Tonight with your 13 to 17 year old
The prompt
“Is there a question about your future that you're just not ready to answer yet, even to yourself?”
What to listen for
If they name something specific, even vaguely, that honesty about uncertainty deserves real gentleness, they need to know not having an answer isn't a failure, it's just where they are right now.
If they seem uncomfortable even naming the question, don't push for it, they need to feel that "not ready" is a completely acceptable answer on its own.
If they say everything about the future feels unclear, reassure them that's normal at their age, no one expects a fixed plan yet.
What this tells you
The future question they're not ready to answer shows you exactly where they need patience instead of pressure right now.