Naming twins presents its own set of challenges. You may wish to link names in some way using same first letter (Jack and Jill?) or a theme such as Liberty and Faith, or even similar names like Leo and Eleonora. However, you might end up having two very independent children who don’t wish to be connected by name as well as birthday. A less obvious connection involves using different names with similar meanings such as Columba and Jemima (both meaning dove), or Jonathan and Matthew (gift of God).

For those of us who still haven’t decided even when stork delivers, arrival of your newborn may give you all inspiration you need! Christmas babies often appear as Noel or Noelle, Natalie or Natasha, nighttime births produce star inspired names such as Stella, Esther or Sterling, and for thankful parents after a difficult birth, Nathaniel (gift of God), Abigail (father’s joy) or Miranda (wonderful) might fit bill.

So whether you plump for Clifford or Condor, Harriet or Harmony, above all have fun choosing that special name – and with careful thought, your child will grow up bearing a name you can all be proud of!

2. Be interested and attentive. Your teen will sense whether you are interested or not by way you reply or not reply to her.

3. Focus on "what" your teen is saying and not "how" she is saying it. If she is upset, for example, she may be exhibiting body language that may be distracting.

4. Listen patiently and avoid getting emotionally involved in conversation. If you do so, you will tend to hear what you want to hear, as opposed to what is really being said. Your goal is to remain objective and open-minded during your discussions.

5. Avoid cutting your teenager off while she is speaking. This will show her that you respect her right to have an opinion, as well as to freely express it.

6. Avoid distractions or trying to multitask during your conversations. This may be okay at work, however your teen may perceive that you have a terminal case of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). :)

Exercise It may be helpful to have a practice conversation with your teenager rather than wait to try and be a better listener when she comes to you with a "real world" problem. Inform her that she is really important to you, and that you want to be a better listener. Then tell her that you need her help.

Referring to above guidelines, have her tell you about her day while you demonstrate your listening skills. Then ask her how you did and what you could have done better. Remember not to get defensive and conclude by thanking her for her help. Doing this on a regular basis will not only improve your overall listening skills, but also will make your teenager want to talk to you.

Copyright 2004 by V. Michael Santoro and Jennifer S. Santoro, All Rights Reserved.

V. Michael Santoro, M. Ed. co-authored "Realizing Power of Love," How a father and teenage daughter became best friends...and you can too, with his teenage daughter Jennifer S. Santoro. For more information, visit their Web site at http://www.dads-daughters.com