Tonight with your 13 to 17 year old
The prompt
“Do you ever feel kind of homesick even when you're actually home?”
What to listen for
A yes, especially with an explanation like missing an old version of the family or a simpler time, shows they're processing change and growth, even amid the comfort of home, that's completely normal, not a red flag.
If they connect it to something specific, a sibling growing up, a routine that changed, that detail is worth just sitting with quietly rather than trying to recreate the old thing.
If they say no, that never happens, that's fine too, some teens feel very anchored in the present version of home.
What this tells you
Feeling homesick at home shows they're grieving small changes even while still feeling attached to the family, which is a sign of a tender, aware heart.