Thanks for all the replies.

I asked the question because I'm fairly atypical. I tell/told my mother everything. I told her when I lost my virginity. I've always asked her opinion on things and for advice. I have tended to value her opinion and advice much more than my friends.

My parents and I never had any talk about drugs or sex or alcohol. They also didn't talk badly about kids who did that. I used to tell them when I'd drink in college, and they always just told me to be smart and be safe.

And, honestly, I don't really know what my parents did exactly to make me feel safe with them, and capable of talking to them about things and not worrying about them coming down on me too hard. When/if I have children, I would like to have the same type of relationship with them... to feel comfortable talking to me about ANYTHING. And I"m just not 100% sure how to do that... And what kind of worries me is there's no real way of knowing if your kid is lying to you or hiding something from you, even if you ask them. They feel the need for self-preservation pretty strong... But I want them to know I"m on their side...

Anyways, sorry for the ramble. Thanks again for all the responses. I'd love to hear more for anyone who wants to throw their two cents out there!