ood family communication is the key to successful parenting at all stages, but it’s not always easy. We all know the advice about getting down to a toddler’s tantrumming level, offering a stroppy six-year-old a non-judgmental ear and giving a tired teenager peace to think and a cup of tea after a tough exam, but constant low-level approachability is hard to get right. There’s also a temptation to believe it’s about getting your children to listen to you, when in reality it’s just as important for you to listen to them.