Tonight with your 13 to 17 year old
The prompt
“When's the last time you talked to someone and walked away feeling lighter than before?”
What to listen for
Naming a specific person and conversation shows they know what real relief feels like and have someone they can go to for it, that's a strong sign of having at least one relationship where they don't have to hold everything alone.
If they mention it was you, let that land without making a big deal of it, just quietly note that you're doing something right.
If they can't think of a recent one, that's worth noticing gently, it might mean they've been carrying something solo for a while.
What this tells you
Who lightens their load shows who they currently trust enough to be unguarded with, which is at the heart of feeling truly connected.