...would give me a chance.

Many times I would try to argue a point or explain my position, and because my father had already made up his mind, there was no point trying to convince him otherwise.

It's incredibly frustrating when a child is trying to speak and a parent won't listen or assumes they already know. A child will not open up to a parent as a result.

Parents need to take the time to not only hear their children but to listen to them.

...took the time to know my friends.

Rather than being overprotective and making assumptions about my friends and ultimately who I was, I wish my father took the time to know my friends.

In knowing who your children's friends are, you will know your children better.