As a concerned parent, you know you should talk to your children about many topics important to their well being and future: drugs, friends, peer pressure and dating. But talking is only half the job, suggests Dr. Amelie Ramirez, associate professor of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. "Parents who listen to their children and ask probing questions create a high level of closeness," says Dr. Ramirez, "and kids who feel close to their parents are less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as drug and alcohol use."

Dr. Ramirez offers the following suggestions to help parents listen more effectively:

Seize the opportunity to engage your child in conversation whenever your child asks to talk to you. Don't say "in just a minute," or "not right now."

Frequently ask your child about his or her life, and the lives of his or her friends. What fashions, music, television and movies do people their age follow? Why?

Encourage your child with phrases such as "That's interesting" or "I didn't know that."

Establish regular weekly "together time" in which you and your child do something alone together that allows your child to talk. It doesn't have to be elaborate -- just taking a walk or going out for ice cream can spark meaningful conversation.

If you would like more suggestions on communicating with your child, visit www.theantidrug.com, the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign's online parenting resource. The site offers a brochure titled "Parenting Skills: 21 Tips and Ideas to Help You Make a Difference," which may also be ordered by calling (800) 788-2800.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: For more information, please contact Ellen Besner, Fleishman-Hillard, at (202) 828-9725, e-mail: besnere@fleishman.com.


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