Since the day my kids were born, I always talked to them like they understood me, never talked down to them or baby-talked to them.....well maybe choochee choochee coo once or twice....but that's it, guilty. I listened to them and when I had to say something I made sure I got it over with within their 2 minutes attention span, because let's face it,after that, you've got nothing. Today they are both in their teens, smart, funny, we have never had any major fights or yelling. My daughter a few times when she was 13 or 14 and I've NEVER had to yell at my 15 year old son. They both work and are going to high school and college. I have always talked to them about life, body parts, etc,so they never feel embarrased to ask me something. I respect them and they me. Don't know if its magic or not but just don't sweat the small stuff. Yea, sure they're gonna have a drink, sure they're gonna try smoking, but TALK TALK TALK.  Never ever close that communication gap and you'll be fine!