Tonight with your 13 to 17 year old
The prompt
“Is there a teacher or coach right now who actually seems to get who you are?”
What to listen for
If they name someone and explain why, it means they know what it feels like to be truly seen by an adult outside the family, and they're comfortable telling you it matters to them.
If they hesitate before naming someone, they might be testing whether you'll feel a little replaced, reassure them with your reaction that you're just glad that person exists for them.
If they say no one really does, that's worth holding onto gently; it might mean they're craving that kind of recognition and haven't found it yet.
What this tells you
Their answer reveals who else in their world is making them feel capable and understood, which matters as much as what happens at home.