I’ve met so many parents who are determined not to make the same mistakes their parents made.  They were hurt, and are convinced that they will never hurt their children the way they were hurt.  This is a misconception.  Regardless of our insights, we all have “blind spots.”  We inevitably will disappoint our children in some ways.  However, we can decrease the hurt by increasing our awareness.  The best way to reduce the hurt is to be open to our children.  If we are open to listening to them, we create an atmosphere of trust.  They will then tell us what they are thinking and feeling.  In order to listen to our children, we must make an investment.  That investment is TIME.  Undivided attention without interruptions or distractions is required.  Turn off the TV & video games, & “tune in” to your children.