License To Parent With Trace Embry

Gathering to watch movies is such an American pastime in our culture. As more and more Christan films top the box office, will this have a change in our society that has been shaped by Hollywood entertainment for so long? Dr. Ted Baehr the founder and publisher of Movie Guide, the family guide to movies and entertainment. He is also the Chairman of the Christian Film and Entertainment industry, as well as a noted film critic, lecturer, and media pundit. Box Office Hits with Christian Values Episode Highlights: In today’s culture, do we use discernment when selecting our entertainment? Has Hollywood entertainment shaped what our society is today? What role does Hollywood entertainment play in your family’s household? Do we use entertainment as an escape from the reality of our lives? Can Hollywood entertainment fuel the addictions in our culture today? Picture via: Shutterstock

We as parents teach our children right from wrong, we raise them in church and teach them to live a Christian life. SO why do they do what they do? Is our culture of media living indoctrinating our children and undoing what we have worked so hard to instill inside of them? Phillip Telfer has ministered to youth and families for over 25 years. He is the President of Media Talk 101, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to teaching media discernment in the light of following Christ. He is also the author of Media Choices and Why Save Alexander. He is also the founder of the annual Christian Worldview Festival and Filmmaker Guild. Living Inside a Rated Mature Life Episode Highlights: How to better understand what’s going on in today’s media culture. There are 168 hours in a week, how many hours do we spend looking at a screen? As parents, do we know exactly what those letters mean in the game rating system? Are we aware of who and what lies on the other side of what games our children are playing? In today’

Every waking hour those temptations are largely things that are highly addictive by nature. Video games, Youtube videos, social media outlets and yes, even pornography. Screen time dependency is damaging not only to our children now but as they grow up into adults. Nicholas Kardaras is an Ivy-League educated psychologist, an internationally renowned speaker, and one of the country's foremost addiction experts. He is the CEO and Chief Clinical Officer of Maui Recovery in Hawaii and Omega Recovery in Austin, Texas. He also the author of Glow Kids, a book on how screen addiction is highjacking our kids. Beware of Digital Addiction Episode Highlights: Do you feel like you can not live without your digital devices? Is digital technology tied to anxiety, addiction and suicide in teens? Is this informational age that we live in dumbing down our youth? Are digital devices being used as babysitters because of the belief that it’s educational? Are parents blinded to the fact that use of technology can be

Digital Technology, especially smartphones have already twisted life up in a very insidious way of what childhood and adolescence once was, childhood innocence is virtually gone today. Physically kids are actually maturing sooner, largely because of the sexual content they are exposed to on a regular basis. Emotionally they are stunted because they have been pleasured into imbecility and not made to be responsible for much of anything anymore. Are we letting our moral standards take a backseat to fit into an immoral society? Stephen Dalby, entrepreneur, and religious educator is the founder and CEO of Gabb Wireless. Gabb Wireless is the first cellular phone network in the world that is designed to be safe for kids by providing talk and text devices, but devices with no access to the internet, app store, social media or games. Safe Technology for a Different World Episode Highlights: Knowledge and intelligence are one thing we can get from a computer, but what about wisdom? Why is having discernmen

Counterfeit comfort is anything that we turn to for comfort, though not all is bad, it should not be what comforts us. For instance, food is a blessing from God, but it was not meant to comfort us, God is meant to comfort us. God is meant to help us when we feel stress, lonely, anxious, fearful, tormented and so on. God is the one we turn to for this comfort, anything else is counterfeit. Robia Scott began her professional career at the age of 16. She has toured with musicians such as the Pet Shop Boys and Prince. Robia started her acting career at 22, where she landed roles on Beverly Hills 90210 and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It was at this point in her life where she became a born again Christian. She now travels the world as a Christian speaker sharing her message of having the freedom of Counterfeit Comforts. Freeing Yourself From Counterfeit Comforts Episode Highlights: In today’s culture what pulls our children off the right course? What are counterfeit comforts and how we recognize what they a

Some say, Doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result is a sign of insanity. If my child comes up missing, does praying then, make me insane? “No, and I think God does the exact opposite, he says to ask, to seek. God says to be like the widow in front of the judge asking for justice, asking for justice and asking for justice.” The unknown is a different pain when you are going through something like this, losing a child. Not knowing where your child is, you have to hand your pain over to God, and that is something we are not used to doing. Everything in our culture tells us that we are supposed to do it on our own with positive thinking, and that is not what God wants us to do. He wants us to come to him. Marie White is a multi-award-winning author, podcast host, non-denominational Christian missionary and the director of publishing for Zamiz Press. Her book Strength of Parents of Missing Children is one of her greatest works and is a best seller. Missing Children and How Parent

The trauma of having a child abducted is an emotional ride that we never want to feel. The wondering of what happened, are they alive, who could have done this or even knowing who abducted them is overwhelming, to say the least. The number of suicides of parents who have lost a child to abduction averages 1 a day. Most parents think there is only one type of abduction, that is, someone driving around snatching children up in neighborhoods. But there are many types of abductions that we are unaware of, from the foster care systems, internet abductions, sex-trafficking, divorced spouses that take the children, some that are never seen again. As parents, we need to be aware, to teach our children and even tell them no at times to help prevent this from happening. Marie White is a multi-award-winning author, podcast host, non-denominational Christian missionary and the director of publishing for Zamiz Press. Her book Strength of Parents of Missing Children is one of her greatest works and a best seller. Miss

Inside Shepherd's Hill Academy, there are two types of audiences that pass through. There is the one where the kids have bought into the culture hook, line and sinker. Giving in to their temptations, whatever their bodies want, give it, whatever feels good, whether it be drugs, sex, it doesn’t matter the harm it can do. On the other hand, we have the audience that does not necessarily understand the social cues, that have issues with friends and family. They have issues with self-esteem and self-harm. This audience needs to be taught more of the social cues in life as well as both audiences being taught how to deal with temptations in today's society. The Influence of Today’s Culture and How SHA Helps Teach our Kids to Overcome It Episode Highlights: Does culture have a tremendous influence on our kid's attitudes and behaviors? How does our culture impact our kids in today’s society? Why is Shepherds Hill Academy the right choice for your child and your family? How can we deal with the cultural

Without America turning back to the God Who blessed her, today modern-day Sodom Gomorrah will, likely, only get worse. But, what’s even more frightening is the Orwellian twist that’s now emerged and growing in our culture, a culture where logic, facts, even science and most assuredly, God--are no longer the final arbiters of truth. American culture is, in and of itself, not just a toxic environment for raising kids, but, perhaps the very root of so many of the attitudinal, behavioral and mental issues we’re seeing in our kids today. Andrew Klavan is an American writer of crime and suspense novels.Two of Klavan's books have been adapted into motion pictures: True Crime (1999) and Don't Say A Word (2001)Klavan has been nominated for the Edgar Award five times and has won twice. Pushing Forward with Commitment and Adherence to God and His Word Episode Highlights: What do you think parents should be doing to help create a better-more sane environment for their kids inside their homes? Have we given our kid

There’s a pretty good case to be made that allowing our kids unencumbered access to “all things digital” has been--and still is--a terrible mistake. This is particularly true when it comes to the indiscriminate way we’ve, carte blanche, divvied out these addictive devices we call smartphones, to our kids. But, has the convenience and seemingly endless stream of information and amusement been worth the fallout? Tom Kersting is an expert in the field of mental health, families, parenting in the digital age, and over-device use, as he provides advice to millions of people through regular television appearances, radio and print media, books and private sessions. He is a straight shooter, and passionate about helping families whether in crisis or just in disaccord. Using Digital Technology as a Tool, Not a Weapon Episode Highlights: What are some of the newer developments in technology parents should be aware of? Is digital technology tied to depression and anxiety? What are some hazardous activities tha

As parents have we had an unhealthy need to keep our kids dependent on us? Why shouldn’t the teen years be a time where kids are trained to embrace responsibility rather than be allowed to avoid it. And, finally, what do most teens REALLY think about being overly-indulged, ill-equipped and pampered into an existence that’s bound up with the strings of dependency anyway? Their answers might surprise you. Giving our kids Wings, not Strings. Dennis Trittin is President and CEO of LifeSmart Publishing and author of “Wings Not Strings: Parenting Strategies to Let Go with Confidence.” His mission is to inspire and equip the next generation with the leadership and life skills they need to flourish and fulfill their purpose. Proactively Preparing Our Kids for the Future Episode Highlights: What type of strings do we hold on to as parents? How do these strings impact our children?

As we reach the end of the year, we make decisions about the future path of Shepherd’s Hill Academy and License to Parent. What programs do we keep? What do we cut? What staffing needs and changes need to be met to meet the ever-changing needs of teens in crisis. For the next half-hour, we want to pull back the curtain and share some of those needs with you. That’s next on License to Parent. Trace Embry is the Founder and Executive Director of Shepherd's Hill Academy (SHA). SHA is a faith-based residential therapeutic boarding school for teens in crisis. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, SHA offers a haven of hope to teens ages 12-17. The Resources Needed to Offer Hope to Teens in Crisis Episode Highlights: The financial impact of a 5:1 student to staff ratio What is an Outdoor Therapeutic Program? How is Shepherd’s Hill Academy set up? Why is this successful? What should SHA “never stop doing?” How is technology used within the program? What role does hard work and hands

So could movies, music and other tools outside the local church be effective tools of ministry? Could they actually help us be more efficient and effective inside the walls of the church? Today, we speak with someone who is doing just that. Alex Kendrick has dedicated his life to following Christ and making His truth known among the nations. After serving in church ministry for 20 years, Alex now writes and produces Christian films with his brothers Stephen and Shannon. Alex directed the movies Overcomer, War Room, Courageous, Fireproof, Facing the Giants, and Flywheel. He co-wrote the New York Times Best Selling Books The Love Dare, The Battle Plan for Prayer, and more. Alex and his wife live in Albany, Georgia with their 6 children. Using Movies and Media to Reach the World Episode Highlights: Is Media Used to Effect the Hearts & Minds of Individuals? How-so? How do Movies Impact our Emotions? What is the Overall Response to Christian Media? Do Agendas Trump Money in Movie Decisions? What R

Our nation’s political climate has become emblematic of what should be our preeminent and most basic form of government. And this government is found under the roofs of virtually every home in America today. It’s traditionally been called the nuclear family. Yet, like our government, it has also become a broken and divided group of people, who actually have more in common than they have differences. But, this doesn’t always quell the heated rhetoric that too often foolishly majors in incidental minors. Jackie Gingrich Cushman is a syndicated columnist for Creators Syndicate. She is the author of two books, 5 Principles for a Successful Life: From Our Family to Yours, and The Essential American: 25 Documents and Speeches Every American Should Own. For over 16 years, she has served on the board of directors, volunteered and assisted Our House, a homeless shelter for newborns and their families. She also serves on the board of the Trust for Public Land and GEEARS (Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Stud

One might not expect that scientific data would actually be needed to assert such claims, but in today’s world, anecdotal evidence alone doesn’t fly anymore. And for good reason. Parenting Teens in a Troubled World Empirical science is the final arbiter of truth for most people living in today’s digital age; trusted, almost as a religion in and of itself. So, does the claim that religious faith can bring about mental well-being actually stand the test of empirical science? Dr. Koenig is Director of the Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health at Duke University Medical Center, and has published extensively in the fields of mental health, geriatrics, and religion, with more than 500 scientific peer-reviewed publications, nearly 100 book chapters, and over 50 books in print or preparation. His research on religion, health and ethical issues in medicine has been featured on dozens of national and international TV news programs (including ABC’s World News Tonight, Dr. Oz Show, and several times on The Tod

Joshua sees first hand every day how teens enter Shepherd’s Hill Academy and what things can lead to their trouble. We’ll conclude our three-part series today as we speak candidly once more on License to Parent. Parenting Teens in a Troubled World Episode Highlights: What impact does the peer to peer parenting mentality have on our kids? What leads to entitlement in today’s culture? What does a healthy fear of parents look like? How do you balance boundaries and limits with responsibilities? Healthy parenting is not limiting your child's joy. Picture via: Pixabay

Today we continue the conversation and dive into parenting troubled teens and some of the mistakes parents make along the way. One such mistake includes trying to become friends with our kids. That will come, but first is a process and a period of “pruning” in order for our children to grow into healthy and responsible adults. We will hear more about what Joshua and others see when students arrive at Shepherd’s Hill Academy for the first time. That’s today on License to Parent. Practical Tips for Today's Parents Episode Highlights: Sensitive parents bring up sensitive children. How can we become secure as parents so that we can successfully lead? What role does your identity play in parenting? What are the benefits of saying “I Don’t Know” How does technology impact the actions of our children? How important is the influence of parents on today's youth? Picture via: Shutterstock

Trace and I will be having a candid discussion about some of the more sensitive and under-discussed topics that face American parents these days. I want to warn you, this program will not be for the faint of heart. In fact, it could even step on some of our toes a little bit. But, if you’re willing to take a hard look at some of the critical issues we parents are going to have to face in order to bring some sanity back into our parenting experience, then stay tuned. Today we speak with Joshua Temple. He is a 29-year-old US Military veteran. Joshua is now the Residential Coordinator at Shepherd’s Hill Academy, leading the group of staff members who are "in the trenches" with the students during their daily life. The Challenges of Parenting in America Episode Highlights: Where is the fragility of our children coming from? Has this impacted our spiritual lives? How has emotional fragility impacted our view of love? What are the long term effects of being emotionally fragile as a parent? What role do

If nothing else, at the very least, the DNA provided by fathers is essential for the very existence of every human being on planet earth. So, why has the institution of fatherhood been so marginalized and maligned in Hollywood and TV and other forms of media and entertainment in recent times? And, why have the offspring of this invaluable institution seem to have taken for granted such a foundational and essential component to the balance and health of God's ecosystem? We'll find out what "Fathers Say" about it next on License to Parent as we speak with Joe Battaglia. Joe Battaglia is the president of Renaissance Communications, a media company whose mission is to provide media platforms for gifted communicators of Biblical truth. He is also a broadcaster and author of many books including Fathers Say. Joe is an executive producer of the nationally syndicated radio program Keep the Faith, and for over 16 years, he’s been involved in the promotion of highly successful hit movies, such as Miracles From Heaven

Walt Mueller is the founder and President of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding and has been working with young people and families for over 35 years. As a result of his work with CPYU, Walt has become an internationally-recognized speaker and author on contemporary youth culture. He has written extensively on youth culture and family issues and is the author of the following books: 99 Thoughts for Parents of Teenagers (Group Publishing, 2010); The Space Between-- A Parent's Guide to Teenage Development (Zondervan, 2009); Opie Doesn’t Live Here Anymore: Where Faith, Family, and Culture Collide (Standard Publishing, August 2007); Youth Culture 101 (Zondervan, June 2007) and many others. He is also a regular contributor to numerous journals and magazines. A graduate of Geneva College (B.A.) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.), Walt earned his doctorate at Gordon-Conwell in “Ministry to Postmodern Generations.” Walt has served in ministry with the Coalition for Christian Outreach and as a y