Jackie Hyland: Car talk

As the mother of a teenager and a tween, I have quickly learned that the best way to communicate with my girls is to get them in the car.

I know it may sound crazy, but all of my friends agree there is just something about that time alone with your teenager in the car that gets them talking.

So now I think of ways to get out there on the road and go for a drive just to find out what's going on in their lives. I even get to put my reporter skills to the test. I have learned that you have to start slow, ease into the conversation, don't press too hard, and once they start talking, ahh, it's fabulous!

I am curious by nature. Unlike my husband, I like to know everything. No detail is too small. I don't get to see my daughters a lot during the week because of my work schedule. So you can understand why weekends are precious to me. That is my time with my girls, time to guide them, protect then and find out what's going on!

It is not easy being a teenager today. I get that. There are so many distractions. I believe parents have to be hands on and nosy, if necessary.

At the end of the day, I believe that my girls appreciate my curious nature. Well, I hope they do. Hey, being a parent these days is not easy either!!