Tonight with your 13 to 17 year old

The prompt

“Was there ever a time you wished we'd just asked you instead of assuming something?”

What to listen for

If a specific memory comes up fast, that tells you it stuck with them, listen without getting defensive, because the goal here is understanding, not re-litigating who was right. Notice if the underlying theme is about being trusted, being seen as capable, or just being asked first as a matter of respect.

If they say "not really" but seem to be thinking hard, give it space, sometimes it takes a minute to locate the memory, and rushing them to answer defeats the purpose.

If they brush it off entirely, that's fine too; you can say "well, if one ever comes up, tell me" and leave the door open without pressing.

What this tells you

This tells you where they've felt unheard in the past, and reveals what they need most from you going forward: to be asked, not assumed about.