All too often, parents underestimate the power of their voice in the lives of their children. Children of all ages are often desperate for meaningful conversation with their parents. Many studies reveal even when kids pretend not to be listening to their parent, they are actually listening very carefully. Not only do children, pre-teens and teens listen to their parents, they have high regard for their parents’ input into their lives. Clearly, the manner of listening changes over the years. There are seasons when listening to their parents is not broadcast loudly to their friends, but you can be assured that they are still listening. It is also very important to know the way in which we communicate with our children in their early years sets a pattern for years to follow. But even for parents who feel they have not started well, God gives us good reason to hope. I think I can safely say I’ve made more mistakes than most of the readers of this article, yet because of the grace of God, my wife and I are blessed with some very amazing children and grandchildren. It is incredible what a Heavenly Father can do in spite of the weakness and sin of an earthly father.