Communicating with Your Kids

No topic is too small for a discussion with your kids. Learn how to "listen between the lines," don't interrupt, and make sure you set aside the time to talk.

Conversation Starters Talking with your kids can sometimes be difficult. Try these tips to jump-start a conversation. Communication Tips for Parents Words and Phrases to Use at Least Once a Day Talking at Dinnertime Boosting Your Child's Confidence Praising Your Child Communicating with Your Child: Door Openers vs Door Slammers Tips for Parents from Kids 100 Questions to Ask Your Kids 100 Questions to Ask Your Parents How to Say It Knowing the right words to say to your kids and the right time to say them is a skill you can learn. Find tips for communicating with kids on a number of topics. Smart Talk: The Six Ways We Speak to Our Kids When You Say It Right (But Things Still Go Wrong) How to Say It: Homework Hassles How to Say It: Empathy How to Say It: Homesickness How to Say It: Staying Home Alone How to Say It: Drugs and Alcohol Parent Checklist: Giving Positive Feedback Kids' Relations with Adults Handling Introductions Properly Tips for Parents of Younger Children Learn the benefits of communicating with your baby or toddler. The Benefits of Baby Talk How Toddlers Talk Talking and Listening to Toddlers Talking to Toddlers About Reading Tips for Parents of Teens Learn how to make conversing with your teen easier and more fun—for both of you! The Natural Progression of Your Child's Communication Talking to 'Tweens Talking to Teens Talking About Tough Subjects Staying in Touch with Teens Staying Connected to Your College Kids Tips for Stepparents Learn how to make conversing with your stepchild easier and more fun. Learning to Communicate with Stepchildren Communicating with Stepchildren Stepparenting an Adolescent: What to Expect Dealing with Your Adolescent Stepchild Talking About Values Teach your children about having good values. Honesty Money Materialism Stereotypes Racism Limits Volunteering Family History Communicating a Positive Message About Money to Your Kids Responding to Uncomfortable Questions About Money Talking About School Stay involved in your child's life by asking questions and talking about school. Your Child's Day First-Day Jitters at School Talking About Social Skills Good social habits are important to teens. Here's helpful advice on how to make friends—and how to be a good friend. Making Friends Losing Friends Hurt Feelings Teasing Connect with Your Kids Share special moments with your family, and grow closer to your children. Build Family Identity Through Family Time Build Family Ties Through Family Meals Pay Attention to Your Child Spend Special Time with Your Child Talking About Tricky Topics Remember these tips when talking about difficult topics with your child. Homesickness Smoking Drinking Sex Sex Education: What Should You Say? Date Rape Threats to Your Child's Safety Internet Safety Layoffs War Expert Advice Get expert answers to parents' questions. "I yell a lot. Is this harmful to my son?" "How can I talk to my son about cheating?" "How should I react when my son tells me about bad behavior?" "How should I talk to my three-year-old about his grandad's death?" "My son never wants to listen when we approach the subject of sex."

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