Ep. 264 — The Value of Connecting with Today’s Teens

Raising Godly Girls

In a culture where communication is constant but true connection feels scarce, today’s teens are navigating pressures unlike any generation before them. From endless scrolling to viral slang, it can seem like their world is unreachable for parents, grandparents, and mentors. But here’s the good news: the deepest needs of teen girls haven’t changed. They still long for trusted relationships, authentic guidance, and meaningful time with the people who care most about them.

In this episode, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose unpack how to build bridges with teens who live in a tech-saturated world but crave in-person connection. With warmth and humor, they share real-life stories about the balance between “relating” to teens and “leading” them into maturity—and why authenticity matters more than trying to keep up with every trend.

You’ll also hear from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, who brings clarity to how girls actually flourish in their friendships. Drawing from both research and Scripture, she reminds us that teens thrive in communities that echo the early church—gathering, serving, and growing together in Christ-centered relationships.

Practical wisdom flows throughout this conversation: consistently showing up in your girl’s world, asking deeper questions that fuel her faith, and admitting when you don’t have all the answers. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or mentor, this episode will encourage you to lead at the “speed of trust” and invest in relationships that last beyond the moment.

Referenced Scripture:

• Acts 2:42–47 — Early church community life.

• Deuteronomy 6:4–9 — Teaching God’s Word to the next generation.

• Titus 2:3–5 — Mentoring and discipling across generations.

Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.

To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.