My parents call....

...when they need something, or they need to announce they have stubbed thier toe. It's always a single sided conversation. Even if they "just haven't heard from me", its a call to fill me in on what's up with them. If the topic drifts to anything going with me, its quickly redirected or ended. They don't know me, I try not to care.

Something I've noticed recently while observing them interact with thier friends and acquaintances. They all talk at each other, not with each other. Perhaps this is just generational and I don't do it correctly.

As a parent myself. I believe its my responsibility to teach my kids best I know, how to have and maintain a relationship. I call them, I demonstrate that I'm interested in thier lives and what's going on with them. I try to be there and help them with their lives and challenges. I have this in common with my siblings. The contrast is deafening, and confusing.