This post is sponsored by Coca-Cola.

 

The bond between my oldest son and I has grown immensely during the past few months. His decision to stay home and attend college locally versus going away to school has played a huge role in the growth of our bond.

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I drop him off and pick him up from his college classes every day, and he is also with me most days as I take his younger siblings to and pick them up from school as well. This has resulted in the two of us spending a lot of time in the family car as we travel up and down the highways of the city to ensure that everyone gets where they need to go and return home safely.

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Riding in the car to go to college classes—and being the one in the driver’s seat—can feel similar to commuting to work each day: something that is viewed as one of those daunting daily tasks. However, in preparing my “future teacher” son for the real world, I strive to show him the ways that daily commuting can be more than just going from point A to point B—it can also be an enjoyable experience.

One of the ways I achieve this is by engaging him in good conversation as we travel between school(s) and home. I also make sure to play some of our favorite songs to sing and “car dance” along to. Lastly, I keep lots of favorite snacks and beverages on hand to keep us nourished and refreshed along our drive, including ice-cold Coca-Cola. With good food and drinks, good music, and great conversation going on as we drive and ride, the nearly two-hour commute each way feels like no time at all.

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College Commuting

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My son may look at our daily drive to and from his college campus each day as a chance to chat with his siblings, catch up on last-minute studying for exams, share with me how his classes are going, or even sleep. But I view it as so much more. I see it as our time to stay connected—as mother and son and as a family. To keep the flame of connection going, I use Coca-Cola to help me turn ordinary, routine moments of family commuting into great moments of mother-and-son bonding that assures him of my undying love and support for him throughout his college years and beyond.

College Commuting

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College Commuting

Makeba uses Coke to help her turn good moments into great moments.

When you add refreshing Coca-Cola to any situation, things go from good to great. Because when you add a little delicious Coca-Cola, it all adds up to memories.

College Commuting As Family Bonding Time