I'm just curious... We see a lot of members on this forum, especially younger ones, that don't feel capable of talking to their parents about serious issues in their lives. Personally, I find that a real shame. I feel as if parents should be your strongest support system and be able to offer you guidance and advice, but still let you make your own mistakes. And then if do make mistakes, help you to understand them and yet still feel safe and respected.

I think that's a fairly lofty ideal... But here's my question.. How do you DO that? What would make you feel able to talk to your parents? What specific things can parents do to make their children, at any age, feel safe and capable of having a real, in depth conversation with them? Or, for parents out there, how have you achieved this?

The other thing is I feel like not being able to or comfortable with talking to your parents leads to how you interact with others in your life, such as future spouses.