You’d think the highlight of parenting would be some big adventure — climbing mountains, skydiving as a family, maybe some exotic vacation with llamas and language immersion. But for me, it’s something far simpler, far more grounded, and far more real. It’s the school drop-off. Yep — those sleepy, music-filled, coffee-clutched drives to school are where the magic happens.
Finding Joy in the Everyday
I’m not the bold, thrill-seeking parent. That title belongs to my wife, Melissa, who’s somehow mastered the art of being an energetic, early-rising supermom. I’m more… let’s say… an Italian grandmother in disguise. I live to feed people, keep them warm, and make sure everyone’s doing okay. That’s who I am — and that’s who my daughters lovingly remind me of.
Meet the Crew
Vivian, 17, is my oldest. She’s an artist, a deep thinker, and obsessed with animals. Georgie, 14 (almost 15, as she reminds us often), is the creative whirlwind — part actor, part philosopher, part unstoppable energy drink in human form. These girls are full of ideas and ambition. Me? I want to make sure their backpacks are zipped and their stomachs are full of something homemade. That’s my love language.
The Ritual of the Ride
Our mornings have a rhythm. Melissa handles the hard stuff — the elaborate lunches, the school forms, the inevitable “Where’s my shoe?!” crisis. I ease into the day with coffee and, if I’m lucky, a victorious Wordle before 9 a.m. But once the girls are ready, I get my moment — the drive.
It’s Not About the Destination
Viv is behind the wheel these days with her learner’s permit, Harper the golden retriever takes her spot in the back, and Georgie queues up the playlist. Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Wicked, Sabrina Carpenter — our car soundtrack changes daily. Every once in a while, I get a Dio song in. Small wins.
But the real soundtrack is the talking. These are ten-minute conversations I wish would last an hour. We debate which TV show is best (The Rookie always comes up), what day of the week reigns supreme (Thursday is surprisingly popular), and sometimes they’ll break into ridiculous voices or impressions that leave me crying laughing. No agenda, no performance — just joy.
Moments That Matter
There are days when we’re all tired. Days when the caffeine hasn’t kicked in, or the morning feels heavier than usual. But even on those days, even when the drive is quiet, I still look over and think — this is it. This is the stuff I’ll remember when the house is quiet, and they’re off in their own lives, making their own routines.
Why It’s Worth It
These rides won’t last forever. Viv will be driving herself soon. Georgie won’t be far behind. And I know one day they’ll wave goodbye from the front door and I’ll be the one watching them go. So I’m soaking it in — the car rides, the banter, the eye-rolls, the harmonizing to musicals, the quiet moments with Harper snoring in the backseat.
If you’re a dad who thinks driving your kids to school is a chore — try reframing it. It’s not a to-do list item. It’s a window. A precious, fleeting window into your kids’ lives. And if you’re lucky, they’ll let you in for a little while.
So tomorrow morning, I’ll drink my coffee, I’ll fumble my way through Wordle, and I’ll climb into the car. Not because I have to — but because I get to. Just me, two amazing daughters, our dog, and the Italian Grandma that lives somewhere deep inside me.
Ben Falcone is the author of What’s Scarier Than Thunder?, a children’s book now available wherever books are sold.
