Practical Parenting Advice Archives - Trace Embry | License to Parent: Recent Episodes
Trace Embry
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 – 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 – 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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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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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 TraceIn today’s societal landscape parents are faced with tough decisions. Raising their children in a manner that aligns with their faith often requires a denial of certain activities that their peers might enjoy. During our co-host, Michelle Hill’s own childhood this meant not being allowed to go to movie theaters, a source of disagreement within her household. Navigating cultural norms and effective parenting can lead to some tough questions.
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:* Trace sheds light on the most misguided statement any parent might make. * The importance of parental guidance: “If you don’t train your children, who will?” * Identifying the “right ways” to effectively raise children, as highlighted by Trace. * An exploration of whether God truly holds sway within American households. * The potential outcomes when parenting adheres strictly to prevailing cultural norms.
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Vertical MarriageOne of the keys to success for just about any endeavor in life is setting proper priorities. Proper priorities are important for having a healthy marriage, bringing up healthy kids, and for managing a healthy family. Dave and Ann Wilson will be talking with us about proper priorities for keeping families upright amidst the chaos of a world that has gone sideways. It is what they call vertical marriage. Find the book here.
Discussing Priorities with Dave and Ann WilsonDave and Ann Wilson are speakers, authors, and co-founders of Kensington Church which is a national multicampus church based in the Detroit area. They are also hosts of the radio program Family Life Today. Dave and Ann have been married for more than 42 years and have spent the last 37 teaching and mentoring couples and parents across the country. They are featured speakers at Family Life’s Weekend To Remember, and they also host their own marriage conferences across the county. Dave and Ann have three grown sons and a growing number of grandchildren.
Episode Highlights:
- Why is a child-centric parenting paradigm not good for children?
- What is Vertical Marriage about?
- Where do our eyes go when they are not on Jesus?
- What is the first step to re-prioritizing your family dynamic?
- How can the unprioritized spouse confront the “offending” spouse on their priorities?
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 syndicated on a couple 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 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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Screen StrongWhen 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 time could be doing just that? The fact is digital abuse does affect the brain in the exact way that it is affected by cocaine and heroin. Digital abuse may also be affecting your child’s body and emotions in a similar way.
Discussing Digital Use with Melanie HempeMelanie is the founder and director of Screen Strong. Melanie helps families avoid the problematic use of screens. She does this from the heart of a parent who has had to walk her own children through some hard screen addiction. Through Screen Strong, Melanie provides easy education on brain development and the effects of screen use on kids. She also provides solutions for parents. Melanie does not just tell parents to take away the devices, she helps them think through it so they can reconnect their family.
Episode Highlights:
- What are some things smartphones give your child access to?
- What is the purpose of the Screen Strong organization?
- What “accreditation” does Screen Strong have that others may not?
- Medically speaking what effects do screens have on our children?
- What is the biggest issue screen use causes?
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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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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: […]
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Parenting Today’s Children Today Well before you answer, fixing a child usually also means fixing the parents, fixing the environment, and fixing the relationships. Perhaps a better question would be, “are you willing to invest the time, effort, and intentionality it will take to keep your child and your family from becoming damaged goods in […]
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Transformation through Empowerment If you haven’t already done so, be sure to listen to Part I of our two-part series with Kimball Lewis. Let’s get into the nuts and bolts of teen and parent interactions. Do you feel stuck? Is your teen rebelling against you? Are you at the end of your rope? If you […]
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