My son is 17 and we have a great relationship , but it doesn't just happen. He talk s ALOT more to me than his dad and it's not just the gender thing. I create opportunities for him to talk - a drive inthe car, a walk around the block, an ice cream cone treat or jsut starting general conversatins and seeing where they're going. I hardly ever ask "so how was your day" - it;s the surest way to get a one word response. Walks are our best times. The other trick is to just listen - it bears repeating, just listen.....The more I refrain from interjecting a little advice or q clarifying questins, the more i learn and the more open our conversations become. Have patience, create opportunities and develop open ended conversations is my best advice. GOod luck!