Trace Embry | License to Parent: Recent Episodes
Trace Embry
Friend of Trace – Rick BoyerRick Boyer is recognized by many in the homeschool network as Uncle Rick. He is an author, speaker, and homeschool pioneer. For many years his audio recording have taken Scripture, history, and adventure stories and turned them into character lessons for many children. Rick and his wife Marilyn created the homeschool curriculum “Character Concepts.”
It’s Off to Homeschool We Go!Today we discuss the challenges of raising children in today’s society, where traditional family values seem to be under attack. Trace Embry and Michelle Hill, talk with friend Rick Boyer, a homeschooling pioneer, about the importance of teaching children about their history and equipping them to think critically.
Rick Boyer emphasizes the need for parents to expose their children to different viewpoints and to teach them that there is absolute truth, as found in the Bible. He also discusses the importance of homeschooling in raising future leaders, as it allows children to be involved in designing their own education and encourages individuality and creativity.
Boyer’s Uncle Rick Audio Book Club offers resources for parents and children to learn about American history through old books and biographies.
Episode Highlights:
- The importance of instilling good character in our kids.
- Have you reviewed the history being taught in the public school system?
- What can we do to wake up America?
- How are homeschooled kids being taught differently than public school kids?
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Friend of Trace – Tina Marie GriffinTina Marie Griffin went from baling hay and milking cows on a dairy farm in Wisconsin to working as an actress in Hollywood. She enrolled at California State University – Los Angeles to pursue a film and TV broadcasting degree and start her acting career. Tina is doing a great job as the founder of Counter Culture Mom – Helping Parents Safely Navigate the Pop Culture Chaos!
When she isn’t traveling and speaking, you will find her busy writing radio spots, blogging, cooking, camping, traveling, homeschooling her four munchkins, or having a romantic date night with her best friend and husband Luke. Listen to her podcast The Counter Culture Mom Podcast with Tina Griffin.
How to Raise Godly Kids in an Ungodly CultureTrace Embry, Michelle Hill, and friend Tina Marie Griffin discuss the challenges of raising children in a culture that increasingly contradicts Christian values. Tina Marie is also known as the Counter Culture Mom, who shares her insights on how to raise godly kids in an ungodly culture.
Tina Marie, having worked in Hollywood, uses her knowledge of the entertainment industry to inform parents about the negative influences it can have on children. She emphasizes the importance of parents being in the Word of God daily and instilling it in their children. Griffin also discusses the negative impact of mainstream media and encourages parents to seek out positive entertainment alternatives.
She recommends her Counter Culture Mom app as a resource for parents, which provides pop culture updates, resource links, and solution-driven content.
Episode Highlights:
- Is it possible to raise kids counter culturally in today’s ungodly culture?
- What is the most damaging thing happening today to our kids that parents need to be aware of?
- Do parents not take it seriously enough the effects that music, movies and the internet have on our kids?
- What do public schools, history books and communism have in common?
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Friend of Trace – Michael FarrisMichael P. Farris is a lawyer and founder of the Home School Legal Defense Association and Patrick Henry College. He is the former President & CEO of Alliance Defending Freedom, which he served from 2017 until 2022. Michael is also an author. He’s written several titles on homeschooling and parenting.
Bring up a Child the Way He Should GoTrace Embry, Michelle Hill and guest attorney, Michael Farris from Alliance Defending Freedom discuss the importance of standing up for family’s religious convictions and liberties. Michael claims that the government is overstepping its boundaries and imposing its power on parents, particularly in the realm of education.
He believes that parents should have the right to direct the upbringing of their children, especially in terms of their moral and religious beliefs. He also discusses the issue of critical race theory and critical gender theory in public schools, arguing that these theories are promoting a form of systemic racism and undermining parental rights.
Michael Farris encourages parents to consider alternatives to public schooling and to fight back against these issues through litigation.
Episode Highlights:
- Why Christian parents need to know about Alliance Defending Freedom.
- What is the most pressing issue regarding parental rights?
- Michael Farris’ take on systemic racism and the public school system.
- Is your religious freedom at risk?
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Friend of Trace – Richard Cohen, M.A.Richard Cohen, M.A. is the founder and executive director of Positive Approaches To Healthy Sexuality, or PATH, a psychotherapist, educator, and author. He travels the world teaching on such issues as healthy sexuality, marital relations, communication skills, parenting skills, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
He has authored seven books, and also does consultations and speaking engagements at colleges and conferences.
Healthy Touch & Emotional ConnectionTrace Embry, Michelle Hill, together with guest Richard Cohen, M.A. discuss the changing dynamics of the parent-child relationship in our American culture. They argue that children today have more influence and authority in their homes than previous generations, which some view as progress, while others see it as potentially harmful.
Richard Cohen, M.A. shares about his book “Healing Humanity: Love, Time, Touch, and Talk.” He emphasizes the importance of healthy touch in parenting, arguing that many people in Western culture are oversexed because they are undernourished in terms of healthy, non-sexual touch.
He suggests that parents should introduce healthy touch incrementally and always inform their children before implementing a new parenting skill. Cohen also discusses the importance of parents modeling healthy touch and emotional connection in their own relationships.
Episode Highlights:
- Have we helped our kids survive the American Culture norms?
- Learn what healthy touch is within the family, community, church and the culture?
- Is it possible to have a deep need and desire for appropriate touch by others without realizing it, particularly by one’s parent?
- How to attach and show affection to your child in a healthy way?
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Friend of Trace – John RosemondJohn Rosemond earned his masters in psychology in 1971 from Western Illinois University, and is licensed in North Carolina. During his career he has directed several mental health programs for children, and has help numerous families and children every since.
John devotes his time to speaking and writing now. John is syndicated in well over 225 newspapers nationwide. He has written over eighteen best-selling parenting books, and travels to speak all over the country sharing his parenting experience and humor with so many others.
He lives in North Carolina with his wife Wilma, a.k.a. “Willy.” They have been married over 50 years. He is also the founder of ParentGuru, where he helps parents to raise responsible adults.
Prepare Your Kids for the WorldTrace Embry, Michelle Hill, together with John Rosemond, author of The Bible Parenting Code, share about the importance of traditional parenting methods and the dangers of modern psychology’s influence on parenting.
John Rosemond argues that parents should not strive to be in a relationship with their children, but rather should focus on disciplining and preparing them for the world. He also discusses the importance of parents being on the same page and putting their marriage first.
John Rosemond suggests that parents should not compromise their standards to secure a relationship with their children. He advises parents of adult children who have cut off communication with each other to pray about it rather than pursue it.
Episode Highlights:
- What’s John’s advice to parents with adult children?
- Do parents need to change the way they are doing parenting?
- What is the importance of parents being on the same page in their parenting style?
- What does Scripture say about parenting?
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Friend of Trace – Dr. Nicholas KardarasDr. Kardaras is an Ivy-League educated psychologist, a well known speaker and addiction expert. He is also the CEO and Chief Clinical Officer of Maui Recovery in Hawaii and Omega Recovery in Austin, Texas. Dr. Kardaras is the author of the book titled “Glow Kids.” Please visit his bio page to learn more about his amazing accomplishments.
Keep Your Kids from Glowing in the Digital AgeTrace Embry, Michelle Hill, and Dr. Nicholas Kardaras speak about the dangers of excessive screen time for children and its impact on their emotional, social, physical, and spiritual health. They highlight the importance of face-to-face interaction and the role of parents in setting examples for their children.
They also discuss the influence of digital technology on the mental health of young people, particularly the addictive nature of devices and the impact of social media influencers. They suggest that the excessive information and lack of critical thinking skills can lead to mental health issues, self-destructive behaviors, and even suicide.
They advocate for delayed access to devices, regulation of screen time, and avoidance of social media and gaming to protect children from the harmful effects of digital technology.
Episode Highlights:
- How has technology affected how we parent our kids?
- Learn the influence of digital technology on the hearts and minds of human beings, particularly kids.
- What is impulsivity & who has it?
- Younger females contracting Tourette syndrome.
- What percent of mass shootings are linked to mental illness?
- Culprits of Digital Addiction?
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Friend of Trace – Lieutenant Colonel Dave GrossmanLt. Col. Dave Grossman is a Retired (1998) US Army Ranger, a paratrooper, and a former West Point Psychology Professor. He has become one of our nation’s leading trainers for military, law enforcement, mental health providers, and school safety organizations. He has a Black Belt in Hojutsu, the martial art of the firearm, and has been inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
Lt. Col. Grossman has five patents to his name, published many books including his bestseller “On Killing” and a New York Times best-selling book co-authored with Glenn Beck. He is well-known for his research, has been cited by the President of the United States, and has presented papers before the national conventions of the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Today, Lt. Col. Grossman is the director of Grossman On Truth, LLC. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, he has written and spoken extensively on the terrorist threat with articles published in many leading law enforcement journals. He has been inducted as a “Life Diplomate” by the American Board for Certification in Homeland Security, and is a “Life Member” of the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute.
Parents Know the Danger Violence has on Your KidsTrace Embry, Michelle Hill and our friend Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, who is an expert on human aggression and violence, together discuss the potential negative effects of violent video games on children. They also speak about other dangers of technology on our young people.
Lt. Col. Dave Grossman shares his research and knowledge that the addictive nature of video games, combined with the violent content, can lead to serious issues such as sleep deprivation, impaired judgment, and increased aggression. He also criticizes the video game industry for fighting against regulations that would limit children’s access to violent games.
Trace Embry and Lt. Col. Grossman agree that parents need to be proactive in monitoring their children’s gaming habits and enforcing age-appropriate content. They also recommend resources like Lt. Col. Grossman’s book “Assassination Generation” and the website of our friend Melanie Hempe, ScreenStrong.org, for parents seeking guidance on this issue.
Episode Highlights:
- How has technology affected how we parent our kids?
- Is social media designed to be addictive?
- How sleep deprivation affects our behavior.
- Do you believe video games generate violence?
- How can parents push back on big tech and social media?
- Is violence tolerated more today than 5o years ago & how does it affect our emotions?
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Friend of Trace – Gary Chapman, Ph.D.Gary Chapman, Ph.D. is an author, speaker, and counselor who has a passion for people to help them form lasting relationships. He is a well-known marriage counselor and director of marriage seminars. The 5 Love Languages® is one of Dr. Chapman’s most popular titles with millions of copies sold and on the New York Times bestsellers list since 2007. Find all of Dr. Chapman’s resources at his Store.
Dr. Chapman has been directly involved in real-life family counseling since the beginning of his ministry years, and his nationally-syndicated radio programs air nationally on Moody Radio Network and over 400 affiliate stations. His Podcasts are Building Relationships & A Love Language Minute.
Dr. Chapman holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in anthropology from Wheaton College and Wake Forest University, respectively. He received his Ph.D. degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and has taken postgraduate work at the University of North Carolina and Duke University.
Dr. Chapman and his wife, Karolyn, have been married for more than 45 years, reside in North Carolina and have two grown children.
How to Help Your Child Feel Loved Trace Embry, Michelle Hill and our friend Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages of Children, discuss how parents can foster emotional wellbeing in their children by understanding their love languages. He explains that each child has a primary love language, which could be physical touch, words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, or quality time.
Parents can identify their child’s love language by observing their behavior, listening to their complaints, and noting their requests. Dr. Chapman emphasizes that while all love languages are important, speaking the child’s primary love language is crucial for them to feel loved. He also suggests that discipline should be wrapped in the child’s love language to ensure fairness and understanding.
Dr. Chapman shares a sad story of a young man who never really knew his father. This was shared with Dr. Chapman by the young man at his father’s graveside service. Therefore leaving Dr. Chapman sad knowing it was now too late for that father to know his child’s love language.
Episode Highlights:
- Can you name the 5 Love Languages?
- Ask yourself, “Do your children feel loved?”
- How to identify your child’s love language.
- When is it NOT a good time to offer advice to your child?
- Why is it so important to spend time with your children?
- What are Primary and Secondary love languages?
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Friend of Trace – Melanie Hempe, BSNMelanie Hempe, BSN, is an author, speaker and the founder of ScreenStrong and Families Managing Media (FMM). She received her bachelors of Nursing from Emory University and has worked with technology experts and researchers on the impact of social media and video game use. She helps families avoid problematic screen use, i.e., video games, pornography, social media, etc. in their kids’ lives.
Through ScreenStrong, she provides resources and education courses on brain development and the effects of screen use on kids, and solutions for parents who desire to free their kids from screen addictions. Melanie hosts the popular weekly ScreenStrong Families Podcast and has been featured in Psychology Today, The Wall Street Journal, A&E Network, CBS, CNN, NPR, “Screened Out” (the movie), and many other news and television outlets.
Melanie lives in North Carolina with her husband, Chris, and their four children. As a family they enjoy reading good books, spending time with friends in their home and just good family fun without screens.
Life on the Other Side of the Screen Delima Trace Embry, Michelle Hill and guest Melanie Hempe, BSN discuss the dangers of screen time and digital addiction with our children, comparing its effects on the brain to that of cocaine and heroin. The conversation brings out passions how the constant exposure to screens can lead to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.
Trace and Melanie also highlight the importance of parents taking responsibility for their children’s screen time and setting boundaries. Then Melanie Hempe shares the personal experience she encountered with her own son’s gaming addiction and how she managed to help him overcome it.
Melanie emphasizes the importance of real-life social interactions for children and warns against the false sense of social fulfillment that social media provides. She encourages parents to stick together with other like minded parents. The three of them encourage parents to seek support and gather resources to help manage their children’s screen time effectively.
Episode Highlights:
- Effects of addiction to screens is much like substance abuse.
- What changes has the pandemic brought on regarding digital addiction?
- Will we look back on too much screen time like smoking cigarettes?
- What was Melanie’s son addicted to and how did he overcome it?
- Parents have to ask themselves; “Is it worth it to let my kid have a smartphone?”
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Friend of Trace – John RosemondJohn Rosemond has worked with families, children, and parents since 1971 in the field of psychology. In 1971 he earned his masters in psychology from Western Illinois University, and is licensed in North Carolina. During his career he has directed several mental health programs for children.
For the last 30 years or so, John devotes his time to speaking and writing. John is syndicated in well over 225 newspapers nationwide. He has written over eighteen best-selling parenting books, and travels to speak all over the country sharing his parenting experience and humor with so many others.
He resides in North Carolina with his wife of over 50 years, Wilma, a.k.a. “Willy.” He is also the founder of ParentGuru, where he helps parents to raise responsible adults.
Help for Parents from the ParentGuru Trace Embry, Michelle Hill, and psychologist John Rosemond discuss John’s latest book, “The Bible Parenting Code: Revealing God’s Perfect Plan for Parenting.” John shares an amusing personal experience of raising his son using modern psychological methods, which resulted in his son being the worst behaved child his teacher had seen in 20 years.
After this revelation, John and his wife Willy decided to raise their children the way they were raised, which led to a significant improvement in their son’s behavior and academic performance.
John Rosemond is a critic of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and refers to it as a book of bogus diagnoses. He emphasizes the importance of relying on God’s perfect parenting plan as outlined in the Bible. He also discusses the congruence between Scripture and recent astrophysical facts as a way to affirm the truthfulness of Scripture.
Episode Highlights:
- Why does John call his wife of 50 years “Willy?”
- Learn how John & Willy dealt with their worst behaved child.
- What does John say about children’s feelings?
- Is modern psychology all it’s cracked up to be?
- John’s contrast of astrophysics and Scripture.
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Friend of Trace – Holly HunterHolly Hunter is the founder of Hunter Investigations, LLC and Safe Passage Global. It is her passion and calling to help families in crisis. For more than twenty years she has been a private investigator helping parents with crisis management intervention. Holly also helps families transport troubled teens to therapeutic programs via Safe Passage Global. She is certified in crisis management, a mental health coach, first responder, a Christian life coach, and so much more! On a more personal level, Holly cares deeply about people, loves to take pictures, writing books, and singing.
Help for Parents with Unruly Teens Trace Embry, Michelle Hill, and Holly Hunter share their experiences about the challenges parents face when dealing with troubled teenagers and the options available for help. They discuss the role of residential care programs like Shepherd’s Hill Academy, which offers therapeutic and educational support for teens in crisis.
They also discuss the importance of parents maintaining their relationship and not blaming each other for their child’s issues. Our guest, Holly Hunter, founder of Safe Passage Global, explains her organization’s role in transporting troubled teens to therapeutic schools and programs and their benefits. She emphasizes the importance of family unity and the need for professional help in extreme cases. They also touch on the legal aspects of involuntary treatment and the misconceptions surrounding it.
Episode Highlights:
- Informing parents that long-term treatment programs exist for the safety of their child and family?
- No shame in seeking outside help for your family.
- Holly explains residential care?
- What resonates with parents to help them choose residential care?
- What is the important to not play the blame game?
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Friend of Trace – G. Craige LewisG. Craige Lewis has been ministering for over 30 years. He’s been pastoring Adamant Believers Council in North Richland Hills, Texas for over a decade, promoting the message of Christ and fighting against the secularization of God’s church.
Lewis also leads and is the founder of EX Ministries; established to share God’s Truth to the body of Christ and others, and to expose the deception of the enemy. He is often called on to speak about the hip-hop sub-culture, as he authored the “The Truth Behind Hip Hop” series.
Musical is SpiritualTrace Embry, Rich Roszel and G. Craige Lewis discuss the impact of music on children and teenagers. They share that the music young people listen to can shape their identities and influence their behavior! To a higher degree, certain types of music, particularly rock, rap, and hip-hop, can have a negative impact on young people, potentially leading them to engage in harmful behaviors. They all stress the importance of parents being intentional in their parenting and being aware of the music their children are listening to.
G. Craige shares his views on the spiritual nature of music and its effect on human behavior. He argues that music can bypass a person’s moral code and influence them in ways they may not be aware of. He also emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit to discern the spiritual nature of music. Rich expounds on this and shares a personal story about how music touched his soul.
Trace expresses this; “I think we’ve got too many people claiming the name of Christ who want to live like hell and expect heaven for a reward. It just doesn’t work that way.”
Episode Highlights:* Is there an inherent evil found in certain songs or certain kinds of music? * Can certain music profoundly affect our kids behavior negatively? * Why do parents overlook the effects of music? * Is today’s music worse spiritually than in years past? * What are God honoring lyrics? * Learn what Ex Ministries is all about!
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ANNOUNCEMENT: For a Season, production of New Radio programs of License to Parent is on “Pause” mode. We Thank Our Radio Listeners!! The Podcast will now showcase the Best performing, Most listened to programs at this Website and at your favorite Podcast platforms. Click Here to Subscribe & Continue Listening! The RSS Feed will be updated with the Classics of License to Parent so you can Stay Tuned!!
Keep Reading for the Reason for the Season as Trace shares his heart below. His audio message is also at the 27:20 mark in this .mp3 file and in the last recorded program “Emotional Safety with Dr. Joshua Straub.”
Trace Shares His For the last 15 or so years I have had the honor and a privilege to interview many of the best and the brightest in the fields of child and family relationships, cultural studies and insights that affect parent-child relationships. Hollywood film makers, scientists, theologians, authors, mental and medical health professionals, philosophers, and many of the giants in today’s broadcasting who have had their fingers on the pulse on many of the things affecting child-rearing for today’s parents, Christian, and secular like. And virtually every one of them, whether they realized it or not, would’ve understood and affirmed the biblical principles for child-rearing from their respective disciplines, whether they were actually Christians or not because the Bible and science don’t contradict one another. The Bible and objective truth do not contradict one another.
For all these years, I’ve left every License to Parent broadcast feeling very much affirmed about what our kids and families are learning and experiencing at Shepherd’s Hill Academy. Family healing and life transformations are the physical evidences that God and His Word through Jesus Christ is the Way the Truth and the Life and certainly the model for a parent’s best shot at raising healthy, well-adjusted kids in a society that’s imploded before our eyes.
When we first launched License to Parent, only a man and a woman could possibly make a marriage. Only man and woman could’ve possibly birthed and raised a healthy child. Virtually all Americans would have agreed with that. Today, in the eyes of more and more people, our systemically mentally and spiritually ill society doesn’t even know what a man or a woman is! This and much more is just an example of how quickly and how drastically reality itself is being redefined and how science is being ignored.
Reason for the Season One of the highest compliments that has been paid to this broadcast, as far as I’m concerned, is the idea that we have not been giving parents answers to the most common questions, but rather License to Parent has been giving parents answers to questions they should be asking but aren’t. Just like our goal at Shepherd’s Hill Academy, our goal here at License to Parent has always been to help build better parents by helping them to become change agents to our culture rather than helping them to become more microcosms of it. Today’s church has produced too many of those already and now it seems we’ve had hell to pay for it.
But in the course of being a beacon of light in a dark world with respect to raising kids, I’ve also had the privilege of working with consummate production professionals who helped make this broadcast what is, people like Rich Rozel, Carl Peetz and my co host Michelle Hill. I want to thank you guys big time, this too has been an honor and a privilege.
So it’s with a heavy heart that I have to say today is our last License to Parent Radio broadcast, at least until prayer and circumstance dictate otherwise, or perhaps Jesus comes back.
There are many reasons for this decision, first and foremost for health reasons. So I would ask you to please pray for my wife, Beth who’s dealing with health issues right now. She’s been given a serious cancer diagnosis. Therefore I’ll be doing my best to make her my first ministry right now. Again, until prayer and circumstances dictate otherwise.
In the meantime, if you like to continue listening to our License to Parent Podcast, just go to our License to Parent website: LicenseToParent.org and click the button to “Subscribe to Podcast.” As prayer, time and circumstances dictate, I’ll look forward to providing you the same kind of information our radio broadcast has provided these past several years.
Thank you so much for the love and support you’ve given us. I love you!
And we do hope to see you (for new production) another time, Lord willing.
“And as always “Remember folks, if you don’t train your children somebody else will.”
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About Joshua Straub, Ph.D., CMCLCDr. Joshua Straub is the Co-Founder and President of Famous at Home, a company that equips others with relational connections and emotional intelligence. He is also an author and speaker. He is passionate about helping others lead; he is a marriage and leadership coach, and is a Fellow at the Townsend Institute for Leadership and Counseling. He takes most pride in his role as husband and dad. He and his wife Christi host the Famous at Home podcast.
How to Cultivate Emotional Connection with KidsMichelle Hill, Trace Embry and Dr. Joshua Straub discuss the importance of emotional safety in raising children.
Together, they also highlight the importance of showing up for children, both physically and emotionally, and the role of a biblical community in child-rearing. Dr. Straub suggests that parents should regularly check in with their children to understand their needs and feelings and to show them grace and wisdom.
Both Trace and Joshua share stories about their own fathers. Joshua also gives pointers how he parents his own children as he and his wife homeschool and have family weekly meetings.
Episode Highlights:* Be sure to listen to the end; Trace gives a special announcement. * With risks all around us, how do we keep our kids safe? * God’s standards never fall short. * Is there safety without boundaries or exploration? * What is effective parenting without grace? * How do messed up parents turn out some really good kids?
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About Brad GriffinOur guest, Brad M. Griffin, is the Senior Director of Content & Research for the Fuller Youth Institute. Brad develops research-based resources for youth ministry leaders & families. Brad is the coauthor of over fifteen books, including Faith Beyond Youth Group, 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager & 3 Big Questions That Shape Your Future, Growing Young, and Sticky Faith. He is also a speaker, writer, and volunteer pastor. Brad and his wife, Missy, live in Southern California with their three teenage and young adult kids.
The Ideal Youth GroupTogether, Michelle Hill, Trace Embry and Brad Griffin discuss the role of youth groups in the church and how they can and should impact a child’s faith.
The ideal church youth group knows how to express and live out the importance of trust, consistency, and communication with its members. They also highlight the need for youth leaders to model Christ-like behavior and promote conversations about faith outside of the youth group.
It is suggested that parents should expect youth leaders to provide information about the content of the group’s discussions and activities. Parents should be given an outline of the youth group discussion topics to facilitate effective discipleship and transparency.
Youth groups shouldn’t try to compete by trying to keep kids entertained. They already get enough of that! There should be an emphasis on the importance of fun in youth groups, but be cautious on relying too heavily on entertainment.
Episode Highlights:* Can parents be a stumbling block for youth leaders trying to disciple youth group participants? * Think about your own child’s youth group. * Can youth groups be harmful to your child’s faith? * What does the ideal youth group look like? * Does effective discipleship always include entertainment?
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About Jordan WhitmerOur guest, Jordan Whitmer, age 25, is the Founder of the evangelism and missions organization reaching Generation Z youth called the HowToLife Movement. He also hosts the podcast called “Gen Z Today.” He is a graduate of Liberty University, with a Bachelor’s in Religion: Biblical and Theological Studies, and is an ordained reverend. Jordan’s heart is that Gen Z find Christ and live and lead boldly for Him.
Gen Z for JesusTogether, Michelle Hill, Trace Embry and Jordan Whitmer discuss discipling to Gen Z.
The Gen Z generation, those aged between 11 and 26, are reportedly leaving the church at a higher rate than previous generations. The reasons for this are complex, but some suggest it may be due to a lack of discipleship and the influence of secular agendas.
However, Jordan Whitmer believes that many Gen Z individuals are open to faith conversations and can be reached through peer-led evangelism events. Learn more how to get involved and see how Jordan is making a difference.
Whitmer’s movement has organized over 155 student-led evangelism events across 29 U.S. states and 11 countries. Despite the challenges, Jordan remains hopeful for the spiritual future of Gen Z!
Episode Highlights:* What is causing Gen Z’s to leave the church? * Learn Jordan’s heart for evangelism to young people. * What is the common makeup of Gen Z? * Are Gen Z’s looking for truth more than other generations? * Is Gen Z giving up on their millennial aged parents?
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About Dr. Frank TurekOur guest, Dr. Frank Turek is an Author and President of Crossexamined.org, a Christian Apologetics ministry helping young people defend the Christian faith. Frank hosts an hour-long TV program each week called “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist.” He hosts a podcast with the same name. He also writes for Townhall.com.
Help Defend the Faith with Christian ApologeticsTogether, Michelle Hill, Trace Embry and Dr. Frank Turk discuss the challenges of raising Christian children in a secularized culture. Dr. Turek emphasizes the importance of Christian apologetics in defending the faith and addressing tough questions sparked by secular standards.
Dr. Turek also highlights the role of the digital age in spreading distorted information and lies about God and His word. He encourages parents to equip themselves with cogent answers to these questions and to guide their children in navigating the digital world.
There is also discussion on the concept of miracles, arguing that the universe itself is a miracle and that natural laws require a lawgiver. Frank shares that the fundamental essence of the story of Christ is sacrifice. People sacrifice themselves to save others, and that’s what all the top movie blockbusters of the past 50 years have heroes that sacrifice. Jesus sacrificed Himself to save His friends. Jesus said ‘There’s no greater love than to lay down your life to save your friends.”
Episode Highlights:* What is it others are stealing from God? * What is Christian Apologetics. * Do Christian parents have to be Theologians to answer their kid’s questions? * What lies are being fed to our kids. * Who is to say what morality is?
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Continued from Last WeekIn this episode of License to Parent, Trace and Michelle continue their discussion on the impact of sexual perversion and the LGBTQ+ movement on society and the church. They mention how the normalization of these issues are causing a moral decline and confusion among young people.
Open and Honest DiscussionThey also discuss the importance of parents having open and honest conversations at a young age with their children about sexuality, and setting clear boundaries. They emphasize the need for parents to guide their children based on biblical principles and to always affirm their love for them, even when they make choices that go against these principles.
Episode Highlights:* What is the lie that people believe today? * What is the difference between harm and hurt? * A good analogy on God’s plan for sex. * Why aren’t we calling out the evil that is happening?
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About Today’s ProgramTrace and Michelle approach the sensitive topic of individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ that is often left undiscussed among families. They recommend and offer this disclosure for today’s program audio: (If you have younger kids in the room, you may want to distract them from our conversation today, or hit the pause button and listen to this when they’re out of the room because this is kind of a delicate subject).
Love and LustTrace attributes the increase of Gen Z members joining the LGBTQ+ community with regard to a combination of factors; including the removal of God from daily life, the conflation of love with lust, and the misuse of freedom. Trace remarks that the LGBTQ+ community is not about love, but about sexual lust without moral restraint.
He also suggests that the acceptance and celebration of sexual perversion in society is leading to a rise in sexually transmitted diseases. Trace and Michelle both agree that we need to return to God’s definition of love and sex within the bounds of traditional marriage. They also discuss the dangers of other sexual behaviors including; narcissism, addiction, delusion, autism, and OCD.
Episode Highlights:* Why does the LGBTQ+ society seem to be increasing? * Can what we do in the privacy of our bedroom hurt others? * A good analogy on God’s plan for sex. * Do the members of Gen Z feel peer pressure to join the LGBTQ+ community?
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About Karen WhitingOur guest, Karen Whiting, is a mother of two daughters and three sons, and that includes rocket scientists. She’s a grandmother of 15 and her late husband served in the U.S. Coast Guard, so they raised their children from Hawaii to New York and Michigan to Florida. She is the author of 27 books, an International speaker, certified writing and marketing coach, and a former television co-host.
Gaining a Peaceful Heart within Your FamilyTrace, Michelle and Karen discuss the importance of peace within families and how to cultivate it. They share their thoughts on the current state of the American family where internal conflict and anxiety are prevalent due to the complexities of modern life. They suggest that genuine peace can only be achieved through faith in God. The conversation also touches on the role of parents in guiding their children through life’s struggles, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and allowing children to experience failure as a means of growth.
Karen shares her approach to fostering peace within her family through devotions, prayer and active listening. She gives great examples of how this approach helped her children have love and compassion for each other. She also discusses the negative impact of permissive parenting and the overuse of digital devices on children’s mental health.
At the end, Trace and Karen differentiate between peacekeeping and peacemaking and explain which they think is a long-term solution that sometimes requires conflict, and use the example of Jesus in the temple in Matthew 21:12-17.
Episode Highlights:* What is the polar opposite of peace? * Karen’s take on anxiety, and how to get your kids to get a long. * What is investigative listening? * How media or music can affect your child’s peace. * Do people seem to thrive on conflict?
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Transported to TreatmentToday we explore the process of what it looks like to transport a child to a treatment program. It takes building trust with the child. It comes with fear, and that’s where we must work with parents to alleviate the fear, give them as much information as we can so they can process what to do, how to do it, and how to move forward.
What is a SafePassageA parent’s decision to send their child to a residential program, or a wilderness program to seek treatment is one of the most difficult decisions they are faced with. How parents get their child to the physical location to get them help can be a challenge. Sometimes the child is not willing to go, or the parents can’t bare to “drop them off.” This is where a trusted transport company comes into play like SafePassage Global.
Holly Hunter is the founder of SafePassage Global, and a private investigator for more than 20 years. She holds certifications in crisis management intervention and has been a Christian life coach. Holly is also a first responder, and a certified mental health coach. In her spare time she enjoys writing, singing and taking pictures.
Episode Highlights:* What is SafePassage Global? * Is it safe to use a transport service to get my child into a program? * What percentage of kids are transported to a program by their parents? * When should a parent transport a child instead of taking them themselves? * What should a parent look for in a transport service?
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Exploring Residential CareThroughout the 18-year journey of parenting, conflicts between parents and children are inevitable. However, when these conflicts intensify during the teenage years, leading to constant battles, what steps should parents take? What happens when the strategies to control a rebellious teenager no longer work, putting the household and its members at risk? When all ideas seem exhausted in maintaining a safe and peaceful home, there are alternatives available, guided by professionals specializing in assisting families in such situations.
Discussing Residential Care with Holly HunterHolly Hunter has been transporting troubled teens to therapeutic schools and programs across the country through Safe Passage Global which she founded. Holly has been a private investigator for more than 20 years, holds certifications in crisis manager intervention, and has been a Christian life coach. Holly is a certified mental health coach, first responder, and much much more. Holly is good at what she does and cares deeply about people. When Holly has some downtime you can find her singing, taking photos, or writing books.
Episode Highlights:* Awareness about the existence of long-term treatment programs for parents. * The emotional struggles parents face when seeking external support. * Holly’s perspective on residential care and its significance. * Guidance on choosing residential care through specific language or phrases. * The importance of avoiding blame in such situations and focusing on solutions instead.
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Ask TraceEver wished for a chance to glean wisdom from an expert specializing in troubled teens? I ask your questions to Trace Embry, a leading authority in working with challenging teens. Periodically, we engage Trace Embry in discussing parenting difficulties, drawing from his vast experience as the Founder of Shepherd’s Hill Academy. This institution has successfully redirected numerous teens on a negative path towards a positive future. Trace’s expertise lies in understanding teenagers and facilitating their growth. Gain insights into handling issues like bullying, discernment, and more.
Discussing Parenting with Trace EmbryTrace Embry is the Founder of Shepherd’s Hill Academy a Christ-centered, outdoor-focused, year-long, therapeutic boarding academy for troubled youth. Trace and his wife Beth started Shepherd’s Hill Academy in 2001 to bring healing to hurting families. They came to Christ after becoming parents and learned a lot through that process as well as in their leadership roles at Shepherd’s Hill. Trace is also the author of “The Miracles of Shepherd’s Hill: An Extraordinary Odyssey of Divine Interventions” which accounts for the full journey of how Trace and Beth came to where they are now.
Episode Highlights:* What is the primary challenge faced by parents today? * Is a family akin to a democracy, or is it different? * Despite having certain advantages, why might a child remain unhappy? * What is our fundamental nature as individuals? * Why is it crucial for parents to encourage their children to undertake tasks they may not want to do?
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Christmas StressOur thoughts can easily lean more toward sentiments, traditions, or even festivities, but Christmas is definitely a time for emotions – often mixed emotions.
Discussing Emotional Stress during Christmas with Bob LepineBob Lepine is the long-time co-host of Family Life Today. You can also hear him on Truth For Life. Bob is a pastor, author, and serves various other ministries. Bob and his wife have five children, and ten grandchildren. Today we’re talking with him about his book, “The Four Emotions of Christmas.”
Episode Highlights:* Why is Christmas such an emotional time? For both Christians and non-Christians? * What are the “four” emotions of Christmas? * How can Christmastime be a good time to engage people in spiritual conversation? * Why studying our emotions around Christmas can help us examine what’s really going on in our souls. * Is there possibly a spiritual issue creating stress during the Christmas season?
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In His Image We learned from the creation story that God didn’t do anything random. Day One God created the light, Day Two was the sky, and so forth. Then we come to Day Six. After God created the animals He made humans. Here are the words from Genesis 1:27, “So God created mankind in […]
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Loving Our ChildrenFor most parents loving our kids is as natural as breathing. It’s hardwired into us. And though they would usually agree that we really do love them, our kids may not necessarily always agree that we always make them feel loved. At least not in a way that fosters security and emotional well-being. How can you foster that security and emotional well-being in your children? Dr. Gary Chapman is the 5 Love Languages guy and today we will be talking about his book “The 5 Love Languages of Children”.
Discussing Love with Dr. Gary ChapmanDr. Gary Chapman is best known for working to improve or heal our most important relationships. Since the success of his first book, Dr. Chapman has expanded the Love Language series to specifically reach out to teens, singles, men, children, and military families. Dr. Chapman is a pastor, marriage counselor, conference speaker, and author. His book “The Five Love Languages of Children” can be found here.
Episode Highlights:
- What are the 5 love languages?
- What is your primary love language?
- What is/are your child(ren)’s primary love language(s)?
- Do you know for certain that your children feel loved?
- What is the value of affirming effort?
- Do gifts always have to cost money?
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Father Figure Though you wouldn’t think anyone would have to make an argument for it, fathers are a big plus toward healthy emotional and spiritual development in their kids. While no family functions optimally without a father, fatherlessness still compromises 80% of American households in some areas of the country. Not surprisingly these are also […]
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Family Life A parent’s love for their children is immeasurable. For most of us, this love seems to be wired into us from the moment our first child is born. But is it possible that this unconditional love, despite good intentions, could be misdirected? Something that can block God’s design for a healthy family? Dennis […]
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Enough is Enough 2 Last week we heard from an expert in making the internet safe for your family. She said, “Let me just share the story of John Doe who was a convicted sex offender in a high-security prison. I talked to him for three hours. He would look for kids online that he […]
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Enough is Enough It is obvious that we are raising our kids in a nation that has veered from the Christian morals and moreens that helped make America a global superpower. Consequently, our children are now being abused as a logical outworking of this moral veering. So what is a wise and godly parent to […]
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Feelings Pt. 2 Last time on License to Parent we talked with John Rosemond about the mental health crisis and how it is affecting our teens. Mr. Rosemond said, “My contention is that it all goes back to the fact that we followed the herd in the early 1970s and we radically overhauled our parenting […]
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Feelings It used to be that when a parent needed advice for parenting they would go to a trusted and seasoned family member like a grandparent, an aunt, or an uncle – even if the child had behavioral problems. And if that didn’t help, then the parent usually went to their pastor or clergy. But […]
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Prodigal You may have read a myriad of books about raising Godly kids and you are truly following the principles, but one of your own kids walks away from God. You could be a Sunday school teacher who taught other parents how to bring up Godly kids and yet your child still leaves the fold. Or you are actually the author of a preeminent parenting book and still one of your kids abandons the Lord. As a parent, if you’ve been disillusioned by doing things right this program is for you.
Last time Kari Trent-Stageburg said, “Even though there was not a day that I didn’t hear or know that my parents were crazy about me, and that there was a God who was crazy about me - for me what it really was, was that God just felt incredibly abstract and I wasn’t able at the time to figure out the relationship piece. [It made me think] why would I follow this if it doesn’t actually impact my life?” Today we will continue our conversation. Discussing Endurance with Dr. John Trent & Kari Trent Stageberg Dr. John Trent is the Founder and President of the organization Strong Families. He is also the author of the book “The Blessing.” His daughter Kari Trent Stageberg works alongside her dad as CEO of Strong Families and together they help build stronger marriages, coach parents to be better parents, and move everyone toward a closer relationship with God.
Episode Highlights:
How long does Kari say that she lived in rebellion? What does John Trent say to parents of children who walked away from God 20+ years ago and show no signs of returning? Where did John go in the Bible to find encouragement while his daughter was walking away from God? What does Hebrews 13:5 say? What does Kari say we don't get to choose?
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Walk Away Let’s say that you have read the myriad of books that have been written about raising godly kids and you are truly following the principles in those books to a “t." Still one of your own kids walks away from God as a teenager. Maybe as a Sunday school teacher, you taught other parents how to bring up godly kids from what you have read in those same books, and yet your Bible Quiz winner has now become an angsty teen. What happens when you’re actually the author of one of those preeminent parenting books and still one of your kids abandons the Blessing that you thought would guarantee you and your family blessing in return? As a parent, if you’ve been disillusioned by doing things right then this program is for you. Discussing Parenting with Dr. John Trent & Kari Trent Stageberg Dr. John Trent is the Founder and President of the organization Strong Families. He is also the author of the book “The Blessing.” His daughter Kari Trent Stageberg works alongside her dad as CEO of Strong Families and together they help build stronger marriages, coach parents to be better parents, and move everyone toward a closer relationship with God.
Episode Highlights:
How do we reconcile what the Bible says about training up a child when we do it and it doesn’t seem to work? What was the idea behind the book “The Blessing?" Where does the Blessing come from? The Blessing is not a-what? What caused Kari to walk away from God and her family? What brought her back?
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Daily Hope No one would disagree that it is difficult to raise teenagers today. However, some would argue- when have parents not found the times unprecedented and the task of raising teenagers difficult? On the surface, this argument might sound plausible, but when we really peel back the onion to see all of the moving […]
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Digital Madness If you haven’t noticed we are living in a time where parents have to raise their kids in a society that itself has become mentally ill. If you have listened in before you may have wondered if we are just being extreme or if our culture really has descended into an emotional, psychological, […]
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Ask Trace It’s another installment of Ask Trace where I ask Trace questions that are on your hearts. Today’s topic is kind of sensitive. It is around the topic of LGBTQ youth. Over the last couple of weeks, I have had several conversations about pronouns and how to adjust your thinking around that. In some […]
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Moms Raising Men Family values today are being challenged and even marginalized. Traditional gender roles have also been challenged and even redefined. Our boys are receiving distorted information about what it means to be a man; while more single moms are raising sons without a good male role model to help live out what it […]
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Resilient Kids The American culture is full of adults who are ideologically divided, emotionally fragile, addicted, mentally ill, and devoid of God. Sadly many of these adults are also averse to logic, objective truth, common sense, and even science. As responsible parents, we need to foster resilience in our kids like never before. But how […]
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The BlessingWell, let me tell you about this gift.
It does cost a little. It has a little investment involved. But this gift is so much more valuable than the latest gadget that they probably want. It’s a gift that can improve their lives now and in the future. It’s unlike most gifts that you know of. This gift is The Blessing.
So exactly what is the blessing? You’ll find out today on License to Parent.
Discussing Blessing Your Children with John Trent John Trent is the founder and president of Strong Families and claims that he, in fact, has the best job in the world. He writes, speaks, and trains others to create cultures of blessing in their homes, workplaces, ministries, and around the world.
In fact, John’s written over 30 books. We’re going to talk with him today about his award-winning book called “The Blessing“.
Episode Highlights:* Does one’s childhood guarantee success or failure as an adult? * How do we bless our kids the most? * What is the greek word for forgiveness? How is it significant? * What is it like to experience the blessing? * What is the blessing?
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Healthy TeensIf you have ever thought that we now live in a time and place where it has never been harder to raise healthy teenagers, you’ll get no argument from most parents. However, could it be that today’s dystopian-like society might be making it impossible? Frequent listeners to License to Parent know the answer. There is a possibility of raising healthy teenagers. Teaching you how to equip your child to navigate the pitfalls and dangers of teen life in a world gone mad is our work.
Discussing Health with Tom KerstingTom Kersting is a nationally renowned licensed psychotherapist, family counselor, author, and educator. He is a regular guest expert on many national television shows and talk shows. He also lectures throughout the country offering expert insight and advice for parents, children, and educators. Tom is the founder and owner of Valley Family Counseling LLC in Park Ridge, New Jersey. He and his wife have two teenage children. His latest book is “Raising Healthy Teenagers: Equipping Your Child to Navigate the Pitfalls and Dangers of Teen Life.”
Episode Highlights:
- What are the main issues facing teens today?
- What is mental freedom?
- What are our kids constantly distracted from?
- Why is practicing silent thought helpful?
- What are the outworkings of an anhedonic state?
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Words of LoveHow many of us have ever had a deep discussion with our kids about love? About what it is and what it is not? Love is a multifaceted term and the English language only has one word for it, but other languages, like Greek, have many. Greek’s uses of its other terms for love can be for describing a parent, or the love of a spouse. An entirely different word for love is used for the love of a friend. And still, another word for love transcends all the rest. It is the kind of sacrificial and unconditional love that springs from God Himself. It can be so easy for our kids to get a distorted idea about love when this term is applied to the myriad relationship scenarios that life brings our way. We need to ask ourselves what are the biblical perspectives on love?
Discussing Love with Shannon BreamShannon is an American journalist and attorney. She is the host of Fox News Sunday and the chief legal correspondent for Fox News Channel. Shannon is also the author of several best-selling books including, “The Love Stories of the Bible Speak.” Shannon is married to her husband Sheldon and they enjoy traveling, fly fishing, and college football.
Episode Highlights:
- According to Trace, when does genuine healing begin in the student of Shepherd’s Hill Academy?
- How are the love stories of the Bible relatable?
- Which characters is her book about?
- How is sex like fire?
- What is intimacy? What is it not?
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Hard QuestionsLast week we spoke with Dr. Don Williams about his book “The Young Christian’s Survival Guide.” In this podcast, he told us that his Grandfather was an illiterate country farmer from central Georgia and yet he had a tradition that marked Dr. Williams’ life forever. He required the youngest of his nine children (who was literate) to read the Bible aloud for him each evening when he came in from the fields. His commitment to scripture marked Dr. Don’s father and in turn, marked Dr. Don. He genuinely loved the Lord and God’s word, despite his flaws. He had a real foundation. And this foundation is where apologetics truly starts. A person’s apologetics can only begin to be effective when that person is living a life of sacrificial love for the Lord. This conversation continues in this week’s podcast.
Discussing Biblical Truth with Don WilliamsDr. Donald Williams is a professor emeritus of Toccoa Falls College in Toccoa Falls, Georgia. Dr. Williams calls himself a border dweller. He says he stays permanently camped out in the borders between theology, literature, serious scholarship, and pastoral ministry. So to speak, Narnia and The Middle Earth. Dr. Williams has authored 13 books including “The Young Christian’s Survival Guide: Common Questions Young Christians Are Asked about God, the Bible, and the Christian Faith Answered.” He is a pastor and church planter and has taken the gospel to places like Bulgaria, Uganda, India, and of course here in the United States.
Episode Highlights:
- What is the biggest contributor for why kids are walking away from the church?
- The problem wasn’t that they didn’t have answers it was what?
- What backs up Jesus’ supreme confidence?
- What is the purpose of answering a question with a question?
- Why are the Beatitudes so “dramatic?”
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Lasting ImpactIn our nation’s past most people would have found it safe to say that kids who were submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ were more likely to bring joy to themselves and to their families than the kids who chose to pursue the sinful pleasures of the world. Yet in today’s information age the truth of Scripture, and the virtues of faith, family, and common sense are often belied as too restrictive, oppressive, and even immoral. Many now consider the Bible to be an evil collection of dark fairy tales that speak of the evil deeds of an oppressive God- far too horrifying to be true. In this world parents and children need help to answer some of the toughest questions that pertain to the veracity of God and His Word.
Discussing God’s Veracity with Don WilliamsDr. Donald Williams is a professor emeritus of Toccoa Falls College in Toccoa Falls, Georgia. Dr. Williams calls himself a border dweller. He says he stays permanently camped out in the borders between theology, literature, serious scholarship, and pastoral ministry. So to speak, Narnia and The Middle Earth. Dr. Williams has authored 13 books including “The Young Christian’s Survival Guide: Common Questions Young Christians Are Asked about God, the Bible, and the Christian Faith Answered” He is a pastor and church planter and has taken the gospel to places like Bulgaria, Uganda, India, and of course here in the United States.
Episode Highlights:
- What issues does Dr. Williams’ book address?
- Who specifically can benefit from the book?
- If apologetics is the 2nd most important, what is the 1st?
- What does Dr. Williams say about his father’s attempts to raise him to love the Lord?
- What made the real difference in Dr. Williams’ walk with God?
- Apologetics is only effective when spoken by what kind of people?
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Empty NestingMany parents invest 18 years into the lives of their kids before sending them out into this great big world. Maybe that’s you right now and your child is leaving the nest and that is something you excitedly anticipate. Or maybe it is a time of apprehension and sorrow and possibly even dread. Either way, it is a time of significant change and there is a certain sense of loss that is part of this new equation. However, that sense of loss does not have to result in the loss of your joy.
Discussing the Empty Nest with Jim BurnsJim Burns is the president of the ministry Homeword where he writes and speaks on their core values. The core values are; strong marriages, confident parents, empowered kids, and healthy leaders. Jim and his wife live in southern California and they have three grown daughters. Jim and his wife are finding joy in the empty nest. Jim has authored multiple books, the latest of which is, “Finding Joy in the Empty Nest: Discover Purpose and Passion in the Next Phase of Life.”
Episode Highlights:
- What is the best way to prepare for your children to leave the nest?
- What advice does Jim give empty nesters?
- What does “reinventing yourself” look like for an empty nester?
- What are some suggestions Jim gives for filling your time?
- What things in your life will take intentionality?
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Ask TraceIf you could sit down and get some free advice from a 20+ year expert on troubled teens, what would you ask? Here I ask questions on behalf of you, our listening friends. Every once in a while we sit Treace Embry down and ask him questions about parenting difficult teens. As you know Trace is the founder and director of Shepherd’s Hill Academy. Shepherd’s Hill has turned around many young people that are heading in the wrong direction. Trace is skilled in working with teens and knowing what it takes to help your teen thrive. Find answers to questions about bullying, discernment, and more. Email asktrace@licensetoparent.org to ask your tough questions.
Discussing Parenting with Trace EmbryTrace Embry is the Founder and Executive Director of Shepherd’s Hill Academy a Christ-centered, outdoor-focused, year-long, therapeutic boarding academy for troubled youth. Trace and his wife Beth started Shepherd’s Hill Academy in 2001 to bring healing to hurting families. They came to Christ after becoming parents and learned a lot through that process as well as in their leadership roles at Shepherd’s Hill. Trace is also the author of “The Miracles of Shepherd’s Hill: An Extraordinary Odyssey of Divine Interventions” which accounts for the full journey of how Trace and Beth came to where they are now.
Episode Highlights:
- What is the #1 problem parents have today?
- A family is not a democracy. What is it?
- A child will be unhappy even though, what?
- We are fundamentally- what?
- Why is it important for parents to make their kids do things?
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Rebel ParentingThe cultural revolution in the 1960’s changed the face of America. Sex, drugs, and rock and roll led the way to much of what we still see today in rebellion and immorality. After all it’s the youth of that generation that are the grandmas and grandpas of today. Now many parents, the children of the rebel generation, are having to navigate this new cultural norm and they’re finding that Biblical parenting flies in the face of what they were taught and what much of the culture now believes. Do today’s Christian parents face a different kind of rebellion as they raise their kids? Perhaps a rebellion against the rebellion?
Discussing Parenting with Ryan DobsonRyan Dobson is a dad of two and he’s the son of parenting expert Dr. James Dobson. Ryan has written six books. He speaks most weekends to people wanting help with their families and he is host of the podcast Rebel Parenting.
Episode Highlights:* How do you win the spiritual war? * What does a “weirdo” look like? * Who can learn to live in grace? * What is your family’s common denominator? * How does Ryan posture himself to reach his daughter? * What is the greatest experience in life?
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God in TechJust before the advent of the smartphone, it was reported that former US Education Secretary Bill Bennet said, “America is rapidly becoming the kind of nation that civilized nations send missionaries to.” For those who heard Mr. Bennett’s comment, it would have been hard for them to believe the kind of changes that would occur in America over the next 15 years. Smartphones have become a cultural change agent and maybe have even broken down the American Dream and culture. Those change agents seem to have gotten the drop on those who would otherwise use the internet for good. As we head into Easter it’s a good time to ask the question, “does scripture have anything pertinent to say about the digital age and technology that we now have to navigate as parents?”
Discussing Tech with Chris KasparChris Kaspar is the founder of Techless an innovative tech start-up that created Wisephone– a pure and simple phone for intentional people. Chris is married to Ciera and is the fun dad of four beautiful daughters. Chris and Ciera have been foster parents for a handful of kids and they live for a deeper purpose.
Episode Highlights:
- How are the 7 deadly sins related to tech?
- What is the purpose of Techless?
- What is God’s purpose for technology?
- How does Chris define technology?
- What Biblical passages does Chris offer to parents?
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The BlessingIf I said that I knew what the perfect gift was that you could give your child for their next birthday you would want to know what it was, right? This gift does cost a little bit of money, and it has a little investment involved, but it is more valuable that the latest technology. The one that they probably want. This is a gift that can improve their lives now and in the future. It is unlike most gifts that you know. This gift is The Blessing.
Discussing Blessing with John TrentJohn Trent is the founder and director of Strong Families. He claims to have the best job in the world. He writes, speaks, and trains others how to create cultures of blessing in their homes, workplaces, ministries, and around the world. John has written over 30 books including his award-winning book “The Blessing”. He and his wife have two wonderful daughters.
Episode Highlights:
- How do we bless our kids most?
- Who is the only perfect parent?
- How many people does it take to make a difference in someone’s life?
- Where did John first see the blessing?
- What does “curse” mean in Hebrew?
- What does every kid deserve?
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Ask TraceIf you could sit down and get some free advice from a 20+ year expert on troubled teens, what would you ask him? Find answers to questions about bullying, discernment, and starving children- but not from hunger. Email asktrace@licensetoparent.org to ask your tough questions.
Discussing Parenting with Trace EmbryTrace Embry is the Founder and Executive Director of Shepherd’s Hill Academy a Christ-centered, outdoor-focused, year-long, therapeutic boarding academy for troubled youth. Trace and his wife Beth started Shepherd’s Hill Academy in 2001 to bring healing to hurting families. They came to Christ after becoming parents and learned a lot through that process as well as in their leadership roles at Shepherd’s Hill. Trace is also the author of “The Miracles of Shepherd’s Hill: An Extraordinary Odyssey of Divine Interventions” which accounts for the full journey of how Trace and Beth came to where they are now.
Episode Highlights:
- What are our children starving for?
- Science is the new- what?
- How do we start feeding our children what they need?
- Who else is training our children?
- How can a previously lax parent make changes?
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Battle PlanWe all know the story of the prodigal son. In fact, it seems we all know a family that actually has a prodigal child. This is true for the President of the United States down to the average American Smith or Jones family. As believers in God and his Word, we understand that there are spiritual forces battling among us vying for our loyalty. A spiritual battle is also going on for our children. What parents need is a battle plan. Warfare strategies to win back the prodigals.
Discussing Warfare with Laine CraftLaine Craft is a mom, wife, and partner with God. Laine wants to see the impossible things become possible. This is because she has walked through several impossible. She walked through a marriage that resurrected after 17 miserable years, God healing her daughter from life-threatening illnesses, and seeing her three prodigal children become free, whole, and healed from porn, drugs, alcohol, and depression. Laine is also the author of the book “The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal“. Laine wants to encourage parents that it is possible to win the war against the enemy.
Episode Highlights:
- Why does raising our children to love God invite spiritual attack?
- Who are the devil’s main targets?
- What is the prize for enduring this battleground?
- What do every mission and every war have?
- What does prodigal mean?
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WisephoneIt has been long overdue, but in recent years a handful of visionaries and a growing contingent of parents are beginning to wake up to a vital need that can effect positive change not just in families, but in our culture. If you have happened to lookover ways to restore righteousness, peace, and joy to your child-rearing experience in your home then stay tuned. Find out how your family can have a wiser, safer, and more “free” alternative to the dangers and corruptions that threaten your kids through smartphones.
Discussing Tech with Chris KasparChris Kaspar is a leader in the creation of healthy tech. He is a part of cleaning things up. He is the founder of Techless an innovative tech startup that created Wisephone, a pure and simple phone for intentional people. Before Techless Chris founded Dancing Fox Films a film production company and Espresso, an ad agency specializing in brand development. Chris is married to his wife Ciera and is a father to four beautiful daughters. Chris and Ciera have also been foster parents for a handful of kids. They both live for a deeper purpose.
Episode Highlights:
- How is cognitive dissonance a factor in the smartphone issue?
- The mind can always justify- what?
- What is mammon?
- Why did Chris found Techless and what is his vision for the wisephone?
- The goal of Techless is to “lead people to live fully with-” what?
- What are the Wisephones specs?
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Ask TraceParent’s in today’s culture are facing some really hard choices. Raising their kids in a way that honors God means that their kids probably won’t be allowed to do things and activities that their friends get to do. When I was young it meant that I didn’t get to go to a movie theater. That was tough and caused lots of arguments in our household. Navigating culture and parenting leads to some tough questions.
Discussing Parenting with Trace EmbryTrace Embry is the Founder and Executive Director of Shepherd’s Hill Academy a Christ-centered, outdoor-focused, year-long, therapeutic boarding academy for troubled youth. Trace and his wife Beth started Shepherd’s Hill Academy in 2001 to bring healing to hurting families. They came to Christ after becoming parents and learned a lot through that process as well as in their leadership roles at Shepherd’s Hill. Trace is also the author of “The Miracles of Shepherd’s Hill: An Extraordinary Odyssey of Divine Interventions” which accounts for the full journey of how Trace and Beth came to where they are now.
Episode Highlights:
- What does Trace say is the stupidest thing that any parent could possibly say?
- If you don’t train your children, who will?
- What does Trace call the “right ways” to raise children?
- Is God really the God of the homes in America?
- If you parent according to the culture what can you expect your children to reflect?
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FBI DadsToday’s American culture continues to marginalize the value of the nuclear family. This makes it easier for more and more fathers to abandon their God-given responsibility to help nurture their offspring. As a result, the issue of absentee fathers has become a maximum problem for a culture that has been minimizing their significance. How do we turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers?
Discussing Fatherhood with Ryan RoyRyan Roy is the leader of FBI Dads. FBI Dads stands for “fathers being involved.” Ryan is the author of “Be the Dad You Wish You Had.” His father abandoned him when he was just five years old. After many years of research and trial and error Ryan has uncovered the most effective tools and methods to teach any dad how to be the dad he wishes he had.
Episode Highlights:
- How are both men and women responsible for the creation of absentee fatherhood?
- According to Ryan why are dads not so involved anymore?
- In what way are women incentivized to have fatherless children?
- What is an advantage of having God in the picture for these difficult situations?
- What is the mission of FBI Dads?
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GamerIn 2021 Americans spent over 60 Billion dollars just to play video games. What that actually cost our nation in lost productivity and revenue is anyone’s guess. Anecdotal evidence gives rise to the notion that much of this could be used in the workforce to help balance out our economy, but instead, we have young adults in their parents’ basements watching porn and playing video games. How can you keep your family from becoming victims in a digital disaster?
Discussing Video Games with Adam BrookerAdam Brooker grew up in the Charlotte area. He graduated high school in 2010 and went to North Carolina State University for one year. He then dropped out to enlist in the Army and ended up leaving for basic training in 2012. Adam was part of the 82 Airborn Division and five years later he finished his undergrad in North Carolina. Now Adam is in his last semester at Campbell Law School in Raleigh North Carolina.
Episode Highlights:
- What is the difference between sustenance and substance?
- People can’t feel good about themselves when- what?
- How many hours a day did Adam game?
- What events caused Adam’s slight video game addiction to take a downturn?
- What used to be the goal of college and what do young people expect differently, now?
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Digital AddictionSmartphones have this pull on us- me, you, and everyone. They are designed that way! When was the last time you left your phone somewhere and didn’t panic? Your brain and mine have developed and matured in ways that your child’s brain has not. So why do you give your child a phone? It is understandable- they need it for football practice and other activities. They need to get ahold of you and vice versa! But, how do you talk through pulling back on the phone? Let’s discuss some practical steps.
Discussing Technology with Melanie HempeMelanie Hempe is the founder of Screen Strong and has been on our program before. One of her goals in Screen Strong is to help parents think through the double standards on phones and other devices when they’re talking with their children.
Episode Highlights:
- What have smartphones virtually brought into our homes?
- What two aspects does Trace tie to kids who become school shooters?
- How are hypocrisy and double standards different?
- What is the Gold Standard offered by Screen Strong?
- What two things did Melanie and her husband say “no” to in order to fix the digital issue in their home?
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The EndOur world has always dealt with political corruption and evil. Yet these days it seems that American parents are having to raise their kids in a culture where the breakdown of the very foundations and fundamental principles of reality have been challenged and sometimes redefined. This is a different kind of evil. A kind of evil that logically culminates into chaos which logically ends in conflict, destruction, and death. So the question becomes- may we be living in the last days?
Discussing End Times with Sam SorboSam Sorbo studied biomedicine at Duke University but went on to be a model traveling the world and becoming fluent in five different languages. Modeling then took her to Hollywood for acting. Acting in LA is where she met her husband Kevin Sorbo. Today Sam hosts the nationally syndicated Sam Sorbo Show and speaks publicly around the nation. Find out more about Sam, her passions, and her family at her website.
Episode Highlights:
- What is the name of this most recent Left Behind movie?
- What current events are tied into the movie?
- What is the hope of the movie?
- What three things make people look clueless (even though they are not?)
- What is our job as believers?
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Wrecking BallDuring the course of almost every mom and dad’s 18-year parenting journey, you will encounter conflict with your children. Guaranteed. But what happens when the conflicts become routine and magnify into combat in the teen years? How should parents proceed when you can no longer restrain your teenage wrecking ball from wrecking your home and the loved ones inside it? There are options if you run out of ideas for keeping your home a sanctuary of sanity and safety. These options are provided by a professional who helps families for a living.
Discussing Recovery with Holly HunterHolly Hunter has been transporting troubled teens to therapeutic schools and programs across the country through Safe Passage Global which she founded. Holly has been a private investigator for more than 20 years, holds certifications in crisis manager intervention, and has been a Christian life coach. Holly is a certified mental health coach, first responder, and much much more. Holly is good at what she does and cares deeply about people. When Holly has some downtime you can find her singing, taking photos, or writing books.
Episode Highlights:
- How many parents are aware that long-term treatment programs actually exist?
- What feelings do parents struggle with when seeking outside help?
- According to Holly what is residential care?
- What words may help a parent choose residential care?
- What is the importance of not pointing fingers?
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Defending FaithIn our previous episode, our guest Alex McFarland helped parents understand what they need to do to help start changing our culture for the good. The early church prevailed because the gospel is true and because they were willing to die for their faith. What happened was that Christians built great families, Christians gave an honest days work, and men married women and had children and adopted children. Christianity turned the world upside down on the strength of family, morals, and personal excellence. We can do this again. Learn how to defend your faith.
Discussing Truth with Alex McFarlandAlex McFarland speaks worldwide and is known as a Christian Apologist, author, evangelist, religion and culture analyst, and defender of truth. Alex has written 18 books on apologetics and the Christian faith, one of which is “100 Bible Questions and Answers.” He is the host of the Alex McFarland Show which can be heard on American Family Radio and other outlets. He and his wife live in North Carolina.
Episode Highlights:
- What are two common questions kids today ask about religion?
- How can we know that the Bible is what it claims to be?
- What is Bible inerrancy?
- What is the Chicago Council on Biblical Inerrancy?
- What are the autographa and how do they relate to inerrancy?
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ApologeticsTake a moment and stop to think. How many of our child-rearing woes might actually stem from the fact that our kids don’t truly know God and His word? Or maybe they have lost faith in what they once claimed to believe. Many Christian families are losing their kids to the secular way of doing life. We hope to bring clarity to some of the most common sticking points that today’s kids are struggling with from Scripture and world events. Learn how to defend your faith.
Discussing Truth with Alex McFarlandAlex McFarland speaks worldwide and is known as a Christian Apologist, author, evangelist, religion and culture analyst, and defender of truth. Alex has written 18 books on apologetics and the Christian faith, one of which is “100 Bible Questions and Answers.” He is the host of the Alex McFarland Show which can be heard on American Family Radio and other outlets. He and his wife live in North Carolina.
Episode Highlights:
- What two main points are being taught to help parents argue concerning their faith?
- How does trusting God help children trust their parents?
- What does Trace mean by “honoring the fifth?”
- What makes Alex’s book “100 Biblical Questions and Answers” a book which should be in all homes?
- How have the biblical questions people ask shifted over the last 20 years?
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Shepherds HillIf you are a regular listener you know that our goal is to equip parents with the knowledge and authority to be the parent God has ordained for all families. We are here to both challenge and embolden you. In a sense, we want to re-issue you a license to parent your own children as you deem best. However, as faithful listeners, you also know that our perspectives and insights here at License to Parent come straight from the word of God and the proving ground here at Shepherds Hill Academy.
Discussing Miracles with Allison WallaceFor the last 17 years, Allison has been serving families and adolescence in crisis. Allison is a main part of what happens at Shepherds Hill. She is the Director of Program Development and has been a part of residential care since 2006. Allison studied counseling and psychology and developmental psychology at Toccoa Falls College. Allison works along with her husband Joshua who is the Chief Operations Officer. Together they have a beautiful little girl, Lilliana.
Episode Highlights:
- What kept Allison at Shepherds Hill?
- How does Trace speak about his daughter?
- What was Allison’s experience of the miracles that grew Shepherds Hill?
- What did Allison see God do in 2022 at Shepherds Hill?
- What has amazed Trace in 2022?
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Real MiraclesHave you ever stepped out in faith? Feeling led to do what some would consider impossible, but believing that God was directing you and knowing that he would do just that? Trace and Beth Embry saw a need in our world and they knew God was calling them to be the answer and to bring healing. Step by step, brick by brick, child by child, and through God they are breathing life into our next generation. They are watching God build something incredible. The Miracles of Shepherds Hill.
Discussing Beginnings with Trace EmbryTrace is the founder and executive director of Shepherds Hill. Trace and his wife Beth have a heart and passion for the parents and youth of today’s culture. Trace was a former business owner and police officer in the Chicago area, but God lead them on a journey. The Embrys gave up almost everything to move to Georgia and begin Shepherd’s Hill Academy. Trace is the author of the book “The Miracles of Shepherds Hill: An Extraordinary Odessey of Divine Interventions” Trace and Beth have five kids and six grandchildren.
Episode Highlights:
- How does Trace define miracles?
- What is the purpose of the book?
- Where did Shepherd’s Hill start?
- How long did Trace and his wife wrestle with the calling on their life?
- What examples of miracles does Trace give?
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Bible ParentingWhat happens when all of the things we have been taught about parenting turn out to be wrong? When our children are disrespectful, lazy, or even making dangerous choices? Reevaluating your parenting method is difficult and can be scary, so how do you get back to God’s parenting ecosystem? The first step- dig into the Bible.
Discussing Parenting with John RosemondJohn Rosemond has worked with families, children, and parents since 1971 in the field of psychology. John is a writer and speaker and his work is syndicated in a couple of hundred newspapers nationwide. He has written over 20 best-selling parenting books and he is also one of America’s most popular speakers in the field of parenting. John’s website is www.rosemond.com where his book “The Bible Parenting Code: Revealing God’s Perfect Parenting Plan” can be found. John and his wife live in North Carolina.
Episode Highlights:
- What is the proof of psychology being a lie?
- The raising of a child is fundamentally what?
- Why are parents not on the same page?
- What is the motto of co-dependency?
- What does psychology say good parenting is about? How is this wrong?
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Parenting CodeWe can never love our kids too much when we love them in the right way. The right way is when we love them congruent to God’s ecosystem. However, God’s ecosystem seems to have gotten distorted in recent decades. This is why it is important to discuss some of the fundamentals of God’s parenting ecosystem by diving into his parenting playbook; the Bible.
Discussing Parenting with John RosemondJohn Rosemond has worked with families, children, and parents since 1971 in the field of psychology. John is a writer and speaker and his work is scyndicated on a couple hundred newspapers nation wide. He has written over 20 best selling parenting books and he is also one of Americas most popular speakers in the field of parenting. John’s website is www.rosemond.com where his book “The Bible Parenting Code: Revealing God’s Perfect Parenting Plan” can be found. John and his wife live in North Carolina and his favorite grocery store is Trader Joe’s!
Episode Highlights:
- What happens when you buy into a false premise?
- What has the field of psychology done to the raising of children?
- What does the new psychological paradigm emphasize?
- What happened to John’s family when he followed new parenting guidelines?
- What was the first step to correct their parenting?
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LockdownAs parents have we been teaching our kids about the merits of hard work and the American free market? If so, how do we explain to them why our government appears to be fundamentally straying from the principles that once made our nation the envy of the world? A system that has always rewarded hard work and hailed a free market. Many experts believe that today’s kids will never acquire the economic status their parents enjoyed because too many are taught to believe socialism and free things from cradle to grave is the way to the new American dream. Or the Great Reset.
Discussing Socialism with Cheryl ChumleyCheryl is the online opinion editor and host of “Bold and Blunt” the podcast for the Washington Times. She is an in-demand public speaker and media guest who is passionate about topics related to Christianity and the country’s Judeo-Christian roots. She is also passionate about the Constitution, politics and policy, the United Nations and sovereignty issues, Congress and Capital Hill, and pretty much anything that lends itself to exposing matters that run counter to freedom, biblical principles, and the preservation of America as the greatest country the world has ever seen. Cheryl is also the author of “Lockdown: The Socialist Plan to Take Away Your Freedom.”
Episode Highlights:
- What tactic did the American government use during the Pandemic?
- What are the likely next steps the American government will take?
- What is the saying Trace references about training?
- What are school children being brainwashed to believe?
- What is our moral obligation?
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Stump Living There are scripture verses that speak about the sins of the fathers and many would agree that these verses also apply to the sins of the mothers. Whether you are a mom or a dad, even Godly parents are not immune from the shame, grief, and guilt, that can often accompany the secret […]
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Assassination Generation It’s been said that practice makes perfect. This is true in sports, music, and in all entertainment arts. Video gaming is no exception either- including violent games. With that said have you ever thought about what might be getting perfected in your children with respect to the video games that they regularly play? […]
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Screen Strong When we think of addiction or any activity that can damage human emotions, bodies, and brain matter we often think only in terms of drug addiction. But what if our kids are regularly engaging in other things? Things that bring about the same kind of damage? Do you realize that our children’s screen […]
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Media Access Our kids are being raised in a media-saturated world where their media choices have become virtually endless. Some of this is good, but when does it turn into too much of a good thing and become bad? Can too many media choices dilute what good and bad choices look like? With respect to […]
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Counter Cultural Kids For over 2,000 years Christian parents around the world have trained their kids to live counterculturally. This simply means they are different from the norms of their native land. For the most part in America, Christian parents have raised their kids to fit into America’s culture. From the beginning, Americans had largely […]
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Loving Children Well For most parents loving our kids is as natural as breathing. It’s just wired into us. Although they usually would agree that we really do love them, our kids may not necessarily agree that we always make them feel loved. At least not in a way that fosters security and emotional well-being. […]
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Healing Humanity American parents are realizing that there is something amiss in our culture and that it is radically affecting their children. Kids today seem to have gained much more influence and authority in their homes than those of previous generations. It looks like progress to some, but to others, it is considered child abuse. […]
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Man and Woman We learn from the creation story that God didn’t do anything randomly. Day one, God created the light. Day two, was the sky and so on. And then we come to day six. After God created the animals he created humans. Here are the words from Genesis 1:27, “So God created mankind […]
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Empty Nest Several months ago I watched a mother Robin build a nest outside my window. First, there was a nest, and then came the blue eggs. Then the blue eggs hatched and we had baby birds and then those baby birds flew away and all that was left was an empty nest. Jim Burns […]
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Understanding Genesis As Christian parents, when we raise our kids to believe that the Bible should be the final authority of moral truth we need to know how to interpret scriptures for ourselves. This starts with the book of Genesis. What we understand about Genesis will help us better determine what the rest of Scripture […]
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Religious Liberties It seems that people in our government are exercising or rather imposing their power and authority on parents. It may feel to you that our government is now the final authority to determine what is best for our children. While we the people have given the government certain liberties to intervene when blatant […]
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A Good America Today’s news is filled with any number of hot-button issues; racism, abortion, white privilege, gun control, climate change, LGBTQ+ issues, and more. These are just a few hot-button issues. Our kids are being influenced by the people that they trust to form value judgments that can often contradict much of what you […]
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Digital Diet Raising emotionally, socially, physically, and spiritually healthy kids is exhausting. It requires healthy relationships. A generation ago, routine parent-to-child face-to-face interaction was just part of raising children, but now excessive screen time really helps diminish this essential face-to-face interaction. It is more important than ever for parents to be intentional in making this […]
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Taking Back Joy Raising kids has always been a challenge and a joy, but today the challenges in raising kids seem to overwhelm the best of parents and the joy can feel gone. Parents seem to have lost their voice in the home and in our culture. We are seeing many couples opting out of […]
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Facing Struggles When you talk with anyone raising kids today you’ll see that difficulties abound in one form or another. Then the child enters their teens and these difficulties seem to intensify. In the 16th chapter of the Gospel of John verse 33, Jesus told his disciples that “in this life, you will have tribulation, […]
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Bully Proof Nobody likes a bully and nobody wants to be bullied, but now the tough question: have you ever considered that your child could be the bully? Have you thought of a plan of action if you discover your child is a bully? Or what is your strategy if your child is being bullied? […]
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Navigating Culture If you are over 50 you have lived through some drastic changes, or rather deviations, in our culture. Even some of our kids have lived through these changes and our cultural attitudes and behaviors toward things that used to be considered abnormal. Less than 10 years ago, only a few people identified as […]
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Women of the Bible When you think of the Bible do terms like love, righteousness, redemption, and holiness come to mind? Perhaps you think of the flip side terms like hate, vengeance, adultery, or lust. All of these topics and many more are found in the Bible. God’s word does not discriminate when reporting the […]
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The Power of Music Pt. 3 Since the beginning of time philosophers, spiritual leaders, and even musicians themselves have all shared their convictions about the power of music and its ability to influence attitudes and behaviors for good or for ill. Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are just a few who affirm these observations. In modern […]
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The Power of Music Pt. 2 Since the beginning of time philosophers, spiritual leaders, and even musicians themselves have all shared their convictions about the power of music and its ability to influence attitudes and behaviors for good or for ill. Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are just a few who affirm these observations. In modern […]
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The Power of Music Since the beginning of time philosophers, spiritual leaders, and even musicians themselves have all shared their convictions about the power of music and its ability to influence attitudes and behaviors for good or for ill. Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are just a few who affirm these observations. In modern times scientists […]
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Joy and an Empty Nest Many parents invest 18 years into their kids’ lives before sending them out into this great big world. Well, maybe that’s you right now and your child is leaving the nest and that is something you anticipate. Or maybe it’s a time of apprehension, sorrow, and maybe even dread. Either […]
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The Perfect Parent As a parent, you are thrown a lot of scenarios and there is no way to prepare for every single one of them. You may know deep down that you’re not the perfect parent. As much as you’d like to be and as much as you try. Your children’s friends’ parents seem […]
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iSlavery with Nate Randle Would you believe that virtually every other student in your child’s school has hard-core pornography wired directly into their bedrooms and that it is actually approved of and paid for by their parents? Would you ever consider paying to have pornography wired into your child’s bedroom? Does that same hard-core pornography […]
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Sexual Education with Jeff Johnston We’re raising our kids in a post-Christian nation, so we can’t assume that our government, nor its agencies, are in agreement with God-fearing moral values that built and sustained what many would call American exceptionalism. For a while, foreign and domestic enemies have been chipping away at America’s God-fearing heritage […]
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Face to Face I have a question for you. Have we become a society that likes to hide? Because since the lockdowns it seems that some are okay with staying inside their four walls. But while we hide inside we also have more courage with our words on social media. You know these little devices, […]
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Rebel Parenting The cultural revolution in the 1960’s changed the face of America. Sex, drugs, and rock and roll led the way to much of what we still see today in rebellion and immorality. After all it’s the youth of that generation that are the grandmas and grandpas of today. Now many parents, the children […]
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Biblical Worldview For most of our nation’s history America has been known as having a Christian culture. We’ve been a redemptive nation upholding moral standards. Standards that have mostly aligned with a Biblical worldview. We knew that ultimately moral right and wrong was for God to determine; the God we see in the Bible. Today, […]
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Time and Intentionality Proverbs, Chapter 22 says: “train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Parents know that you only have 18 years to guide and train your child in the way he should go. Those 18 years set him on a […]
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The Gift of a Lifetime Well, let me tell you about this gift. It does cost a little. It has a little investment involved. But this gift is so much more valuable than the latest gadget that they probably want. It’s a gift that can improve their lives now and in the future. It’s unlike […]
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Directing Our Steps Have you ever taken a step of faith believing that God was directing you and knowing that He would do just that? Trace and Beth Embry saw a need in our world and knew God was calling them to be the answer and to bring healing. So step by step, brick by […]
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Same & Equal Is this popular phrase true? It certainly is typical for individuals living within the same society or culture to have their own set of cultural norms, beliefs, morals, and ideas about what is normal. But what about when you cross over cultural lines? What happens when you move into or even visit […]
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Living in the Blitz Last time on License to Parent: “It was the worst blitz ever, and yet they proved victory over sin and over death. And that blitz that Christ faced is the paradigm for how we are to live.” That’s Jeff Kemp, former NFL quarterback, now coach to the family. He’s going to […]
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How to Stand Quarterbacks have to be intentional in building healthy relationships, leading, and planning success. Being flexible and strong in leadership is key. Sometimes the quarterback must call an audible or a “verbal change of plans.” Sometimes he’s calling an audible because he’s sensing a blitz coming his way. A blitz is an overwhelming […]
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Help for Parents of Prodigals At the end of the day, a choice is made. Unfortunately, it’s not the parent’s choice. It’s the child’s decision. It’s the choices that they made that got them into the situation they are in. As parents, we can love our kids, pray for them, encourage them, and guide them. […]
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The Wayward Child The story of the wayward child is no stranger to virtually every parent today. Just about everyone you talk to either knows or has a son or daughter who has struggled with something. That could be behavior, attitude, or a combination of both. Addiction, self-harm, and even suicide are all incidents that […]
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Finding a Healthy Balance But I’m thinking that with connection to each other there needs to be some balance. So I want to ask you this: “Is it possible to have too much of a good thing?” Let’s take food for instance. Is it possible to eat too much? Too much chocolate cake may just […]
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Something Old When facing change and becoming something new it’s important to remember why God made us new in the first place. Why are we here? What’s our purpose? What did and is God calling us to do? Today we’ll introduce something new, or in this case someone new, and we’ll remember something old: what […]
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The Bible Parenting Code Last time on License to Parent: “Our first obligation in the raising of a child is not to the child. Our first obligation is to God the father. Your second obligation is to your neighbor. Your third obligation is to your child.” That’s John Rosemond, author of The Bible Parenting Code: Revealing […]
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Parenting as Coaching One familiar and consistent premise among coaches is the emphasis on fundamentals. Wooden took these principles to the next level. His team members could expect an entire lesson at the beginning of each season on how to put on socks. But why focus on socks? “Because in order to play the game, […]
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Representation For All The United States of America has an Emancipation Proclamation. Did you know that we are the only nation that has one? Not only that, the USA is the only nation that fought a war to end the practice of slavery. You may not be familiar with these facts, because they are often […]
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Racism in America There are seemingly simple questions reeling through our teen’s minds. These questions should be obvious and fundamental. Things like “am I a boy?” “am I a girl?” “Does my skin make me inferior?” “Am I a racist and I don’t even realize it?” “Is my country racist?” This is a confusing time […]
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Empowering Parents If you missed Part I of our two-part series with Kimball Lewis, go back now and listen in. As a parent today, do you feel stuck? Do you feel that your teen is continually rebelling against you and your spouse? Have you reached your wits end? If you just aren’t sure what to […]
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The Nature of Children Rebellion is just part of our child’s nature, right? No! If your child is rebellious, sneaky, argumentative, or seems to be lying about just about everything, then this episode of License to Parent is for you. Wouldn’t it be such a relief to see a total transformation in your child? Image […]
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Living Out the Faith Last time on License to Parent we heard from Dave Glander. Dave talked about how people oftentimes confuse condoning and validating with loving someone as Christ. Just because we choose to walk with someone doesn’t mean we are accepting their decisions. “I can love anyone through any circumstance, but that doesn’t […]
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Truth is on Your Side Unfortunately, many churches today are struggling to instill biblical values into our kids. Some may argue that this is the reason that the church is so openly attacked and discriminated against. But what if we were actually describing the marginalization of churchgoers adhering to a biblical worldview? As parents, it […]
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Will They Stand? Without question, as a parent, you would do everything in your power to stop the abuse and prevent any further harm. You would teach your kids warning signs, how to fight back, and how to get as far away from the evils as possible. When we think of abuse we often think […]
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Wrapping Up 2021 As followers of Christ, we do trust in something. We trust in the eternal God who created all things, including us, and has our best interests at heart even more than we do. In addition to connecting the dots, looking back also reminds us of the many things we have to be […]
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A Look Back on the Blessings This is actually part of a whole series of miracles that included prophecies, a virgin birth, angelic warnings, protection from a wicked ruler set out to kill the newborn king, and so much more. We celebrate this series of miracles each Christmas as we proclaim the birth of Jesus Christ.
Today on License to Parent we want to tell you about some more miracles. In fact, these are miracles that have happened during the past year! The Miracles of Shepherd’s Hill.
We hope that by sharing these stories you may be blessed and may also gain a better understanding of what we do here and why we do what we do on License to Parent. You’ll also get a glimpse into what God is doing day in and day out at our year-long residential therapeutic program for teens in crisis; Shepherd’s Hill Academy.
Discussing the Many Blessings Miracles with Trace Embry Trace Embry is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Shepherd’s Hill Academy in Martin, GA. Trace, along with his wife Beth (co-founder) has a heart and a passion for helping hurting teens and their families.
Shepherd’s Hill Academy was founded in 1994 in Martin, GA, where it has grown to serve families from virtually every state and across the world.
Along with being an entrepreneur and prominent business owner, Trace served as a Police Officer in their hometown after graduating from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1978. Trace and Beth felt the Lord’s prompting to full-time ministry and attended college at Toccoa Falls College, in Toccoa Falls, GA, and pursued other extensive training to prepare them for working with troubled teens. Trace is also the Host of the License to Parent radio program.
Inside the Gates of Shepherds Hill Academy Episode Highlights: * Listen in the real-life examples of a miracle student whose life was transformed at Shepherd’s Hill Academy * How has the future been shaped and lives transformed by a small program in Martin, GA? * What are the prayers of Shepherd’s Hill? * What is the goal of License to Parent? * How does the work of SHA impact the entire family? * How can I get a copy of The Miracles of Shepherd’s Hill?
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Entertainment in Today’s Culture First, we were able to teach our kids how to assimilate into the culture. This was due to the cultural norms of the day. These norms tended to line up with a biblical worldview, for the most part, and even unbelievers accepted them.
Those who strayed from the norms still knew the difference between right and wrong. They simply chose to do wrong. Even hardened criminals of the day viewed people of faith as those to be respected and even emulated.
Today, we’ve lost our common understanding of right and wrong. That means that as Christian parents, our culture no longer backs us up. God is now frowned upon, openly mocked, and depending on how you live out your faith can even get you arrested.
Today on License to Parent we look deeper into the entertainment side of our culture. How much has this shift had to do with the entertainment we have today? Could changing our entertainment habits at home allow us to better raise kids who are empowered to influence culture?
Discussing Entertainment in Culture with Adam Holz Adam Holz oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In reviews as the website director. His official title at Plugged In is the Director of Media at Focus on the Family. Adam and his wife Jennifer have three children of their own, all in their teen years. In their free time, Adam and his family choose entertainment options of playing games, playing musical instruments, swimming, and watching movies.
Entertainment Tips for Christian Families Episode Highlights: * What is Plugged In? How is it beneficial to families? * How does Plugged In review & offer insight to parents? * How do we know what to embrace in our culture? * Is it ok to have cable/dish/streaming services as a Christian family? * How has entertainment changed over the years? How has streaming impacted this? * How does entertainment take creative liberties to continue to push the envelope?
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Making a Change Today we engage in Part II of that conversation. If you missed Part I with Eric, you can listen to it online.
Discussing a Changing America with Eric Holmberg Eric Holmberg is the Founder and President of Reel to Real Ministries. He’s also with the Apologetics Group, an ordained minister, an author, speaker, and video documentarian.
The American Way & Our Role as Parents Episode Highlights: * How can we impact change in our own communities? * Does relocation impact American thought? * What does creation tell us about our culture? * What does it mean to be woke? * How do hierarchies impact our lives? Our culture? * How can we prepare our kids to live and find love today?
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The Divine Reset As children and teens, the world we experienced back then seemed to be much more straightforward. For the most part, our culture tended to agree on what was right and what was wrong; even if some chose not to follow the rules.
Enter the worldwide web. Screens and keyboards have become a new alter of worship as our kids are learning and discovering the ways of thinking of the masses without a moral lens or perspective.
We find that culture today goes against many of the principles of scripture, science, logic, and what we would consider to be common sense. Unfortunately, if you are waiting for a figurehead to take over and lead us back into morality, you may be in for a long wait.
Discussing a Different Approach with Eric Holmberg Eric Holmberg is the founder and director of Reel to Real Ministries and the Apologetics group. He’s not only an ordained minister, but he is also an author, speaker, and video documentarian.
His work has been featured on a number of broadcasts and web media platforms. His writing has been featured in publications such as Focus on the Family Magazine, Time Magazine, and the American Family Association Journal.
Eric’s work covers everything from revival to rap music and from science to sex; helping to bring a biblical worldview to the conversation and ultimately transform lives.
He is working on a new project called “The Divine Reset: America 2.0.”
Woke or Awakened Episode Highlights: * What is meant by a divine reset? * Is there a culture war? Are we winning or losing? * How is culture impacting and influencing our children? * What is courage and what role does it play today? * How can parents practice and exhibit courage? * What happens when we live differently?
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Never Knowing a Time Without Tech A generation ago, raising children was a totally different ballgame! Sure, technology has made our lives (and our parenting journeys) much easier in a lot of ways. But in other ways, technology has made our lives a whole lot more complicated.
Some may argue that technology today is hindering parents and their ability to impart, maintain and preserve moral standards, wisdom, and spiritual maturity. We also see that technology has played a role in the decision of young people to leave the church that they once called home.
How can we help to guide our children and help them establish a solid biblical worldview? Can we remain relevant in our society today? Is it possible that tech could actually be a part of the solution?
Discussing a Life with Tech with John Fuller John Fuller has worked with Focus on the Family for the last three decades. Since 2001 he has been in the co-host seat of the Daily Broadcast with Focus President Jim Daily. That program reaches over 6 million listeners each week. He also hosts Focus on The Family Minute and the podcasts Focus on Marriage and Focus on Parenting. Most Focus programs are available online on Focus Radio.
He has written dozens of magazine articles and has also written a book called First Time Dad: The Stuff You Really Need to Know. John and his wife have six children of their own.
Offering a Solution Episode Highlights: * Why is it so important for parents to first model healthy technology use? * How do we equip our kids? How is this different than protecting them? * Can technology be used in a positive way to help our kids grow closer to Christ? * Are there any resources available to parents that offer guidance on this subject? * What role does our lifestyle play in our child’s faith? * What is the impact of showing up for our kids?
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Leading the Christian Life Well, the Bible is clear that the Christian life will involve warfare. Metaphorically speaking, it refers to putting on the full armor of God. It also uses many other analogies of war that describe our role in advancing God’s kingdom.
In fact, Jesus himself describes his kingdom as something to be entered rather forcefully. Some English translations even use the word “violently”.
Furthermore, Jesus said that he came not to bring peace, but a sword, and yet Scripture calls him the “Prince of Peace.”
Unfortunately these days many people confuse peacemaking with peacekeeping.
Discussing Fighting Back with Sam Sorbo Sam Sorbo is a model, actress, homeschool activist, media host, and linguist. She speaks five different languages. She’s a parent and educator who also has a background in biomedical engineering from Duke University.
She’s also an author and film producer. She’s the host of the nationally syndicated “The Sam Sorbo Show” and speaks publicly around the country. She has also worked with her husband, Kevin Sorbo, on recent films, Let There Be Light and Miracle in East Texas. Today, Sam discusses her brand new book, “Words for Warriors.”
Words for Warriors Episode Highlights: * How are words changing and adapting in today’s culture? * What is systemic racism and critical race theory? * What is an NPC? Why is this important? * How can we fight to get our language back? * How do we impact our school systems and school board? * How are thoughts & ideas created? What is the idea exchange?
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Suicidal Ideations in Teens Mental illness, addictions of all kinds, self-harm, and suicide are among the most prevalent. Sadly, suicide is now the second leading cause of death today among American teenagers. That is only surpassed by motor vehicle accidents. This is absolutely tragic.
Today we speak with one of our friends at Focus on the Family about the topic of suicide and how to keep this epidemic from invading your home.
Discussing the Teen Suicide Epidemic with Joannie Debrito Joannie Debrito is part of the counseling team at Focus on the Family and draws from over 30 years of diverse experience as a parent educator, family life educator, school social worker, administrator, and licensed mental health professional. She speaks concerning how we can take an active role in suicide prevention.
Her expertise and personal experience, including counseling students and families after the Columbine tragedy, is something we hope will be an encouragement to you. We invite you to not only learn about this but to also take part in the solution.
Helping Teens Discover Hope Episode Highlights: * What are suicidal ideations? How does this differ from a fleeting thought about suicide? * How do suicidal thoughts manifest? What do suicidal teens think about? * Do most people consider suicide at some point in their lives? * Are suicidal ideations contagious? * How can a parent recognize suicidal ideation? * What can parents do to help their teen who is exhibiting suicidal tendencies? * What resources are available for those struggling with suicidal ideations?
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God’s Perfect Parenting Plan Last time on License to Parent:
“Our first obligation in the raising of a child is not to the child. Our first obligation is to God the father. Your second obligation is to your neighbor. Your third obligation is to your child.”
That’s John Rosemond, author of The Bible Parenting Code: Revealing God’s Perfect Parenting Plan.
You see, parenting is about more than just the kids. It’s about serving God and others through your parenting. We’ll talk more about that today on License to Parent.
If you missed our first conversation with Dr. John Rosemond, be sure to listen to our last episode, From Child Rearing to Mental Health with Dr. John Rosemond.
Raising a Child in the Way They Should Go Episode Highlights: * Do we ever have to train a child to do wrong? * What is the first lie a child tells? * Should we be concerned about the parenting trends of today? * Do we need to always answer the “why” questions? * When should children obey their parents? * The most obedient children are the happiest
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Coaching the Fundamentals Now many coaches through the years have used a framework for success that includes focusing on the fundamentals. But Wooden takes that to the extreme. At the start of each season when he would meet with the new team, he would spend about half an hour giving step-by-step instructions on the correct way to put on your socks. “Because in order to play the game, you have to start with a good foundation. Putting on your socks correctly is critical. Because if you don’t, you get blisters. And if you get blisters it impacts everything else you do as a player. Ultimately, that impacts the whole team.
As Christian parents, have we gotten so wrapped up in the game of life that we’ve neglected or forgotten the basics? Today we’ll be talking with two men who likely agree that we have; Trace Embry (our host) and Dr. John Rosemond on today’s License to Parent.
Discussing parenting today with Dr. John Rosemond John Rosemond has worked with families, children, and parents since 1971 in the field of Family Psychology. Presently, his time is devoted to speaking and writing. John’s work is syndicated in several hundred newspapers nationwide. He’s written about 20 best-selling parenting books. He’s also one of America’s most popular speakers in the field of parenting.
The Role of Childrearing Episode Highlights: * Psalm 11:3 – What does this verse say and why is it so important for Christian parents today? * How has mental health changed the parenting landscape? * Who do I to when I need parenting advice? * How have parenting principles shifted away from God’s principles? * How did we transition to post-modern and progressive?
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The Devil’s in the Details It’s really no different with our kids. Who they are, how they act, and what they think and do, could be rooted in or at least fueled by the things they see and hear. This includes the music they listen to.
Could the be an inherent danger, or even evil, found in certain songs or types of music? Could there be a danger and evil that is profoundly impacting our kids in a negative way?
Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, and many other great thinkers throughout the world and down through history seem to think so.
In fact, Scottish writer, patriot, and politician Andrew Fletcher is often quoted as having said, “let me make the songs of the nation and I care not who makes the laws.”
Today let’s discuss the rap, rock, and hip hop elephants in the room on License to Parent.
Discussing the power of Music with G. Craige Lewis G. Craige Lewis has been ministering for over 30 years. He’s been pastoring Adamant Believers Council in North Richland Hills, Texas for over a decade, promoting the message of Christ and fighting against the secularization of God’s church.
Lewis also leads an organization called EX Ministries, established to open the eyes of the body of Christ to the deceptions of the enemy. Although he is often called on to speak about the hip-hop sub-culture, he also shares great insight on the kingdom of God and God’s people being aligned in preparation to reach the world and welcome the return of Christ.
Listening with Your Heart Episode Highlights: * What have we become as a people when the songs today are winning Grammy’s and our kids’ hearts? * How does music infiltrate your brain without your consent? * How can we as parents impact our child’s music choices? * Should we allow kids to listen to music because “we listened to stuff too?” * Where are musical influences hiding today? How have they infiltrated our lives at ever turn? * Is the music worse today than it was when we were kids?
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Raising Well-Adjusted Kids With respect to raising healthy, well-adjusted kids, every generation of parents down through the ages have had their own unique challenges during the times that they lived. This has been true whether the challenges be economic depression, sharp social changes, wars, plagues, natural disasters, technological advances, or other negative influences beyond our control.
Now some people would say that parenting challenges in the 21st century are more unique or more challenging than those of the past. Others, however, would beg to differ. But what’s important is identifying, examining, and learning how to overcome today’s challenges.
Helping you do that is our goal today on License to Parent.
Discussing Overcoming Obstacles with Danny Huerta Dr. Daniel Huerta works with Focus on the Family, overseeing its initiatives that help equip mothers and fathers with biblical principles and counsel for raising healthy resilient children.
Dr. Huerta is a bilingual licensed clinical social worker with a master’s degree in social work from the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. He has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Colorado of Colorado Springs. He recently received his doctorate in psychology from California Southern University.
Dr. Huerta maintains a private practice in Colorado Springs and also serves as a board member of the El Paso County Mental Health Association. He has been married for 24 years and he and his wife Heather have 2 children.
The Mental Health of Our Children Episode Highlights: * Has there ever been a tougher time in America to raise healthy kids? * What are some of the most glaring challenges parents are facing today? * Is it possible to give our kids too many choices? * How do parents cultivate mental health in their homes? * How can we teach our kids to understand their emotions? * How does physical health impact mental wellbeing?
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Peoples is Peoples But is that true? Within a certain culture, we may all be similar in our beliefs about right and wrong and normal. But what happens when you cross cultural lines, or when you move to another culture? People from one culture often find the practices of another to be backward, too morally progressive, too morally oppressive, even criminal.
For example, most American’s would say that slavery, cannibalism, and pedophilia are appalling practices, yet they are still practiced in other parts of the world. Today though, we want to look at a different cultural line that exists and the differences that we encounter when we cross that line.
What happens when parents allow their children or even equip their children to do things that are harmful, dangerous, abusive, and morally wrong according to the moral tenants of scripture. This is an authority that should transcend any cultural norm; especially when it comes to raising healthy kids.
We’ll unpack this and more with today’s guest, Dr. Nicolas Kardaris, on today’s License to Parent.
Discussing mental health in a digital world with Dr. Nicholas Kardaras Dr. Kardaras is a psychologist, best-selling author, internationally renowned speaker, professor, and expert on mental health, addiction, and the impacts of our digital age. He has also developed clinical treatment programs and clinics all across the country.
His books include Glow Kids, How Plato and Pythagoras Can Save Your Life, as well as a new book currently in the works.
In his work with adolescents, Dr. Kardaras has discovered that many teens today are suffering from genuine psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, and even psychosis-like symptoms as a result of their screen dependence. He understands that smartphones and screen time have become a new type of digital drug that is used as an escape for young people.
Screen time is also incredibly addictive. In researching the effects of screen time on the brain, he found that the effects neurologically mirrored that of actual substance addiction. It is especially troublesome and impactful to children whose brains are still developing.
A Different Kind of Pandemic Episode Highlights: * What is the shadow pandemic? * How have we shifted away from the way we were meant to live? * How has our intersection with fancy gadgetry impacted our mental health? * Who is the loneliest generation? Why? * Who has the lowest levels of depression? * What is the impact of anhedonia on our society today?
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Finding Hope for Parents Last time on License to Parent:
“We always tell them that it’s not the parent’s choice. It’s the child’s choice that got them into the situation that they are in. All we can do is love them, parent them, model them, encourage them, and point them in the right direction. But ultimately it’s their decision to make and we try to reinforce that as much as we can.”
Discussing Resources for Parents of Prodigals with John and Fair Brocard Last week we heard from John Brocard and his wife Fair in Part I. They are parents of a former prodigal and the founders of Prodigal Child Ministries. Today we invite you to join us for Part II of our conversation as we bring hope to the parents of prodigals.
Where to Turn Episode Highlights: * What encouragement is there for parents of prodigals? * What resources are available for parents and prodigals? * How can you find other families dealing with similar difficulties and challenges? * Is there a list of treatment programs for teens and young adults? * Why is the existence of God so important to mental health and goodwill? * Do parents need to be in Atlanta to receive assistance from Prodigal Child Ministries?
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