No one looks forward to discussing tough topics like divorce, violence, or unwanted pregnancy, but talking with your children about life’s challenges will help establish a lifelong bond of trust and respect.

This series tackles a dozen difficult issues and provides hints on how to break the ice and initiate conversations that will help your children learn all they need to know to lead a healthy life.

Pick a topic:

Hints on How to Make the Most of "Talk Time" with Your Kids Focus -- Give your children your undivided attention; this isn’t a time to multitask. Remove static -- Minimize possible interruptions; turn off the phone, TV, stereo, and computer. Look -- Make eye contact if possible (but please, not while you’re driving!). Recap -- Really listen to what your children have to say; then, paraphrase to make sure you understand what was said. Clarify -- With older children, it may help to ask whether they would like your advice or just need you to listen.