About this episode
Rachel and Jenny discuss the evolution of teen dating culture and how parents can adapt traditional dating rules to modern realities.
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…
People in this episode
Host: Rachel Gunn
Guest: Jenny
Topics covered
- teen dating culture
- parenting
- dating rules
- communication
- self-respect
Keywords
- teen dating
- parenting advice
- dating culture
- communication skills
- relationship guidance
More episodes of Raise & Release
- How We Handled Dating · April 21, 2026 · 22 min
- Dating Conversations · April 14, 2026 · 19 min
- Katelyn: Connection Over Control · March 31, 2026 · 22 min
- Parent PR Makeover · March 24, 2026 · 15 min
- Teachable Moments · March 17, 2026 · 19 min
- Discipline · March 10, 2026 · 24 min
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