How We Handled Dating

How We Handled Dating

In this episode of Raise and Release, Jenny and Rachel dive into how to approach dating with your kids thoughtfully and intentionally. Rachel shares her family’s real-life approach, including what worked, what didn’t, and how early conversations, clear boundaries, and ongoing dialogue helped prepare her daughters to navigate relationships with maturity. From middle school boundaries to high school trust, this episode emphasizes equipping kids with wisdom rather than controlling their choices. Topic Covered * Starting Conversations Early * Why They Chose “No Dating in Middle School” * Using Real-Life Moments as Teaching Opportunities * Allowing Feelings Without Encouraging Relationships Listen to Raise & Release Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raise-release/id1867913889] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5AQHrqvkG28vJCcBOOHYLN] | iHeartRadio [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-raise-release-316949707/] Continue the conversation Each week, the Raise & Release Journal helps you reflect, slow down, and think about how this connects to your own parenting. Read this week’s Raise & Release Journal → HERE [https://www.rachelgunn.com/journal] Learn more If you’re looking for a deeper foundation for healthy, faith-centered parenting, you can learn more about my book, Impact Parenting, here [https://a.co/d/35vVjzW]. About Seeds of Impact Seeds of Impact is the heart behind everything I do. Through this nonprofit, we help moms in recovery break unhealthy cycles and build stronger families. Learn more at seedsofimpact.org [http://seedsofimpact.org] Connect with Jenny on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jennyswindall/] Connect with Rachel Follow along on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rachelkgunn/] Join the conversation on Threads [https://www.threads.com/@rachelkgunn] Find me on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/rachelgunnauthor/]

Dating Conversations

Most parents wait until their teen is already interested in someone or deep in the “talking stage.” But by then, they’re already navigating pressure, emotions, and expectations without a clear foundation. In this episode, we talk about why the best time to have these conversations is before it even begins and how to approach them in a way that feels natural, ongoing, and effective. We break down the key conversations every parent should be having with their kids, from setting boundaries in texting to understanding healthy relationships, recognizing red flags, and building an identity that isn’t tied to attention or validation. This episode is full of practical language you can use with your kids right now to help them navigate relationships with confidence, clarity, and strong values. What You'll Learn * Start Early, Not Later * Teach Boundaries in Communication * Redefine the Talking Stage * Anchor Their Identity * Recognize Healthy Effort Listen to Raise & Release Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raise-release/id1867913889] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5AQHrqvkG28vJCcBOOHYLN] | iHeartRadio [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-raise-release-316949707/] Continue the conversation Each week, the Raise & Release Journal helps you reflect, slow down, and think about how this connects to your own parenting. Read this week’s Raise & Release Journal → HERE [https://www.rachelgunn.com/journal] Learn more If you’re looking for a deeper foundation for healthy, faith-centered parenting, you can learn more about my book, Impact Parenting, here [https://a.co/d/35vVjzW]. About Seeds of Impact Seeds of Impact is the heart behind everything I do. Through this nonprofit, we help moms in recovery break unhealthy cycles and build stronger families. Learn more at seedsofimpact.org [http://seedsofimpact.org] Connect with Jenny on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jennyswindall/] Connect with Rachel Follow along on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rachelkgunn/] Join the conversation on Threads [https://www.threads.com/@rachelkgunn] Find me on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/rachelgunnauthor/]

Dating Rules

In this episode of Raise and Release, Jenny and Rachel kick off a powerful three-part series on dating, diving into how today’s teen dating culture looks very different from what most parents experienced growing up. With honesty and humor, they explore the tension between “old school” dating rules and the modern realities kids are navigating. Rachel shares insights from her own parenting journey, including what she learned as her daughters entered the dating world. Together, they unpack why traditional rules like “girls don’t call boys,” “no dating until 16,” and “boys should always pay” don’t translate neatly into today’s culture of texting, group hangouts, and slow-building relationships. Rather than clinging to rigid rules, the conversation centers on identifying the principles behind those rules, such as self-respect, emotional readiness, and mutual kindness. Rachel introduces a practical framework for parents to evaluate dating guidelines: understand the principle, adapt it to today’s culture, and question whether the rule is still necessary at all. The episode emphasizes the importance of equipping kids, not controlling them, helping them build confidence, communicate well, and navigate relationships in healthy ways. Parents are encouraged to shift from enforcing rules to guiding with intention, creating space for conversations, and fostering trust as their children grow. This episode sets the foundation for the series, offering a refreshing, thoughtful approach to parenting through the evolving world of teen dating. Key Topics Covered * How modern teen dating differs from traditional dating norms * Why old-school dating rules don’t always apply today * The importance of identifying principles behind parenting rules * Teaching teens self-respect, boundaries, and emotional readiness in relationships * Shifting from control-based parenting to guidance and equipping kids for healthy dating Listen to Raise & Release Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raise-release/id1867913889] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5AQHrqvkG28vJCcBOOHYLN] | iHeartRadio [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-raise-release-316949707/] Continue the conversation Each week, the Raise & Release Journal helps you reflect, slow down, and think about how this connects to your own parenting. Read this week’s Raise & Release Journal → HERE [https://www.rachelgunn.com/journal] Learn more If you’re looking for a deeper foundation for healthy, faith-centered parenting, you can learn more about my book, Impact Parenting, here [https://a.co/d/35vVjzW]. About Seeds of Impact Seeds of Impact is the heart behind everything I do. Through this nonprofit, we help moms in recovery break unhealthy cycles and build stronger families. Learn more at seedsofimpact.org [http://seedsofimpact.org] Connect with Jenny on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jennyswindall/] Connect with Rachel Follow along on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rachelkgunn/] Join the conversation on Threads [https://www.threads.com/@rachelkgunn] Find me on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/rachelgunnauthor/]

Katelyn: Connection Over Control

In this episode of Raise and Release, Rachel sits down with her daughter, Katelyn, for an honest conversation about what it was actually like to be parented with intention. After exploring discipline, teachable moments, and communication in previous episodes, Rachel invites Katelyn to share her perspective—what stood out, what felt meaningful, and what made a lasting impact. Through real-life stories and candid reflection, they unpack how discipline can move beyond punishment, why connection changes how correction is received, and how trust is built over time through consistency and repair. Katelyn offers a unique lens into how parenting choices are experienced on the other side, reminding us that while kids may not always agree with our decisions, they can still understand and respect them when we communicate clearly and lead with intention. This episode is a powerful reminder that parenting is not about control. It’s about building influence, trust, and a relationship that lasts beyond childhood. Key Topics Covered * Discipline as consequences, not punishment * Curiosity, conversation, and correction in real-life parenting * The importance of logical consequences that connect to behavior * Repairing through apology and taking responsibility as a parent * Using teachable moments instead of a lecture * How reputation and trust are built over time * Why “because I said so” can damage long-term influenceShifting from control rooted in fear to communication rooted in connection Listen to Raise & Release Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raise-release/id1867913889] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5AQHrqvkG28vJCcBOOHYLN] | iHeartRadio [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-raise-release-316949707/] Continue the conversation Each week, the Raise & Release Journal helps you reflect, slow down, and think about how this connects to your own parenting. Read this week’s Raise & Release Journal → HERE [https://www.rachelgunn.com/journal] Learn more If you’re looking for a deeper foundation for healthy, faith-centered parenting, you can learn more about my book, Impact Parenting, here [https://a.co/d/35vVjzW]. About Seeds of Impact Seeds of Impact is the heart behind everything I do. Through this nonprofit, we help moms in recovery break unhealthy cycles and build stronger families. Learn more at seedsofimpact.org [http://seedsofimpact.org] Connect with Jenny on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jennyswindall/] Connect with Rachel Follow along on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rachelkgunn/] Join the conversation on Threads [https://www.threads.com/@rachelkgunn] Find me on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/rachelgunnauthor/]

Parent PR Makeover

In this episode of Raise and Release, Jenny and Rachel unpack a powerful and relatable idea: parenting doesn’t need to change its heart; it needs to change its messaging. Most parents deeply desire to guide, protect, and equip their children, but what kids often experience instead is control, correction, and criticism. This disconnect can quietly erode trust and influence over time. Through honest conversation and practical examples, this episode introduces the concept of a Parent PR Makeover, which is all about aligning your communication with your true intentions. By shifting language, tone, and approach, parents can maintain their standards while building stronger relationships and deeper trust with their kids. This episode is a reminder that parenting is not about policing behavior, but about cultivating connection, influence, and long-term impact. Key Topics Covered * Why parents need a PR makeover * What are our goals as parents * Reframing our job as parents * The language shift that changes how kids experience us * Moving from control to influence Listen to Raise & Release Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raise-release/id1867913889] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5AQHrqvkG28vJCcBOOHYLN] | iHeartRadio [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-raise-release-316949707/] Continue the conversation Each week, the Raise & Release Journal helps you reflect, slow down, and think about how this connects to your own parenting. Read this week’s Raise & Release Journal → HERE [https://www.rachelgunn.com/journal] Learn more If you’re looking for a deeper foundation for healthy, faith-centered parenting, you can learn more about my book, Impact Parenting, here [https://a.co/d/35vVjzW]. About Seeds of Impact Seeds of Impact is the heart behind everything I do. Through this nonprofit, we help moms in recovery break unhealthy cycles and build stronger families. Learn more at seedsofimpact.org [http://seedsofimpact.org] Connect with Jenny on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jennyswindall/] Connect with Rachel Follow along on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rachelkgunn/] Join the conversation on Threads [https://www.threads.com/@rachelkgunn] Find me on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/rachelgunnauthor/]