You know that typical scene where a mom picks up her tween-age daughter from school, she plops in the front seat, says, “Hey” and then puts on her headphones and closes her eyes? Or the one where the mom says, “So, how was school?” and the son responds with, “Fine. What’s for dinner?”

I don’t want that to be typical at my house. I want my kids to talk to me. More than that, I want my kids to feel like their feelings and ideas are important and valued. I want them to know that what they say is important and what they feel is valid.

It’s just a hunch, but I think it’s up to me. I think I have to talk to my kids and encourage them to talk to me. So, although my kids are young and I don’t have a lot of experience with iPod-toting tweens, I am hoping to lay the foundation for open communication now!

One of the best ways I’ve experienced (and heard from parents older and wiser than me) is by maximizing…

{Maximizing what? What is it? I know, the suspense is killing you! Come on, click over to my full post at Family Your Way to see how to effectively communicate with your kids!}

***Impress Your Kids has some new digs at ohAmanda.com! Come visit us there for all the Impress Your Kids archives and all our new posts–including our Easter newsblast with fabulous tips for celebrating a meaningful Easter with your kids!***