Communication is one word that the world is bound by. We can talk to people out on the ocean in a ship. We can watch and talk to the space shuttle as they explore the planets.

Every day we use communication to get our work completed. Without good communication nothing would ever get done. No one would know what to do, when to do it, or where it belongs.

In a world full of fast cars that offer you the OnStar System so you can communicate with them for every vital need from an accident to a flat tire, or you can pick up a cell phone and dial up Hawaii or Japan, it seems almost redundant that the very people we really need to communicate with we simply do not make time for.

The people you are the closest to usually do not get the pleasantries of your private attention. You pass in the kitchen. Do you talk? You sit and watch T. V. Do you strike up conversation?

If you are like most people, you have grown up, gotten a job, found a person you love and got married. Then had a family with them. Maybe you bought a house, car and dog too.

Now every day you live to pay the bills and take care of those you love. So why not talk to them? Do you know each day what is on your child's agenda? What other activities are you and your family involved in?

If you don't know who your child is, now is the time to learn. Make a list and answer these questions. If you cannot answer them, do yourself and your child a favor. Talk and write the answers down. It could be important at a later date in your child's life.

What if they said, "Bye Mom and Dad" and left out the door, but didn't come home on time. Do you know where to look for your child? or who to ask if they have seen them? If not, you need a list.

1). Who is your child's best friend?
2). Who are in the circle of friends your child
hangs out with?
3). Do you have a list of names, addresses and phone numbers for all your child's friends?
4). Have you met the parents in this child's circle of friends?
5). Where do the kids go to hang out usually?
6). If there is a party going on, where is it? What time does it end? Is there adult supervision there?
7). Where does your child stand personally on the issues of drugs, sex and alcohol?
8). Do you know your community well enough to know the popular hangouts for the kids in your child's group?
9). What was your child wearing when they left that evening?
10). Ask the basics: Who? What? When? Why? and How?

Getting to know your child and spending time with your own family can be an eye-opening experience. Especially when we learn to communicate effectively without arguing. After all, there is no greater or more important person in your life than your own family unit.

To not know your own child will be a great loss to yourself in the long run. So ask them how life goes today. Always tell them you love them and how important they are to your life.

One of the best things you can do for yourself is getting to know your child.