You don’t have to be a perfect expert on puberty—you just need to be a present parent. By keeping the conversation open, normalizing the changes, and engaging your child in a way that resonates with them, you’re giving them a gift far greater than information: you’re giving them confidence

Let’s be honest: most of us had some ideas about parenting before we actually became parents. Maybe you imagined peaceful family dinners where your kids said, “Why yes, Mother, I would love another serving of broccoli.” Or you thought your child would naturally share your love for books, baseball, or the perfect cup of coffee.

Your teen isn’t going to abandon social media overnight, and honestly, they don’t need to. But with your guidance, they can learn to engage with it wisely while still experiencing the deep, real-world connections that shape their character and faith. What is the best way to lead them there? Model it yourself. Show them that life beyond the screen is richer, deeper, and far more meaningful.