Health Tip: Communicating With Kids

Communicating with your children can be a challenge, but there are things you can do to start the dialog.

The American Psychological Association offers these tips to help parents talk with their kids:

• Make yourself available when your child is most willing to talk, whether it's at bedtime, in the car or before dinner.
• Initiate the conversation to help your child recognize that you're interested in what's happening in his/her life.
• Each week, schedule time for a one-on-one activity with your child, and don't allow interruptions.
• Take an interest in things your child likes.
• Instead of starting the conversation with a question, share what's been on your mind.