Tonight with your 13 to 17 year old

The prompt

“Who's the friend that actually challenges you to be better, not just the easiest one to hang out with?”

What to listen for

If they can name someone who pushes them positively, they're showing real discernment about what good influence looks like, they need that judgment affirmed, since peer pressure gets painted as only negative.

If they describe a friend who challenges them in a way that sometimes stings, notice whether it sounds like healthy growth or something more draining, ask gently, without judgment either way.

If they say all their friends are just fun, that's fine too, not every friendship needs to be a growth project.

What this tells you

The friend who challenges them shows you who they trust enough to let push them toward who they want to become.