Tonight with your 13 to 17 year old

The prompt

“What's a memory from one of our family trips that still makes you smile?”

What to listen for

Listen for whether the memory centers on a place, a mishap, or a moment of connection, often it's some small chaotic detail rather than the big planned activity, and that's a good reminder of what actually sticks with them.

If they laugh while telling it, that warmth is the point; let them tell the whole story even if you remember it differently, since their version is what matters here.

If they can't think of a trip that stands out, that's fine, you can ask about a smaller outing instead, since "trip" might just not be the right word for what they're picturing.

What this tells you

Whatever memory surfaces shows you what kind of shared experiences actually became part of how they see this family, regardless of how much you spent or planned.