Is your life family life driving you crazy? Are you experiencing road rage along the stressful highway of your family journey? If so, you're not alone -- and there is hope. Buckle up your seatbelt, sit back, and learn how to navigate a little more smoothly by taking this parenting driver's test.

I often wonder why I fail so often at my parenting duties. I'm constantly asking God why he gave me these children I prayed so hard for when I feel so unequal to the hard job of rearing them correctly.

Since I spend a lot of time in various carpools, I've lately started comparing my job as co-leader of my family of five to driving a vehicle. Many of the tasks are the same, and it gives me an extra grin when I discover yet another similarity.

Unfortunately, lots of these driving associations are negative in nature: I'm usually in a hurry, trying to accomplish too many things at once. I'm running late. I make wrong turns. I forgot something at home. I'm short tempered with the rude and ignorant drivers on the road. I lack concentration and focus. And I'm perpetually low on gas.

Yikes! Okay -- so I have a lot of room for improvement on my driving/parenting skills. But where to start? There's got to be a better way to get from point A to point B more smoothly.

Even though I know that "God is my co-pilot," I seem to forget that when I get behind the wheel. If I ask him to guide the parenting of my children, there's no doubt I will improve upon my skills. To this end, I've attached a Sacred Heart of Jesus medal to my visor to help me remember.

I've also devised a short Divine Driver's Ed. Quiz to take periodically to see how I'm doing. Why not try your hand at the test and see how you fare?

Who is in control behind the wheel of my parenting vehicle?

1. Me! I'm in complete control and have a Defensive Driving certificate to prove it.
2. The traffic, other drivers, weather, any and all other circumstances and influences outside myself.
3. Christ directs all of my driving decisions. He sets my cruise control.

How do I know I'm on the right parenting road?

1. It feels right and it's what most other parents are doing.
2. I pray, am a good person, and do what I can while hoping for the best results in my children.
3. I trust/pray that Jesus guides every trip I make. I listen to his guidance, even if he directs me to a road I normally wouldn't take.

What do I do when, despite my best efforts, I get hopelessly lost?

1. Keep going. I'm bound to find a gas station for directions soon.
2. Stop, give up, and go home.
3. Pull out my trusty, no-fail map (a.k.a. The Bible).

When I get conflicting directions from others, I:

1. Listen to the loudest, smartest, or "holiest" voice.
2. Ignore them all and just drive ahead, hoping I'm right.
3. Listen to friends/family who've successfully completed their driver's tests and are now in the Advanced Class. I may even ask one of them to be my driving tutor.

What do I do if I get in a wreck or my car falls apart?

1. Blame other drivers, sue someone, or rant and rave that it wasn't my fault!
2. Give up on driving and take the bus from now on.
3. Realize that these things are part of life. Setbacks often help me learn and grow as a parent. Resolve to do more frequent maintenance on my car (family) or repair the damage, and drive on.
    

How did you do? If you chose the "3" answers, you are definitely on the right path. You know that you are not in the drivers seat, and you know who has ultimate control of your life. You're making wise choices and probably doing a good job in serving the Master and being a good parent.

Did you pick a few "1s" and "2s"? If so, you're probably like most of us and need a little more practice. Not to panic, though, because we've been given the perfect model in the form of the Holy Family!

Be aware of opportunities to teach your children that spirituality comes in many forms and can be found in ordinary daily life. Whether we drive a shiny new BMW or a beat up old clunker, we have all we need to bring blessings to others and to lead our children by example. Watch for these occasions and explore them with your family.

When the stress of unpleasant parenting chores (discipline, refereeing squabbles, making your home an oasis, keeping the morality bar high) get you down, remember that it's all normal and necessary. Your children will eventually grow up at some point and love you dearly for being their rock of stability.

Remembering to keep Christ at the center of our families will help us be better, more conscientious "drivers." And contrary to what some folks think, there's nothing wrong with asking directions when we get off course or lost.

Finally, don't focus too much on the destination, or you may forget to enjoy the beauty and make new discoveries along the road.

How are you doing with your parental driving? What areas can you improve, and how?
Do you remember to put God in the driver's seat to help you with your children?
What comparisons can you draw to driving and being a better parent?