It’s easy to spend time with your family and not talk at all. Many parents and kids often are attached to cell phones and iPods and, although just a few feet from each other, never exchange a word. Research suggests, however, that just talking about school can have a significant impact on your child’s achievement.

Remember that kids learn in homes that learn, from parents who value learning. Sit down with your kids and talk about what they have learned in school and what they plan to achieve. Be familiar with school policies and stay informed about your child’s progress. Don’t wait for teachers to contact you; take the initiative. Families who stay informed about their children’s progress at school have higher-achieving children.

Talking with your children is one of the most critical steps of healthy parenting. Young children begin their life fascinated by language and communication. To the small child, a mother’s or father’s words are important, comforting, and soothing. Use this to your advantage. Start intimate communication early on about everything and you have a greater chance of continuing this communication into the teen years.

Remember, though, communicating thoughts and ideas is not a skill you or your children are born with. The art of self-expression must be learned. Give kids ways to talk about how they feel. Let them know how important they are and that you want to hear what they have to say. Honesty and openness must be commended. Include your children in family discussions when appropriate. When talking is part of the daily routine, it becomes easier to deal with difficult subjects.

Here are 10 simple rules you can use to open the lines of communication with your children, getting them to listen and to tell you more.

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