The chats that do the heavy lifting

First screens, first words. The job here is naming feelings out loud and building one habit: come and tell me.

Games and YouTube open the door to other people. This is the age to rehearse what to do when something goes sideways — calmly.

Social pressure shows up. Less lockdown, more conversation — and a clear plan for the moments that matter.

You're coaching, not gatekeeping. Lead every hard conversation with: you're not in trouble, tell me and we'll fix it together.