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Parenting takes a constant thought process. If you lose verbal contact with your children for long periods of time repeatedly then the generation gap starts.

I started a family at a young age and knew that I wanted to talk to my children, have an interest in them. As they got older, I never stopped listening to their opinions and views on different things and I certainly thought twice about mine when talking to them. I always made eye contact with them when they needed my attention and they did the same in return when I'd talk to them. I never pushed my opinions on them but I would share them if I thought it was appropriate. It was fun and joyful to know who my fifth grader would vote for president and why. Or why the would want to paint their room green and not blue.

Most parents are so caught up into their adult world that they can't comprehend the child's side of things. They're too busy. Next thing the parent knows, their little boy or girl is a teenager with an attitude. Most parents see this behavior as an adolescent problem and to let it run it's course. That's not the answer.

If communication between the parents and the child lacks, atleast one parent needs to pick it back up. It's never too late. Starting with what interests the child has and going with it. Asking a few age appropriate questions about their interests and even telling the child of their own when they were their age. But there has to be communication every single day without criticism.

Not only does a parent get to know their child, the child gets to know their parent. But it's important to show an interest.

Learn more about this author, Audrey King.
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