Yesterday, on our way home from an epic errand-running extravaganza, my kids got into a fight because my son was "looking at" his sister.

Yep. "Looking." What a horrific offense.

As an only child myself, I once thought that the "She's touching me!"/"He's looking at me!" chorus was merely a parenting hyperbole used to generalize sibling rivalry, and that backseat squabbles so ridiculous didn't ACTUALLY happen all that often. Turns out I was wrong.

So, assuming I'm not the only parent who deals with this lunacy (please tell me I'm not!), then I hope I can safely say that many of you look upon summer road trips with some level of trepidation. Of course, we look forward to the great memories to be had on our journey and at our destination, but after three hours on the road, two bathroom breaks, and infinite snack exchanges, most of us steel ourselves for the inevitable backseat crankiness.

Yes, thanks to today's technology, we can always fall back on iPads, movies, and video games to keep the kiddos occupied and out of trouble. But when all eyes are fixed on a screen, we miss out not only on valuable conversation opportunities but also the chance to gaze at the passing landscapes as we travel. Plus, wouldn't it be great to spend that time filling our minds and hearts with material that's more than just entertainment, but also strengthens our walk with God and grows our spiritual lives?

So, if you've got a few more family road trips on your planner before the summer winds down, here are some ideas for biblically-minded podcasts, stories, and music to load up on to make the long stretch ahead more enjoyable and edifying for all.

Stories

Keys for Kids

Life lessons & timeless values for all ages
Keys for Kids ministries has several radio programs available for download, and depending on the age of your kids it's likely you'll find one that suits your family. The only free downloads are their devotional podcasts, which are four- to five-minute episodes that tell a short story about a child learning a valuable life lesson and the scripture or Godly teaching that applies to it (right click on each podcast title and select "Save Link As" to download it). If you're interested in something a little more riveting and involved, you may want to look into purchasing a download of one of their radio programs: the feel-good family drama Down Gilead Lane, which centers around families and friends and their small-town interactions, or the suspenseful and fun Red Rock Mysteries,about two ATV-riding Colorado tweens who "unearth action-packed mystery and adventure wherever they go More than just an audio book, these programs are rife with great sound effects and talent that puts the listener in the midst of the story.

Adventures in Odyssey

Action, Antics, Fun, and Faith
Perhaps one of the best-known and longest-running family radio series, this Focus on the Family program tells the story of the people of the fictional town of Odyssey and the ice cream emporium known as "Whit's End," owned by the beloved inventor Mr. Whitaker. Episodes run the range of purely comedic to action-packed to sobering, but all incorporate Christian values and biblical references. You can download a few free episodes online if you just want a taste of Odyssey, or you can purchase a full album of past seasons to get the full story. Just like the Keys for Kids programs above, Odyssey is not just a narrative; it's a fully-acted audio experience!

Ranger Bill

Retro adventure
Transport your family back in time, with this radio program produced by Moody that aired in the 1950's. Follow the adventures of the savvy and courageous Bill Jefferson, chief forest ranger near the town of Knotty Pine, and his fellow rangers and friends as they perform daring rescues and build relationships and their faith in the process. It's wholesome, it's riveting, and it always brings you back to Christ. And, you can download every episode for free online.

Podcast

The Reformed KidCast

Theological discussions on a kid's level
Who would have thought that the Catechism could be so engaging for kids? Les Lanphere proves that children really can get excited about theology in this simple yet oh-so-effective format, where he and his two children go through each question of the Catechism and discuss other biblical principles. It's not dry, either; Les invites his kids to ask questions and share their own thoughts and dreams, which many young listeners will likely relate to (case in point: in the first episode, when discussing "ex nihilo" and how God created life out of nothing, Les asks his son if there was anything he would like to be able to just speak into being. His answer? Have all the ninja turtles be real and show up at his house.). This is a fantastic way to not only learn the Catechism, but even just the basics of why we believe what we believe, and to help make your family's faith more real to your kids' hearts. It can also spark questions discussion among you and your kids, where you can get a glimpse into their hearts, concerns, and wonderings. The entire podcast series is available for free download on iTunes.

Music

The Rizers

Rocking Out to Scripture
This energetic band puts word-for-word scripture to a driving beat, wicked guitars, and catchy melodies, helping you and your family learn Bible verses in a super-fun way. You'll all be singing along and have God's word hidden in your heart and mind by the end of your trip!

Slugs and Bugs

Silliness is the Rule...but Christ Still Rules
Anyone who is a Lancaster local and listens to the Christian radio WJTL Saturday morning Kid's Cookie Break program is probably familiar with Slugs and Bugs, a family- and kid-friendly musical group headed by Randall Goodgame which produces laugh-out-loud songs that will have everyone from dad to the toddler cracking up. But, sprinkled in among the hysterical ditties about "Under Where?" (or, you know, underwear) and flying tractors, you'll also find some truly heart-tugging and heartwarming songs that honor the Lord and celebrate His goodness and faithfulness. Slugs and Bugs has two all-scripture albums (Sing the Bible Volumes 1 and 2), and many of the songs have an awesome humorous twist (e.g. "Give it to the Aliens," where Randy can't quite get it through his head that Deuteronomy 14:21 is not actually referring to extra-terrestrial creatures, making for some hilarious dialogue).

Do you have any other favorite podcasts, programs, or artists that you would like to share as well? Let us know in the comments section. And, in the meantime, happy trails (and harmonious backseats) to you all!