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This months print magazine features an article by our own "Blogger" Sharon MacGregor on keeping the lines of communication open with your teen.  A recent news article talked about learning to text message so that you may keep in better contact with your children in a way that they enjoy.  One way I stay in touch with my two older kids is through the cell phone..... my daughter calls me frequently when she has a few minutes between school and sports so I make sure I'm available at those times.  She shares then, many things she's likely to forget or cast aside later in the evening when she doesn't have my undivided attention.   All kids need to feel like you are giving them personal attention, no matter how big or small your family is.  A "chore" that is often a blessing is all the driving around we do.  My husband and I tend to have the best conversations while driving, we're captively together, no TV, no dryer buzzing, etc.  Well it must be genetic, because I've also had the best conversations with my kids while behind the wheel.  We have privacy and no distractions and I now look forward to the possibilities each car ride holds when I can just have one child with me.  Share your thoughts or tips...

I find that the best conversations are around the dinner table. Dinner time is family time in our home.  We try to always  eat togther no matter what are schedules are.  After we figure out whos turn it is to say grace, we start with asking each child what they did at school, favorite part of the day, etc.  Then,the kids take turns asking us about our day.  For those conversation that need a little more privacy, my kids will tell me that they need to talk and I will get the others occupied with a video or craft.  Then, we have the privacy to talk about anything and everything. 

I would have to say, "car talk" is only good when there is one kid in the car.  In my case, where there are six kids crammed into one minivan, there's not much privacy--and LOT of noise. 

We've always had the best conversations when they are least expected, impromptu and with a touch of humor for sensitive subjects.  We are still very much in the thick of it with one 19 and one 15 year old son, their friends and girlfriends.  In fact, when one sons girlfriend came over the other day, I was picking up sneakers by the back door and I said to her, "Don't be in a rush to be a mother." and she smiled and said, "Oh, I"m not." And for a split second I realized the conversation could turn to sex related rather than what I was actually referrring to (the work load) so I responded, "I've also talked to my son about my not wanting to be a grandmother, but I meant the work of a mom."