Tonight with your 13 to 17 year old
The prompt
“Has a younger kid ever taught you something you didn't expect, a cousin, a sibling, anyone?”
What to listen for
If they light up describing something a younger kid showed them, a game, a way of seeing things, even just unfiltered honesty, it means they're comfortable learning without it feeling like a demotion, and they like being reminded that growth isn't only one direction.
If they shrug it off or say "not really," don't push. Sometimes admitting a younger kid taught you something feels like it costs status they're not ready to give up yet, especially with older siblings or friends around.
If they get thoughtful and specific, they're telling you they notice more than they let on and they trust you enough to give you the real answer instead of the easy one.
What this tells you
How they answer shows whether they can hold humility next to their own growing sense of authority, and how safe they feel showing that softness to you.