License To Parent With Trace Embry

So, when trying to explain all this to our kids, how do we make sense of a world that makes no sense? Do we have a right to teach our children anything, if we can’t even determine whether they are truly male or female—or perhaps both at the same time. Have we created an Orwellian dystopian society that makes it impossible to raise our children to become what used to be called normal? And, is even the word “normal” a bad word anymore? Is the word “bad” a bad word? Today we speak with Ryan T. Anderson of the Heritage Foundation. He is the author of When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment and Truth Overruled: The Future of Marriage and Religious Freedom, and he is the co-author of What Is Marriage? Man and Woman: A Defense and Debating Religious Liberty and Discrimination. Anderson’s research has been cited by two U.S. Supreme Court justices, Justice Samuel Alito and Justice Clarence Thomas, in two Supreme Court cases. He received his bachelor of arts degree from Princeton University

I asked a group of our SHA kids how many had armed guards in their schools. About 75%—80% of their hands went up. Several more knew a school near them where a shooting had happened; and, one student had a shooting take place in the very school she attended. I can jog to a school from where we sit right now that had a shooting just a couple of years ago. And, in the late 90s, I went to church with a family, who’s kid would play all kinds of crazy music in our church parking lot after almost every service. About a year later this kid went on a shooting rampage in our small town, killing at least one person, shooting it out with police and then leading a police-chase all the way to the Florida line--about a 300-mile trek. And, when they caught him, I was watching him being arrested by Florida police on my TV screen in little Martin, GA. Col. Dave Grossman is a US Army Ranger, a paratrooper, and a former West Point Psychology Professor. He has a Black Belt in Hojutsu, the martial art of the firearm, and has been

As good parents, we want our posterity to flourish. So, what are we doing for our posterity's sake with respect to giving our kids an informed perspective on the subject of abortion? Are we training our kids to be bold warriors for life? Are we sure where they even stand on the issues? Today we talk about the truth about abortion with Abby Johnson. Abby worked at Planned Parenthood in Texas for 8 years. She escorted women into the clinic to prevent them from being heckled by protestors. Eventually, she was promoted to center director. Many things started to disturb her, including watching a 13-month old struggle for its life during an abortion procedure. That led to her resignation a week later. In 2012 she started the ministry, And Then There Were None, an outreach to former abortion clinic workers. She is the author of two books including Unplanned, which details her work at Planned Parenthood and was just released as a film. Misguided Compassion Abby was an award-winning leader in Planned Parenthood, maki

Paul Coughlin, President and Founder of the Protectors, founded in 2005, was born from personal experience and a unique understanding into a fundamental weakness to existing anti-bullying programs. As a Target of bullying while in elementary school, Paul knows just how damaging such a campaign of cruelty can be to a person’s emotional and psychological wellbeing—damage that can harm a person well into adulthood. Some never recover. Practical Steps for Parents of Bullying Victims What are some of the most common mistakes parents make when a child approaches their parent about being bullied? First, a parent may tell their child to “just ignore it.” This is a fallacy and dangerous advice. A bully is looking to overpower and overwhelm, so they will choose the child that they believe won’t push back. When a child doesn’t push back, it is seen as a sign of weakness and an invitation to more aggressive action against them. In contrast, we need to teach our children how to use and wield the power of their words. They

Well, I was the oldest; so, I’ll leave it at that. But, I’ve certainly been the victim of bullying as a kid. I think we all have, in one way or another. I can remember the trauma of being a 4th-grader in a school that was only 4 doors down from my house. A 6th grader and his two high-school brothers, who happened to be my next door neighbors, and another 6th grader made it their daily ambition that year to use me as a human punching bag. So, it was a traumatic event every day at 3 O’clock, just to find a way to make it those 4 doors down from the school-yard to the refuge of my house which, had its own liabilities. Sometimes I made it; sometimes, I didn’t. But, I think bullies know that even if they win a real fight, they’re still likely to come away with some wounds, especially if the person they’re fighting has a just cause. And, to most bullies, I think it just isn’t worth it. Anyway, you asked about my experience. Now, let’s talk to the expert. Paul Coughlin is an expert witness regarding bullying

Today’s kids are regularly hearing how fun, enlightening and innocuous pot is. It’s certainly safer than alcohol, they say confidently. And they’re hearing this information from the very elders from whom they should be learning responsibility and wisdom, no less. In fact, many states are not only legalizing marijuana for its medicinal benefits but, now, for recreational use also. And, our kids are taking notice. What should you tell your children about marijuana? Alex Berenson was born in New York in 1973 and grew up in Englewood, N.J. After graduating from Yale University in 1994 with degrees in history and economics, he joined the Denver Post as a reporter. In 1996, he became one of the first employees at TheStreet.com, the groundbreaking financial news Website. In 1999, he joined The New York Times. At the Times, he covered everything from the drug industry to Hurricane Katrina; in 2003 and 2004, he served two stints as a correspondent in Iraq, an experience that led him to write The Faithful Spy

What’s on your child’s play-list? What’s on your own? Today we’ll be discussing how the music and entertainment world could be affecting your child’s behavioral, emotional, physical and spiritual health. We’ve had several discussions in the past about the power of music and music’s role in cultivating, perhaps even creating, certain attitudes and behavioral issues in people; particularly in kids. When considering the content of so much of today’s music, why do so many parents, particularly Christian parents, seem to be so cavalier about this subject? Today we talk about music and entertainment with Eric Holmberg. Eric Holmberg is the founder and director of Reel to Real Ministries, Inc. and The Apologetics Group. He is an ordained minister, author, speaker, and video documentarian, his work has been featured on many outlets such as the 700 club, Wake Up America, Truths that Transform, Focus on the Family Magazine and many more. He has also written and produced many videos covering everything from revival to

So, what should healthy masculinity for young men of any race actually look like in today’s politically-correct society? And how do we help our sons get there without making them feel like they need to apologize for how God has made them? Today we will be discussing Raising healthy, boys in an unhealthy world with Shepherd’s Hill Academy’s Buddy Prow. Buddy Prow is the boy’s therapist at Shepherd’s Hill Academy and also leads Celebrate Recovery at the Pointe Church in Toccoa, GA. He holds a bachelors degree in Accounting and has received his master’s degree in professional counseling from Liberty University. He is also pursuing his masters of Theology at Liberty University, completing his licensed professional counselor and master addiction counselor certifications. He also served for 6 years as a youth pastor at Lexington Baptist Church. For 10 years he has been a foster parent. He has served as a case manager. He and his wife have 10 children, 5 biological. Godly Men and Toxic Masculinity Today we ar

This is especially true in a day when so many self-proclaimed Christians appear to be conducting their affairs and casting their votes as if they were more secular-minded than biblically-minded. Because, it’s quite possible that parents and children, alike—through our political views and voting habits—will be responsible for helping shape the kind of world our grandkids either have to inherit or get to inherit someday. Today we speak with Dr. Wayne Grudem, as he helps us examine how the Bible helps us navigate our political landscape. Wayne Grudem is Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary in Phoenix, Arizona. He received a B.A. from Harvard University, an M.Div. and a D.D. from Westminster Seminary, Philadelphia, and a Ph.D. (in New Testament) from the University of Cambridge, England. He has published over twenty books, including Politics According to the Bible. This would be a great reference book for any family discussing over 60 political issues. He is a past president of

I think you’d have to be blind or a liar to refute the fact that, by and large, today’s kids are not exercising the same degree of respect for their elders— or even their own parents—as they did just a generation or two ago. But, the distrust part of the equation, might not be so obvious. Why is that? Josh Temple is 28 years old. He was raised in a Christian home but says he became an agnostic when he joined the army. During his first tour in Afghanistan, he said that he saw the enemy dying in the name of their god and began to wonder if he would be willing to do the same. God miraculously confirmed his faith but, when he got back home he found himself struggling with survivor's remorse. Fast forward he came to work at Shepherd’s Hill Academy and had the privilege of leading a student to salvation. The Lord confirmed to him that this was, in fact, one of the reasons his life was spared. He continues to work with teens at Shepherd’s Hill Academy and for the last 3 years has served as the lead pastor of Turn

I think you’d have to be blind or a liar to refute the fact that, by and large, today’s kids are not exercising the same degree of respect for their elders— or even their own parents—as they did just a generation or two ago. But, the distrust part of the equation, might not be so obvious. Why is that? Today on License to Parent we will be speaking with a real “insider” on this topic, Josh Temple. Josh Temple is 28 years old. He was raised in a Christian home but says he became an agnostic when he joined the army. During his first tour in Afghanistan, he said that he saw the enemy dying in the name of their god and began to wonder if he would be willing to do the same. God miraculously confirmed his faith but, when he got back home he found himself struggling with survivor's remorse. Fast forward he came to work at Shepherd’s Hill Academy and had the privilege of leading a student to salvation. The Lord confirmed to him that this was, in fact, one of the reasons his life was spared. He continues to work wi

Too many parents look at entertainment, in general, but movies in particular, as a harmless engagement of time that allows us to escape into a world free of all the responsibilities and liabilities of life long enough to be refreshed in preparation for the real-world responsibilities of life. And, I think that for the most part, that’s exactly right. Just like, for the most part, cars are simply modes of transportation. They are not designed to ruin your life; but, to simply get you from place to place in a timely fashion. The problem is that too many people, particularly kids, get more than merely refreshed from movies and more than just where they're going with cars. Both cars and movies have liabilities to them and can even be dangerous to one degree or the other. The difference with movies over cars is that nobody is making a car that’s purposely designed to hurt/corrupt you or your kid. But, filmmakers can sometimes create movies with agendas that transcend mere entertainment value and, therefore, making

It’s been said that the family is actually the first and most foundational form of government. So, believe it or not; like it or not; accept it or not, as a parent, you’ve been appointed to a very high and important office! Because being a good parent is about being a good leader. And, so much of good leadership comes from the common sense values, feelings, and intuition that God, Himself, has put in you. Dr. John Townsend is a business consultant, leadership coach, and psychologist. He has written or co-written 30 books, selling 10 million copies, including the New York times best-seller Boundaries series, Leadership Beyond Reason, and Handling Difficult People. For more than twenty years Dr. Townsend has engaged with leaders, organizations, and individuals around the globe, offering them life-changing solutions to their problems. He is a co-host of the nationally-syndicated talk show “NEW LIFE LIVE” which is heard in 180 markets with 3 million listeners. Dr. Townsend is also active on the board of Mustard

What’s the old saying? Too much of even a good thing is a bad thing, right? And, when it comes to the under-developed human brain, I think the internet has made a case for the idea that perhaps there’s a point when one can have too much knowledge. Isn’t that what got Adam and Eve kicked out of the Garden of Eden in the first place? They wanted something they weren’t supposed to be privy to (knowledge). Today we discuss teen smartphone use and how to balance the tech world with your kid with Axis CEO and Co-Founder, David Eaton. David founded Axis because of his passion to see the good news about Jesus transform students, families, culture, and the beautiful-but-broken world that we live in! As CEO, he spends time collaborating with the Axis team, sharing our vision with generous friends of Axis, creating content that always surprises and intrigues, and answering email! David received his degree in engineering from LeTourneau University, where he served as Student Body President. He has spent a total of 10 mo

We’ll be picking up a conversation we started last time with Dr. Quentin Van Meter concerning the physiological and psychological truths and myths relating to the LGBT community; particularly as they pertain to those struggling through transgender issues. Today, we’ll continue that conversation; but, we’re going to take a deeper look at the history, the key players and the politics that might put together some of the missing pieces of a puzzle that is, no-doubt puzzling to a lot of people today. Dr. Van Meter is a Pediatric endocrinologist in Atlanta, GA. He is affiliated with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. He received his medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of medicine. He has been in private practice since 1991, after a 20-year career in the Navy medical corps. He moved to the Atlanta area where he developed his own full-time practice. He is a clinical associate professor of pediatrics at both Emory University and Morehouse schools of medicine. Earlier this year he stepped into

But today we are not living in a world of objective truth. We have found ourselves in a subjective universe where my truth is good for me. But what does that mean for our youth as they grow, learn and discover more about themselves? How do we help them understand and navigate the difficult period of life called adolescence? Today, Dr. Van Meter joins us to speak on some of the gender issues and topics in the headlines today. Dr. Van Meter is a Pediatric endocrinologist in Atlanta, GA. He is affiliated with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. He received his medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of medicine. He has been in private practice since 1991, after a 20-year career in the Navy medical corps. He moved to the Atlanta area where he developed his own full-time practice. He is a clinical associate professor of pediatrics at both Emory University and Morehouse schools of medicine. Earlier this year he stepped into the role of President of American College of Pediatricians. Gender Identi

Could we actually be the financiers and the brokers between our own kids and the Silicon Valley iSlave masters who’ve marketed their wares to our children’s carnal appetites, habits and addictions? Have we mortgaged our kids’ childhood for a convenient digital babysitter that molests our kids with amusements that destroy brain matter, personal relationships, emotional health, and spiritual well-being? And, like the slavery debate that divided the church—and our whole country—back in the 1860s, some Christians, today, are finding that other Christians seem to be perfectly OK with it all. Examining the risk against the reward of naively following today’s digital status quo. 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

Integrity is the evidence that one’s selfish interests are subordinate to the greater and more transcendent good of the masses. It’s what God wants within us to properly represent and serve Him. Integrity is also what we want in our kids to properly represent us as parents, along with our name’s sake. For the Christian, our integrity may be our greatest means of proving God’s authority in our lives—it’s worship in the truest sense. Karen Budzinski is a teacher who shares her passion to live victoriously, and leads groups of all ages from birth to seniors both in the United States and abroad. Her signature class, Building Better Relationships, is taught in her home several times a year. Karen and her husband, Gary, reside in Michigan. Beginning in 1984, they were blessed with 5 children in a 5-1/2 year time span. Their family has grown to their five adult children, their spouses, ten granddaughters and four grandsons. Together, Gary and Karen became Certified Presenters of the National Center for Biblic

Of course, anything that one values to the point of occupying the lion’s share of his/her thoughts, time, talent, treasure, and energy can also be considered their idol. God will not compete with idols, nor can He bless a life that—for all intents and purposes—puts a greater value on the created than the Creator. Have our kids become the social animals that God never intended them to be? A graduate of the American Film Institute Conservatory, Jonathan Green’s documentary and scripted films have screened at various domestic and international festivals including Barcelona, Cyprus, SXSW, and Cannes. His short documentary The Birth of the Camera Phone premiered on the National Geographic short film showcase and was selected as a Vimeo Staff Pick. He also received a Webby Award for his two interactive short films journaling the struggle of children victimized by the African AIDS pandemic. Currently, Jonathan helms Subconscious Films, the original content banner of Conscious Minds, developing both documentary and

Media and entertainment are just two of these vehicles through which our kids interact and form ideas, while our government, the mental health industry, and education are just a few of the “institutions” that actually codify these interactions and ideas. Tina Marie Griffin went from baling hay and milking cows on a dairy farm in Wisconsin to working as an actress in Hollywood. At the age of 20, she drove 2,000 miles west and enrolled at California State University – Los Angeles to pursue a film and TV broadcasting degree and start her acting career. When she isn’t traveling and speaking, you will find her busy writing radio spots, blogging, cooking, camping, traveling, homeschooling her 4 munchkins or having a romantic date night with her best friend – husband Luke. Why Parents Need to Educate Themselves About Today’s Popular Teen Entertainment I’m seeing more and more that parents don’t have a clue about what’s going on in pop culture these days. Take Netflix, for example. Just over the past six mont