Ep. 256 — From Self-Absorbed to Selfless: Guiding Girls Toward Christlike Character with Jill Garner

How do we raise daughters who reflect the humility of Christ in a world that rewards self-promotion? How do we steer their hearts away from "me first" and toward "others first"? In this powerful weekend episode, Raising Godly Girls host and American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay welcomes character education expert and author Jill Garner to explore how parents can guide girls from self-absorption to selflessness through intentional heart training. 

Jill Garner, founder of Manners of the Heart, brings decades of insight on shaping young hearts through respect-based education rooted in Biblical truth. As the author of Raising Respectful Children in a Disrespectful World and StrongHeart: Cultivating Humility, Respect, and Resiliency in Your Child, Jill offers a clear and compassionate voice for parents seeking to raise daughters of integrity—girls who are resilient, gracious, and grounded in their identity in Christ. 

Together, Patti and Jill explore the cultural currents pulling girls toward vanity, entitlement, and independence from God—and contrast them with a Spirit-led path of humility and service. With practical advice, personal testimony, and a heart for transformation, this conversation is a must-listen for parents raising daughters in today's me-centered world. 

In this episode, you'll learn: 

• Why selfishness begins early—and what it reveals about the heart 

• What "Heart Education" is and how it can be a game-changer in your parenting 

• How to cultivate Christlike humility and respect in your daughter's everyday life 

• Encouraging tools and Scriptures that anchor your family in a God-honoring character journey 

• How to partner with schools, churches, and AHG to reinforce selflessness and servant leadership 

Key Scriptures Highlighted: 

• Philippians 2:3–4 – "In humility, value others above yourselves…" 

• Proverbs 11:25 – "Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." 

• James 3:16 – The warning against selfish ambition and its impact on community 

If you've ever asked, "How do I lead my daughter to think of others first—and love them well?" this episode will equip you with both the truth and the tools to begin that work today. 

Learn more about Jill's work and explore helpful parenting resources at mannersoftheheart.org. 

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.