This is another critical phase full of learning experiences. Continue celebrating their positive experiences and support them with the bad ones. They are discovering for themselves their own values and world view through their experiences, and they might push back a bit if they think they are being told what their values and worldview should be. Spend quality time with them, and listen to the things they care about and respond with more open-ended questions. You will be providing them with a safe space to slow down and process their thoughts.

They are capable: Your student is very capable of thinking and acting more like an adult. They might surprise you with the things they accomplish or with the thoughtfulness of their ideas. This is often accompanied by pressure to perform. They will be doing a lot more things on their own, you might only see them a couple hours a day. They want to know that you trust them. Check on them frequently and remind them that you love them for who they are!

They want to matter: Long gone are the days of doing something solely based on “fun.” They want to matter—to leave a lasting mark on someone’s life with their skills. They’re discovering what they’re good at and how they can make a difference. You will capture their heart if you help them find productive and impactful ways to use those skills. Help them see that they can make a difference.