When you talk about puberty, don’t just describe what’s happening...help her understand the meaning behind it. Your daughter needs to know that these changes are not random or shameful; they are part of God’s loving plan to prepare her to make a sincere gift of herself in love and in motherhood. You might say something like this: “Every girl is called to a kind of motherhood—first spiritual, and perhaps one day, physical. Spiritual motherhood means nurturing life and love in the people around you. It’s the way you comfort a friend, encourage your siblings, or bring joy to someone who’s lonely. You don’t have to be an adult to begin living this out. Every time you notice someone’s need and respond with kindness, you’re practicing spiritual motherhood. Not every woman will be called to physical motherhood, but every girl is called to spiritual motherhood. Physical motherhood happens when a woman enters marriage, and with her husband and God’s life-giving love, becomes a co-creator of new life. This is an extraordinary vocation that involves the body in a sacred way. All the changes you’re noticing in your body during puberty (though they can feel awkward) are actually part of God’s design. They’re signs that your body is awakening to the beautiful capacity to nurture and give life. Puberty is your call to motherhood being activated right now. So even when it feels strange or uncomfortable, remember: this is not something to hide or be embarrassed about. It’s something holy. God is shaping you to love in a new and deeper way, and I’ll be right here to help you understand and embrace it. Let’s start by living out spiritual motherhood today...by bringing love and life to those around us. And tonight, we can pray together for your future vocation, and if God calls you to it, for your future husband.”

When you talk about puberty, don’t just describe the changes...explain the meaning behind them. Help your child see that these changes are part of God’s loving plan to prepare them to make a sincere gift of themselves in fatherhood or motherhood. You might say something like this: “Every boy is called to a kind of fatherhood...first spiritual, and perhaps one day, physical. Spiritual fatherhood means learning to initiate sacrificial love for others. It’s what we once saw symbolized in small gestures—like when a man opened a door for someone else and let them go first. You don’t have to be grown up to begin this! You can practice spiritual fatherhood right now by choosing to love and serve your siblings, classmates, and friends. Not everyone is called to physical fatherhood, but every boy is called to live spiritual fatherhood. Physical fatherhood happens when a man enters marriage and, with his wife and God’s life-giving love, becomes a co-creator of new life. It’s an awe-inspiring vocation that involves your body in a profound way. All of these (sometimes awkward) changes you’re experiencing in puberty are part of God’s design. They are physical signs that your body is being prepared for life-giving love. Puberty is the awakening of your capacity to love as a father. So even when it feels strange or uncomfortable, remember, this isn’t something to be ashamed of. It’s something sacred. God is calling you into maturity, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s start by living out spiritual fatherhood today and tonight, we can pray together for your future vocation, and if God calls you to it, for your future wife.”

In paramedic school, I learned how to shock hearts, stick needles, and yes—even drill into bones to save lives. (It’s called an “Intraosseous Infusion,” and it’s as intense as it sounds.)💉 One day on the job, I was called to a horrific accident. My partner yelled for me to drill into a teenager’s shinbone to save their life. My stomach dropped. I froze.❄ I hadn’t trained for it. Thankfully, my partner stepped in and saved the day. But I’ll never forget that moment. Training matters.👨‍🏫 Here’s the thing...most of us won’t ever need to drill into a bone, but all of us are called to something even harder—heroic love.💓 Real love isn’t just warm feelings. It means sacrificing selfish desires for the good of another person. That takes training too. For years, I didn’t train well. Porn was my “secret,” and it taught me to use instead of love. I didn’t even realize how unprepared I was until marriage exposed my weakness. Every time love demanded sacrifice, I froze. The truth is: Porn trains us to be users. Sacrifice trains us to be lovers. Every day we’re in training...whether we realize it or not. 🤝 My fellow parents.... Your kids are also “in training.” The world will train them one way, or you can step in and train them for something better...heroic self-giving love. ƪ(˘⌣˘)ʃ Here's my question for you...What’s one small way you’re training your kids this week to choose love over selfishness?