It's less embarrassing to talk to a guy than your mom -- and it can be really helpful and reassuring to hear about someone's personal experience; to know that they've lived through what you're living through and understand how you feel.
We aren't on anti-depressants or ADHD meds; we aren't seeing weekly therapists; we aren't slamming doors; we aren't calling our Mom names; we aren't hating each other: It's the pre-teen days.
"Okay, maybe we weren't exactly 'having dinner together'", but we were all sitting at the table eating at the same time. That should count for something, right?
As a parent, you can give children tools to help them navigate their expanding social world, with the ability to disconnect, take their own space, and remain connected to you.