By staying curious rather than directive. Ask open questions about what they want, what feels hard, and what might help – and genuinely listen to the answers rather than steering towards the response you need to hear.

Hold the line on wellbeing and safety without holding it on specific educational choices. Keep structure in daily life where you can – meals, sleep, some outdoor time – without making education the battleground. And be honest with them: you can tell them you are worried without making their situation about your feelings.