts. At times Eileen finds the best question to ask her kids is simply, “What should that character have done?” When asked if her kids ever roll their eyes at her questions and commentary Eileen says: “Sure, at times they do. But sometimes we get into good conversations. Like all parenting, I’m planting seeds.”
4. Car Rides – The fact that kids want to go anywhere and needs rides to these places gives parents the opportunity to open conversation. Those 30 minute car rides off parents can often get the best glimpse into how their children are doing. Use this opportunity to discuss the day. Pull the headphones out of their ears and listen to music together. Take turns on songs and strike up a conversation.
5. Prayer Catalyst – If parents haven’t already been talking about their faith, their attempts to ask specific question will likely feel awkward and forced. Try asking a simple question that many parents have found helpful: How can I be praying for you? Whether it’s by text, email, phone, or in person, many parents have discovered that their kids’ answers to this question have helped them learn more about their lives than anything else.

(Powell, Kara; Griffin, Brad. "Solving the Parent Problem" Group September/October 2011: 54-59.)