Ideas you can use every day

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**** Talk about the everyday stuff every day - If your kids learn they can trust you with the "little stuff," they're more likely to come to you about the "big stuff."

**** Create times for talking - Expect everyone to have a family meal together. Turn off the music while you're driving around. Play a board game instead of watching television.

**** Be approachable - If kids think they'll get a lecture or be judged every time they bring up an idea or a personal experience, they'll shut down. Try to listen without judging and to ask questions without accusing. Show that you understand what your children are feeling by sharing similar experiences.

**** Take concerns seriously - Sometimes it's easy to dismiss children's concerns or worries because, from an adult perspective, they're not important. Don't; don't take them lightly, laugh at or tease them. If it's important to your children, empathize and listen. They'll learn that they can come to you about other things-some of which you'll think are really important.

**** Don't wait - You don’t have to wait for an "important" conversation to have a good conversation. Find times to talk with your children every day about little stuff and big stuff and when you do talk, really listen to what they have to say.