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Most parents of teenagers have experienced the deterioration of open communication lines at one point or another. Sometimes it lasts weeks or months, when conversation reduces to a dribble. It’s as if there is a game called, “See how little information you can give Mom or Dad and still get away with it.” I played that game with my mom for several years. (Not very nice!)

I got “paid back” when one of my sons was in high school and decided (without explaining) that he wanted to see how long he could go without talking at all! Talk about frustrating! “How was your day?” (Head nod. Good.) “Would you like some more casserole?” (Head nod. Yes.) Are you sick? (Head shake. No.) He stuck with his experiment about three weeks. I was so glad when he shut it down!