37.. They should talk to their kids.. And trust each other.. That is what makes the bond between parent and child..

Try not to be dogmatic about things you don't want them to do. If you don't want them to have sex, do drugs, or associate with certain people, don't just come out and say, "I don't want you to do ____ because it's bad." You are much more likely to persuade them by explaining the natural consequences of a particular action rather than just saying "It's wrong." Second, do not be overly perfectionistic. This doesn't mean that you need to be too permissive, either, but do not jump down your child's throat when she makes a mistake. Instead, ask, "So why did you do that?" It's much better to have an open conversation than for the parent to yell at a child or constantly issue commands. Instead, you have to show that you understand that people make mistakes, and most of the time, people do not mess up on purpose. If you are understanding, your child will be more likely to come to you and talk about the controversial issues, because they know you'll listen and won't simply berate them for what they have to say. While it's admirable for you to want to be a knowledgeable resource for your child, don't completely discourage them from talking to others. Instead, encourage them to build relationships with other wise adults who could serve as mentors. This will mediate the peer influence somewhat, but realize that it's normal for children to talk to their friends about matters like these. That's how they practice learning to relate to others so they will be socially well-adjusted when they reach adulthood. You just need to teach your child to seek out friends who will build them up as a person.

50...it is important to encourage open and honest conversation with your children when they are young. When they are young the issues are small but eventually when they get older the issues get bigger. Don't ever make them think that their questions are silly no matter how silly they may seem to you.

I'm 64 and now my grandchildren come to me with their questions/concerns/worries. They come because I listen until they have said everything they need to say without interupting....then I acknowledge what they said by paraphrasing and summarizing. Then I either answer their question directly and honestly...or empathize with their feelings about an issue....or encourage them to 'fix' their problems by telling them that I have absolute faith in their ability to make the right decision. I do NOT fix things....I will assist them to fix a big problem, if asked. I will brainstorm solutions but let them come up with their own plan.

24 I could always tell my mom anything. I felt guilty when I didn't. I told her when I started smoking. And I told her when my bf and I were getting serious enough to the point we may have sex. My mom was always open and said that she would always be willing to listen if we were willing to talk. She said that nothing we had to talk about would make her think less of us. I think open relationships and letting them know your willing to listen and not judge is always a good start.

21 dont scare or threatan them about it and bring up topic about what you did at that age i felt more open to talk about stuff like that knowing i wasnt the only one in the family that did sutff like that and if they do it give advice

Be open and non-judgmental. Tell them what you did in your youth, so they understand that you realize you're not perfect and have experienced and made mistakes, etc. You have to give the impression that you won't get mad at them. The biggest thing that stops children from going to their parents is the view that "my parents will kill me". I'm 22. And almost always went to my mother about things. Sometimes you need to start the subject though. ie. when I was 14, instead of asking if I was having sex, my mother simply said to tell her when I wanted to go on the pill.

I'm 17 yrs. old. Kids will not come to the parent automatically to talk about their issues. They want to talk to their own friends about the problems that they're having. The parent have to initiate a conversation with the child and try to relate to what they're facing. Start by giving your kids some cookies and then have a "talk". Dont ask the typical "How's school?" or "How's life?" questions. Yeah, kids have heard it all. Many of my friends complains about their parents bugging them and asking them stupid questions about their life. The truth is, they don't want to talk to their parents. They don't want to feel analyzed and judged by you (aka the parent). You can start off the talk with... ("I won't judge you.") when speaking to your child. that way, it makes your child feels relaxed and more open to the issues that their facing. Give details about your life and maintaining communication is the key to helping your child open up to you.

I am 29. parents can not ensure such a relationship but being cosistant reliable open and honest can help.

Do not judge or preach. I used to do a little of both and my daughter started to keep things from me. I've read a lot of parenting books lately and I did learn something that works. When she tells me she has experimented with pot, I tell her it's illegal and dangerous. I then tell her that I realize I can't make her or not make her do it, just that I wish she wouldn't. I've used this with sex, drugs, friends, school, and lots of other things, and it seems to be working. Our relationship has improved too.