Tonight with your 13 to 17 year old

The prompt

“What's something growing up has cost you that nobody really warns you about?”

What to listen for

An honest answer, like less free time, more pressure, missing being a little kid, or friendships getting more complicated, shows real reflection on the tradeoffs of growing up, and sharing it takes some courage and trust.

If the answer sounds a little sad or wistful, resist jumping in to fix or minimize it, just let them feel heard about the loss that comes with growth, even good growth.

If they can't name anything, you could gently share something growing up cost you, which often gives them permission to think of their own.

What this tells you

What they feel they've lost in growing up shows how honestly they're grappling with change, and whether they feel safe naming the harder parts out loud.