Finding the Right Moment
The key to this conversation starter is finding a moment where the young person shows a sustained interest and happiness. It’s the difference between being happy watching a movie and being happy spending several hours editing video footage to produce a five-minute clip. Or spending a whole day curled up in a chair reading a new book.
Questions, Probes, and Ideas
- “What does it feel like when you’re doing this activity?”
- “How did you become so motivated?”
- “Do any of your friends like doing this, too?”
- “Let’s figure out a way for you to do more of this!”
- “Would you teach me a little about it so I can share in the fun or understand you better?”
- “What are the things you like about it?”
- “How does a person move to the next level doing this?”
- “Is there anything else that makes you feel this way?”
Follow-Through
Check in with the young person a few days or a week later and see if she’s pursued her interests further. Ask questions: “What’s your next project going to be?” “Have you found any books that you like as much as the last one?”
