Tonight with your 13 to 17 year old
The prompt
“Was there a moment recently you felt fiercely protective of someone in the family?”
What to listen for
If they describe stepping up for a sibling or standing up for a parent, that loyalty is a big deal, they need that instinct named and appreciated, not brushed off as normal.
If the story involves them getting into it with someone outside the family to defend a sibling, notice the intensity without immediately correcting the method, they need to feel their protectiveness is admirable even if the delivery needs polishing.
If nothing comes to mind, ask if there's ever been a moment they wanted to step in but didn't, that can be just as telling.
What this tells you
Fierce protectiveness toward family shows you how deeply they feel they belong to this specific group of people.