Of students aged 10 to 13, 75% say they would like to talk more to their parents about schoolwork. Studies have shown that when parents and children talk about school and school events, children perform better academically.

Ask your child questions about school every day and really listen to what he says. His feelings about school can let you know when he is having a problem with a teacher, work, or a bully. Start this practice early on to establish it as a routine. If you show you are interested in what happens at school on a daily basis, your child will be more likely to come directly to you when there is a real problem, and you will be better equipped to find a solution.

Use active listening with your child to find out more about his day. Instead of jumping in with your own opinions, stay silent for a few seconds to see if he goes on. If he provides you with more information, either respond with neutral comments or repeat what he said to elicit further response.

Talk to your child about how you are feeling, as well. Tell him your goals and the events that take place during your day. These conversations will impart your values to him and also make the conversations more equal.

"Did anyone get in trouble with the teachers today?" This question usually gets conversation flowing, especially with younger children, who will want to tell you the specifics of any atrocities committed in detail, from time-outs during recess to sitting on the red bench by the principal's office. This icebreaker makes it easy to transition to the more mundane and less dramatic details of your child's day, such as what he learned, what games he played, and with whom he spent most of his time.

Try asking silly questions like, "Did they serve zebra again for snack today?" After your child laughs or rolls his eyes at you, he might just proceed to tell you every detail about snack that you ever wanted to hear.

Listen to your kids each day after school, whether this means driving slowly, taking a 10 minute walk before household chores in the evening, or sitting and having a snack with them. There might be things your child won't tell you at that time, but because you were listening and opened that window for him he might tell you later.

Make yourself emotionally available to your child at bedtime, as this is a common time for children to unload their fears and dilemmas. Often, right before he goes to bed your child, will tell you about something that has been bothering him all day.

Keep up with the news and share what you are learning with your child. Talking to your child about current events, politics, and history will give him the sense that you consider him intelligent enough to take part in the conversation, as well as a better understanding of what is going on in the world around him, which can help him in school.

While young children are usually very excited about discussing the school day with you, middle school students become virtually mute. The effusive child who used to run home every day to tell you every minute detail everything that transpired in class suddenly becomes a stone-faced middle-schooler who gives up no more than "yes" or "no" responses. To overcome this silence, ask pointed, open-ended questions instead of the usual "How was your day?" Ask about friends, a specific class, or what the coach had them do at practice.

Don't be satisfied with one-word answers. Keep asking questions until your child tells you something of substance. Even if he gets annoyed, he will know that you really care.

Let your child express opinions, even those contrary to yours, without reprisal or anger. You want him to feel comfortable telling you what he thinks.