Tonight with your 13 to 17 year old
The prompt
“What does feeling overwhelmed usually look like for you, and what tends to bring it on?”
What to listen for
A clear, specific answer shows real self-awareness about their own stress patterns, that's valuable insight for both of you, and knowing the specific triggers helps you know when to step back or step in without them having to ask directly.
If they mention something you didn't expect, like social pressure rather than schoolwork, take that seriously as the real picture rather than what you assumed was stressing them out.
If they say they don't really get overwhelmed, or don't want to go into it tonight, respect that fully, naming stress out loud can feel like admitting weakness to some teens, and pushing will only make them guard it more next time.
What this tells you
This shows you what's actually piling weight on them right now, which tells you exactly where they need you to lighten the load or just be nearby.