Respect children and use a courteous tone of voice. If we talk to our children as we would our friends, our youngsters may be more likely to seek us out as confidants. Catch children and teens being good. Praise them for cooperating with you or their siblings, or for doing those little things that are so easy to take for granted. Use door openers that invite children to say more about an incident or their feelings.
Praise builds a child's confidence and reinforces communication.
Unkind words tear children down and teach them that they just aren't good enough. Children are never too old to be told they are loved. Writing it in a note provides the child with a reminder that he can hold on to. Give your undivided attention when your children want to talk to you. Don't read, watch TV, fall asleep or make yourself busy with other tasks.