Parenting Tip:
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Getting your child into the habit of talking with you regularly will make it easier for them to come to you when there is a problem or need advice, even as they approach adolescence.
1. Set aside a regular time to talk: Establish a time every day that’s your quiet time to connect and catch up without interruptions or distractions.
2. Make dinner time a priority: Give your child the security of knowing that you are there when they need you at regular and predictable times.
3. Create a special place: Designate some special places and make it a place you can always go to when you need to hash out a problem or just touch base about your day.
4. Incorporate conversations into regular routines: Kids feel more comfortable talking about things while they’re engaged in another activity, like shooting hoops in the backyard or working on some kids’ crafts together.
5. Maintain trustworthy relationships: It is crucial to let your child know that they can come to you whenever they need to talk.
6. Be a good listener: Try to remove distractions when your child is speaking to you, especially if it’s about something important they want to share.
7. Ask specific questions: Ask things like, “What was the most fun thing you did during recess and why did you like it so much?
8. Talk about things outside the home: Talk about other things in and outside your child’s world, like what’s going on with friends or what’s going on in the news so they don't feel pressured to talk about themselves all the time.
9. Set an example you want your child to follow: Kids learn how to communicate largely by watching how their parents relate to people around them, be sure to set an example of openness and honesty.
Source: https://www.marriage.com/advice/parenting/ways-to-make-parent-child-communication-a-habit/