3 Simple Ways to Talk About God in the Carpool Line

Jody Livingston   -   September 1, 2025

3 Simple Ways to Talk About God in the Carpool Line
Because a full-blown devotional in traffic usually ends in snacks flying and someone crying (probably you).

If you’ve ever tried to lead a full-on devotional while kids are yelling in the backseat, you know—it doesn’t go well. Between the sibling squabbles, forgotten lunches, and the existential crisis over the wrong water bottle, the carpool line is not exactly the sanctuary of spiritual formation.

But here’s the good news:
Talking about God with your kids doesn’t have to be formal to be fruitful.

In fact, some of the best faith conversations happen in the little in-between moments, like the ones between left turns and “Mom, I forgot my project!” moments. Here are three simple ways to talk about God during the chaos of car rides:

1. Ask a question, not give a lecture

Instead of trying to cram a sermon into your drive, try a single, open-ended question. One that invites reflection without requiring a Bible degree.

Try this:

“What’s one thing you saw or heard today that reminded you of God?”

It might be something silly. It might be something serious. Either way, you’ve started a conversation—and that’s the win. The goal here isn’t the “right” answer. It’s curiosity and connection.

Other quick questions:

• “Did you see anyone love others well today?”
• “Where did you need God’s help today?”
• “If you could ask God one thing right now, what would it be?”

Let them talk. And just listen. You might be surprised what bubbles up.

2. Narrate your own faith in real-time

You don’t have to preach—just let them in on your inner world a little.

Say out loud:

“I was nervous about my meeting today, so I asked God to help me stay calm.”

That’s it. No follow-up quiz, no spiritual TED talk.

When kids hear your honest, everyday dependence on God, it normalizes prayer. It shows them faith isn’t just something we do at church—it’s how we live.

Even a simple, “Thank You, Lord, for this beautiful sky today,” teaches them to notice God’s presence.

3. Use music intentionally

Car rides and playlists go hand in hand. Why not use that to your advantage?

As the music plays, point out a lyric:

“Hey, did you hear what they said there—‘You never let go’? What do you think that means about God?”

You don’t have to dissect every line. Just engage. Let music spark spiritual imagination.

You can also create a family playlist of songs that point your kids to the truth, without being overly cheesy. (Unless you like cheesy. No judgment.)

Final Thoughts:

You may not believe it now, but as frustrating as the carpool line can be, one day you’ll look back and miss those times in the car with your kids. Seeing this time as not just something to endure, but a time to redeem can be incredibly powerful as a parent.

You don’t need a 10-point devotional or a seminary degree. You just need a little intention.

Ask. Share. Listen. Sing. Repeat.

Because sometimes the most meaningful discipleship happens at a red light, with crumbs on the seat and someone still wearing one shoe.

Faith talks can be short. They can be simple.
And they can still shape your child’s heart for the long haul.