I agree with NoCake. But I also think the relationship goes both ways. The parents may be the most non-judgmental parents in the world and their kids may not trust them. Both the parents and the kids have to put an effort into the relationship--I mean, not when they are babies of course, but if we're talking about communication I'm assuming the kids are a bit older at this point.

I think, from the parents' side, it boils down to something like this: NO kid wants to be seen as a failure or disappointment by their parents. If the kid admits something and the parents react in a harsh, judgmental way, then of course the kid is not going to keep the parents fully informed of their lifestyle choices.

I know my parents don't agree with anything I do. I know they think I'm a disappointment. I like to write it off like it doesn't matter anymore but of course it still hurts. I think all kids--no matter how old--want their parents approval to some degree. But you can't choose your parents, and sometimes incompatible personalities seem to put a big strain on the whole family bond I suppose.