← When a Friend Is Struggling · Lesson 3 of 4
Look after the helper
Being the friend everyone comes to is tiring. Teens who help a lot can end up carrying more than is fair, and they may not mention it.
Ask about the helper, not only the friend: "How are you doing with all this?" Make it ordinary to step back for an evening, and to say "I care about you, and I think we need an adult on this."
A harbour has its own limits. Showing your teen that limits are part of caring is one of the most useful things you can teach.
Your teen has spent every evening this week messaging a friend who is having a hard time. What is the most useful thing to ask first?
A lesson is kept once you've answered the question and written at least 8 words. Nobody grades it; it stays on this device.