Staying Connected with Your Kids

Many parents have issues staying connected with their teenagers. The best way to prevent this is to start at a young age.

If your kids are still young, you can start now. Set up a Mom day and a Dad day each month and take the kid(s) out for a fun day.You can do it with just one kid, all of your kids, or all of your kids of one gender. I would recommend just doing one kid, or just one gender. Spend the whole time with them and let them talk to you. Stay interested in the conversation, even if it's just stupid little kids stuff. Take the kids out for fun activities, like getting nails done, restaurants, the mall, facials, the ice rink, bounce house places, trampoline parks, etc.

It does not have to be expensive. Keep doing this on a regular basis. Try very hard not to postpone or cancel it, because it can make them feel neglected or sad. As they get older, especially the girls, they will be more uncomfortable, probably worried you will start "talking" with them. Just keep going and stay interested. With the girls, ask them about friends, fashion, hobbies, school, and gender, if it's okay with you. With boys, talk about sports, hobbies, books, school, friends, and even the gender of interest. This is only if you are okay with them showing an interest in dating, etc. Hope this works for you and good luck!