My son Tawfiq had an away league game this past weekend - a 45 minute drive away. I take Tawfiq to all the soccer games when I am in town, because it is bonding time for us.

I asked Tawfiq if he was okay to car pool with Peter, the team goalie, because it was not environmentally friendly to take two cars to North Vancouver. I told him that I'd make up the missed bonding time. At first he was surprised that I'd miss his league game. However, he understood my logic.

So he went with Peter.

A few things ensued:

• In the process, we arranged do car pool more frequently and taking turns with Peter
• I saved four hours - travel time and game time. I got caught up with my work thus able to make up bonding time with Tawfiq.
• It was a good example for my son about the need to be environmentally friendly - more effective than just telling kids.

We could have done this before. Better now than never!