Raising Godly Girls

• Ep. 268 — Guiding Girls Through Big Emotions with Michelle Nietert

  If there’s one thing every parent of girls knows, it’s this: emotions can run deep, wide, and loud. From tearful meltdowns to dramatic outbursts, our daughters’ feelings can often feel like tidal waves that threaten to pull the whole household under. But what if those very moments weren’t interruptions to parenting—but opportunities for discipleship?  In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Patti Garibay, Founder & Executive Director Emeritus of American Heritage Girls, sits down with licensed professional counselor and bestselling author Michelle Nietert to unpack how parents can guide their daughters through big emotions with both compassion and Biblical truth. Drawing from decades of experience as a counselor, school crisis responder, and mom, Michelle offers practical insights for helping girls process sadness, fear, and anxiety while building emotional resilience that’s rooted in Christ.  You’ll hear encouragement for the mom who feels like her daughter is drowning in emotions, guidance on discerning when drama signals deeper emotional needs, and everyday ways parents can connect spiritual discipleship to emotional growth. From playground drama to teenage friendship struggles, Michelle reminds us that while the world may tell girls to be ruled by their feelings, God calls them to bring those feelings to Him.  Scripture References:  Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”  2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”  Philippians 4:6–7 – “Do not be anxious about anything… and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Galatians 5:22–23 – The fruit of the Spirit, including self-control. This conversation will leave you equipped with tools, reassured by truth, and reminded that you are not alone in raising emotionally healthy, Godly girls.  This conversation will leave you equipped with tools, reassured by truth, and reminded that you are not alone in raising emotionally healthy, Godly girls.  You can learn more about Michelle and her work at michellenietert.com  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. 

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• Ep. 267- Teaching Girls to Feel Without Being Ruled by Feelings

  Big emotions are a normal part of growing up—but when those emotions start calling the shots, our girls can quickly feel overwhelmed, discouraged, and even defeated. As moms, we want to raise daughters who feel deeply while also learning that their emotions don’t get to be in charge—Christ does.  In this episode, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden explore what it means to guide our daughters through the highs and lows of anger, sadness, joy, and fear with patience, connection, and truth. You’ll hear honest mom-to-mom stories, practical tools like “do-overs” and weekly check-ins, and encouragement to see emotional outbursts not as inconveniences but as discipleship opportunities.  Together, we’ll unpack how to help our daughters:  Recognize that emotions are real but not ultimate truth  Move from reacting in anger to responding in the Spirit  Root their identity in Christ rather than in how they feel  Practice self-control through grace-filled parenting moments  You’ll also hear the Raising Godly Girls Minute with Patti Garibay, Founder & Executive Director Emeritus of American Heritage Girls, reminding us that while anger is natural, the Holy Spirit transforms it into life-giving joy.  So, whether your daughter is slamming doors, quietly shutting down, or somewhere in between, this episode will remind you that big feelings don’t make her “too much.” They make her human—and God has entrusted you to shepherd her through them with His wisdom and love.  Scripture References:  • Galatians 5:16, 19–21, 22–23  • 2 Timothy 1:7  • John 11:35    This Week’s Reminders:  Big emotions don’t make your daughter “bad”—they make her human. God created her with deep feelings for a purpose. Your job isn’t to silence those emotions but to shepherd her through them with love, patience, and truth.   Correction is most powerful when it’s paired with connection. Your daughter will grow most when she feels safe, seen, and loved—even after a meltdown. Stay close, speak truth, and don’t underestimate the power of a gentle tone.   You are not alone in this—and neither is she. God is with you in every eye roll, every slammed door, and every teary moment. He’s working in her heart even when you can’t see it. Keep sowing seeds of Spirit-led parenting. He is faithful to grow the fruit.  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.  

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• Ep. 266 — From Mood Swings to Steadfast Hearts: Faith-Filled Tools for Emotional Growth

  Emotions can be overwhelming—both for our daughters and for us as moms. From tearful meltdowns to unpredictable mood swings, it’s easy to feel like big emotions threaten to take over the day. But here’s the truth: feelings aren’t something to fix or fear. They’re invitations—opportunities to lean into God’s presence, disciple with compassion, and point our girls toward steadfastness in Christ.  In this episode, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden share personal stories of their own girlhood “big emotion” moments, reminding us that as moms, we’ve stood where our daughters now stand. Together, they explore practical and faith-filled ways to help girls put words to their emotions, process them in healthy ways, and anchor their identity in who God says they are—not in how they feel.  You’ll also hear from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, who offers an actionable tool for moms: teaching your daughter to reframe “I am” statements into “I feel” statements. This simple shift can transform self-talk, strengthen identity, and remind our girls that feelings are temporary—but God’s truth is eternal.  Through practical steps like journaling, mealtime check-ins, and memorizing “truth anchor” verses, this episode equips you to model emotional maturity, guide your daughter with gentleness, and rest in the knowledge that God didn’t call you to fix every emotion—He called you to shepherd your girl’s heart toward Him.  Referenced Scripture:  Genesis 16:13 — God sees us in our struggles.  Romans 12:2 — Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Exodus 14:13 — Stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord.  Psalm 139:14 — Fearfully and wonderfully made.  Isaiah 43:1 — Called by name and redeemed.  1 Peter 2:9 — Chosen and belonging to God.  This Week’s Reminders:  Feelings Are Real, But Not Always True  Help your daughter name her emotions without letting them define her. Just because she feels unloved doesn’t mean she is unloved. Root her identity in God’s truth, not her temporary feelings.   She Learns Emotional Maturity by Watching You  Your example is her blueprint. When you model calm, prayerful responses and speak truth over your own emotions, you’re teaching her how to navigate hers with grace and faith.   God Doesn’t Call You to Be Her Savior—Just Her Shepherd  You’re not expected to fix every meltdown. Your role is to guide her toward the One who can hold every emotion she faces. Let that truth lighten the load—you’re parenting with God, not apart from Him.  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.  

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• Ep. 265 — Restoring Spiritual Legacy Between the Generations with Kate and Mike Battistelli

  In today’s fast-paced culture, the generational divide can feel wider than ever. Parents and grandparents long to pass on a vibrant faith, but too often wonder if their words will land—or if younger hearts are even listening. Statistics paint a sobering picture: nearly 70% of young adults raised in the church walk away as they enter adulthood. But this isn’t just a statistic. It’s a wake-up call to reclaim the power of spiritual legacy.  In this episode, host Patti Garibay sits down with Kate and Mike Battistelli—parents to Grammy Award-winning artist Francesca Battistelli and faithful disciplers with a passion for legacy building. Together, they share powerful insights on how families can bridge the gap between generations, cultivating authentic connections that lead daughters and granddaughters to encounter Jesus for themselves.  With wisdom drawn from both triumphs and trials, Kate and Mike reveal what spiritual legacy really looks like: everyday faithfulness, intentional mentoring, and a willingness to model surrender in a world that prizes independence. From the father’s role in guiding and anchoring faith, to the Titus 2 calling for women to mentor the next generation, their conversation is a clarion call for every believer to show up, stay present, and speak life across generational lines.  Whether you feel overlooked as an older mentor, hesitant as a younger parent, or simply burdened for your daughter’s future, this episode will encourage you to take practical steps toward bridging the divide. Because when one generation commends God’s works to another, His mighty acts echo far beyond our lifetimes.  Referenced Scripture:  Psalm 145:4 — “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.”  Titus 2:3–5 — The call for older women to disciple younger women.  Deuteronomy 6:6–9 — Teaching God’s Word diligently to the next generation.  Learn more about Kate and Mike’s ministry and resources at katebattistelli.com. 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.  

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

  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.  

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