A 13-year-old patient presents to you for a checkup. Her mother reports that lately she has been distant from her parents and brother and spends a lot of time outside of the home with her friend

A 13-year-old patient presents to you for a checkup. Her mother reports that lately she has been distant from her parents and brother and spends a lot of time outside of the home with her friends. When she is at home, she spends time on the phone with her friends instead of with family. The patient denies being in a romantic relationship at this point and reports that she just likes spending time with her friends and is trying to fit in. Her mother tells you that she is concerned that there may be something more going on. Which of the following is the most appropriate way to counsel this patient’s mother?