My daughter spoke to me the other day!

This may not sound that impressive, but she is 18, has a boyfriend, access to a car and an iPhone.

So she is not actually at home that often and when she is she is usually holed up in her bedroom, asleep, almost asleep, or focused on a screen.

So how did I manage to achieve the almost impossible?

I provided her with opportunities.

I have always been the annoying mother who pokes her head around the door.

The one who is not instantly scared away by the stares and scowls so often received.

The one who approaches anyway to give a quick hug, peck on the forehead and to pass on that I still love her, whatever her mood, or recent actions.

During one of these brave forays into the teenagers’ temple that is their bedroom, she spoke to me.

We exchanged a number of words, shared some thoughts and I left feeling that little bit more positive about my parenting prowess.

So be brave, pull up your parenting pants and enter the zone, you may not always gain in-depth conversation, or even recognition, but you are paving the way for them both to happen.

Keep calm and parent on.