Tonight with your 13 to 17 year old
The prompt
“Do you have a competitive streak that only really comes out during games or sports?”
What to listen for
A laughing, enthusiastic answer shows a healthy, playful side of them that gets to come out without judgment, competition in this context is usually pure fun, not something deeper to worry about. Lean into it and maybe even challenge them to something.
If they describe getting really intense, that's normal and often a source of pride, not something to soften, let them own that side of themselves.
If they say they're not competitive at all, that's just as valid, not every teen needs that outlet, and there's no need to convince them otherwise.
What this tells you
This shows you a side of them that gets to be fully expressive and unguarded, which is worth making more space for in everyday life.