www.Kidsourceonline.com has some really good parenting articles.  This is the first half of an article on communication tips for parents and kids.  They will help you as a parent feel more successful in dealing with your children.  Try them out.  They work.

"You never listen to me" is a complaint heard as often from children as parents. Good communication helps children and parents to develop confidence, feelings of self-worth, and good relationships with others. Try these tips:

• Teach children to listen... gently touch a child before you talk... say their name.
  
  
• Speak in a quiet voice... whisper sometimes so children have to listen... they like this.
  
  
• Look a child in the eyes so you can tell when they understand... bend or sit down... become the child's size.
  
  
• Practice listening and talking: talk with your family about what you see on TV, hear on the radio or see at the park ...   more »