"Peer pressure, bullying, drugs, dating... Your kids are going to talk with someone about them. Shouldn't it be you?"
— Mekhi Phifer, ER

No loving relationship can exist without communication. Kids believe they have valuable things to say and when a parent listens genuinely, it helps foster self-esteem and confidence. One important thing to remember is the need to build an ongoing dialogue. As your child grows up, he or she will need more and more information. So, start early and build on the conversation as your child matures. Here are 10 tips on talking with your children about tough issues (from www.talkingwithkids.org):

1. Start early. Begin talking about difficult issues with your child early and continue to build on the conversation as the child grows.
2. Initiate conversations with your child. Look for everyday opportunities to initiate conversations with your child about drugs, sex, alcohol or other tough issues. If there is a story on the news about a specific topic you want to discuss, bring it up and initiate conversation that way.
3. Establish a clear family position. Make sure your child understands your family's position on specific, important issues. Don't hesitate to communicate your personal values and beliefs because research shows children want moral guidance from parents and caretakers.
4. Create an open environment. Young children want to be able to discuss difficult issues with parents. Therefore, it is important to create an environment in which children feel free to discuss many topics without fear of consequence.
5. Be a good example. Children watch everything you do and are much more likely to mimic your actions rather than do what you tell them. Make sure to set a good example with your actions.
6. Listen to your child. It is important to find time to give kids your undivided attention. Listening carefully to your children builds self-esteem by letting your children know that they are important to you. Try to use active listening skills when communicating with them.
7. Try to be honest. No matter a child's age, they deserve honest answers. Try to be as straightforward and honest as possible when children ask questions. If you do not feel comfortable answering a question in detail, attempt to give enough information so they do not have to fill in gaps for themselves.
8. Be patient. Sometimes children take a long time to get their story out. Try not to interrupt and let them get the story out in their own time. This will encourage them to think and process information at their own pace. It will also let them know what they have to say is valuable.
9. Use everyday opportunities to talk. Communication opportunities exist every day. If there is a topic on the front page of the newspaper you would like to discuss with your child, start by talking about the article and take the conversation from there. Similarly, bring up a story that was on the news and discuss it with your child. These are easy ways to bring up tough issues.
10. Talk about it again, and again, and again. Working on communication when a child is young allows you to build on the conversation as they grow. Talk about tough issues again and again to make sure they fully understand what you are trying to tell them.