It is important in any relationship that we get to say what we feel. Whether you're the child or the parent, the channel of communication should always be open.
Communication doesn’t have to be in the form of criticism and if it’s constructive, the right communication should help everyone understand where they stand. Children should feel confident enough to speak to a parent and a parent should be open enough for their child to want to talk.
I go back to my own thoughts on my relationship with my parents. I know that if this had happened, I would be working through a different process now and on a completely different topic.
I agree with you. A child should be comfortable enough to at least talk to their parents.
My two daughters talk to me without any problem. That's the way I raised them. I was open with them while they were growing up, enough for them to be able to talk to me about anything they need to and by doing this we are able to have conversations about anything without a problem. They know they can come to me and not be afraid to tell me whatever they need to.
It wasn't that way when I was growing up. I just didn't feel very comfortable to talk to my parents, plus I didn't have the support I should have had from them. That's the past and you can't change the past. You can definitely make a difference for the future by learning from the past.
We should be open and honest with our children so that they will feel the same with us. A lot of problems can be avoided by doing this one simple thing.
Thanks Lisa. I agree with you. Your last sentence describes in a few words I am sure will resonate with so many of us. We can certainly avoid problems between siblings and any future problems too by concentrating on this one aspect of parenting.
I believe all children should be afforded this in life. As my experience has shown, unfortunately it doesn't always happen that way, for you too.