As a mother of 4 children who are now adults, some with children of their own, and a teacher for 34 years, I wish more parents believed the four ideas you present here.

It is the open lines of communication that is probably the most important part of a parent's relationship with their children.

For example, when my oldest was between his freshman and sophomore year of college, my house became the gathering place for my son and his high school friends - sometimes until all hours of the night. Many nights, my husband and I sat in on their conversations. One night my son shook his head and declared, "I can't believe I'm sitting here discussing life, drugs, and sex with my friends AND my rents."