"Connecting with Kids" is aimed at bringing families closer together by discussing the issues your kids face everyday.

NewsChannel5's Tonya Strong will feature a new story on air every weeknight at 5 p.m.

Many of the stories deal with tough topics like straight talk and what kids in middle school and high school have on their minds.

If you're a parent, you need to know what's going on with your child. But the older they get, the tougher that is.

You can e-mail Tonya at strong@newsnet5.com, or visit the Connecting With Kids site for more information.

Goals

• Treat young people as individuals who want and need your caring support.
• Encourage them to dream about their future.
• Provide educational tools to help youth reach their dream.
• Ask for their opinion and value their input.
• Listen attentively to young people. Ask about their experiences, challenges and triumphs.
• Apologize when you've done something wrong.
• Keep the promises you make.
• Don't judge them but instead provide timely information in a helpful way.
• Compliment young people every day; smile and make eye contact as often as possible.
• Explain clearly what you expect of them; ask what they need from you.
• Mentor a child who needs or wants direction in choosing a career or in making life decisions.
• Discuss the need for boundaries that keep them safe.
• Notice when they are acting out of character.
• Introduce them to people of excellence.
• Present options when they seek your counsel.
• Catch them doing something right.