License to Parent with Trace Embry

Directing Our Steps

Have you ever taken a step of faith believing that God was directing you and knowing that He would do just that?

Trace and Beth Embry saw a need in our world and knew God was calling them to be the answer and to bring healing. So step by step, brick by brick, child by child, through God they are breathing life into our next generation. And they are watching God build something incredible.

Discussing the Miracles with Trace Embry

Trace and his wife Beth have a heart and a passion for the parents of the youth of today’s culture. Trace was a former business owner and police officer in the Chicago area, but God led them on a journey. The Embry family basically gave up everything to move to Georgia and begin Shepherd’s Hill Academy. Trace is the author of The Miracles of Shepherd’s Hill. Trace and Beth have 5 kids and 8 grandchildren.

Explaining Miracles

Episode Highlights:

How do you define miracles?

What is the story of Shepherd’s Hill?

How did you know this was from the Lord?

How was the land of SHA a miracle?

What is it like to keep stepping out in faith one step at a time?

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Same & Equal

Is this popular phrase true? It certainly is typical for individuals living within the same society or culture to have their own set of cultural norms, beliefs, morals, and ideas about what is normal.

But what about when you cross over cultural lines? What happens when you move into or even visit another culture? Culture shock can occur because of unique traits and differences. People from one culture often question, judge, or consider that of another to be too progressive, oppressive, backward, or sometimes even criminal.

Let’s take for example slavery, cannibalism, and pedophilia. All of these are appalling practices. The very mention of these things invokes anger and disdain. Yet these practices are alive and well in other parts of the world.

Today we want to look at cultural lines that exist and the differences we encounter when we cross those lines. However, these lines occur within our very own country and culture today.

Think for a minute about what happens when someone parents differently than you do. Now a step further, what if a parent allows their children (or even equips them) to do things that are harmful, dangerous, abusive, or morally wrong? Is there an authority that transcends culture? How can we raise healthy kids no matter where we are in the world?

Discussing a Shadow Pandemic with Dr. Nicholas Kardaras

Dr. Kardaras is a psychologist, best-selling author, internationally renowned speaker, professor, and expert on mental health, addiction, and the impacts of our digital age. He has also developed clinical treatment programs and clinics all across the country.

His books include Glow Kids, How Plato and Pythagoras Can Save Your Life, as well as a new book currently in the works.

In his work with adolescents, Dr. Kardaras has discovered that many teens today are suffering from genuine psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, and even psychosis-like symptoms as a result of their screen dependence. He understands that smartphones and screen time have become a new type of digital drug that is used as an escape for young people.

Screen time is also incredibly addictive. In researching the effects of screen time on the brain, he found that the effects neurologically mirrored that of actual substance addiction. It is especially troublesome and impactful to children whose brains are still developing.

Peoples is Peoples

Episode Highlights:

What is being referred to as a shadow pandemic?

How were we as humans meant to live?

How has technology impacted our mental health?

Is there a loneliest generation?

Who has the lowest levels of depression?

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Living in the Blitz

Last time on License to Parent:

“It was the worst blitz ever, and yet they proved victory over sin and over death. And that blitz that Christ faced is the paradigm for how we are to live.”

That’s Jeff Kemp, former NFL quarterback, now coach to the family. He’s going to help us understand how to deal with the blitzes.

If you haven’t already listened to Episode I of this two-part series, you can find it in our 30-minute episode archives. Episode I is titled Facing the Blitz with Jeff Kemp.

Discussing the Blitz with Jeff Kemp

Jeff has faced many blitzes in his life. He’s been an NFL quarterback for the Rams, 49ers, Seahawks, and Eagles. Since the NFL, Jeff has worked to improve the lives of children by strengthening marriages and families. He founded and led Stronger Families, served as VP and catalyst for Family Life, and is the author of Facing the Blitz. He’s married to his wife Stacy and they have 4 sons and 5 grandchildren.

Wisdom For Parents

Episode Highlights:

How do I parent through the loss of a dream?

What's the difference between a dream and a vision?

How can parents help their kids align their dreams and visions?

Should a parent have a dream for their child?

Why is it so important to cultivate our relationship with Christ first and foremost?

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How to Stand 

Quarterbacks have to be intentional in building healthy relationships, leading, and planning success.

Being flexible and strong in leadership is key. Sometimes the quarterback must call an audible or a “verbal change of plans.” Sometimes he’s calling an audible because he’s sensing a blitz coming his way. A blitz is an overwhelming attack from the opponent.

Now turn your attention to parenting. Moms and dads call audibles all the time and face multiple blitzes in their daily life. It’s just part of raising kids in the 21st century. Like a quarterback, parents have to be intentional. They have to lead and plan for success.

Discussing the Blitz with Jeff Kemp

Jeff has faced many blitzes in his life. He’s been an NFL quarterback for the Rams, 49ers, Seahawks, and Eagles. Since the NFL, Jeff has worked to improve the lives of children by strengthening marriages and families. He founded and led Stronger Families, served as VP and catalyst for Family Life, and is the author of Facing the Blitz. He’s married to his wife Stacy and they have 4 sons and 5 grandchildren.

There is Help

Episode Highlights:

How can parents use this book to deal with the blitzes life throws their way?

What if I don’t believe in God? How is this relevant to me?

What is the most overwhelming factor facing parents since 2020 and beyond?

How does my past impact my kids?

What is the identity crisis in our culture? How is it impacting our kids?

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Help for Parents of Prodigals

At the end of the day, a choice is made. Unfortunately, it’s not the parent’s choice. It’s the child's decision. It’s the choices that they made that got them into the situation they are in. As parents, we can love our kids, pray for them, encourage them, and guide them. But they must make the final decision.

Discussing Where to Turn with Fair & John Brocard

Last week we heard from John Brocard and his wife Fair in Part I. They are parents of a former prodigal and the founders of Prodigal Child Ministries. Today we invite you to join us for Part II of our conversation as we bring hope to the parents of prodigals.

There is Help

Episode Highlights:

Is there any encouragement for parents of prodigals?

What resources are available for parents and their children?

Are there other families out there like mine? How can I connect with them?

What programs and treatment facilities are available for teens and adults?

What does God have to do with mental health?

Does Prodigal Child Ministries only serve families in Atlanta, GA?

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The Wayward Child

The story of the wayward child is no stranger to virtually every parent today. Just about everyone you talk to either knows or has a son or daughter who has struggled with something. That could be behavior, attitude, or a combination of both. Addiction, self-harm, and even suicide are all incidents that are growing at an alarming rate among young people today. But yet, our standard of living is at an all-time high.

It’s also no secret that many parents don’t know what to do, and it’s no wonder! The myriad of things that can cause a child to stumble and fall away are ever-growing and enticing. We often see parents doing everything they can to keep their kids smiling. But is this the end-all? Where can parents turn and what can they do when they just feel like giving up?

Discussing the Prodigal with Fair & John Brocard

Fair is a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and a graduate of Furman University with a BA degree in Early Childhood Education.  Following graduation, and after teaching kindergarten, she raised her three children. She then worked in the children’s ministry at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Metro Atlanta for 6 years.

Fair’s husband John is a native of Rockville, Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC. He too graduated from Furman in 1975 with a BA degree in Political Science. He received his law degree from the Potomac School of Law in 1978 and has been in active practice of law since 1980. Incidentally, he specializes in juvenile and adult criminal defense and significant personal injury cases. He also serves as a court-appointed guardian ad litem in the juvenile court system of Cobb County, Georgia.

In 2004, the Brocards were called into ministry to reach out to parents of struggling teens and young adults. They are the founders of Prodigal Child Ministries, which is a 501(c)3 foundation.

The Brocards have 3 ground children as well as 2 daughters-in-law and one son-in-law, as well as 3 grandchildren.

There is Hope

Episode Highlights:

What is the story of the Brocards?

What impact did their troubled teen have on their family?

What happened when they introduced treatment into the picture?

Do good families have struggling kids?

How can parents get through the difficult days?

What is Prodigal Child Ministries and can they help my family?

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Finding a Healthy Balance

But I’m thinking that with connection to each other there needs to be some balance. So I want to ask you this: “Is it possible to have too much of a good thing?”

Let’s take food for instance. Is it possible to eat too much? Too much chocolate cake may just give you a stomach ache but indulging in that chocolate cake day after day after day. You could really pay the price and I’m not just talking about the scale.

Let’s apply that same thought to our wired connections to each other. I’m wondering and wrestling with this. Have we and our kids become digital gluttons in society?

Discussing Today's Digita Society with Arlene Pellicane

Today we are speaking with Arlene Pellicane. She is passionate about helping parents learn to find happiness in their homes. Arlene is a speaker and author of nine books including 2 that she co-wrote with Gary Chapman titled, “Screen Kids” and “Growing up Social.”

Arlene appeared on various media outlets including Fox & Friends, the Today Show, Focus on the Family, and now License to Parent.

Growing Up Social

Episode Highlights:

What digital devices, platforms, or venues (if any) would you say parents should consider to be on the “no-no” list?

What does it mean for social media to be “bottomless?”

Is technology inherently or intentionally addictive?

How can parents impact their child(ren)’s tech habits?

What are some workarounds/hacks for technology use?

Are there friendships developing “offline” for our kids today?

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Something Old

When facing change and becoming something new it’s important to remember why God made us new in the first place. Why are we here? What’s our purpose? What did and is God calling us to do? Today we’ll introduce something new, or in this case someone new, and we’ll remember something old: what God called us to do here and why we keep doing it.

Discussing Something New with Michelle Hill

Michelle Hill has been involved in ministering to families for quite a while. For more than 17 years she’s worked as a producer and a host at Family Life with Dennis Rainey and Bob Lepine. She has also been a foster mom and worked to mentor girls exiting the foster program. She has a real passion for the work we are doing at Shepherd’s Hill Academy.

Introducing a Good King of Change

Episode Highlights:

Why is Michelle so excited to be back in the family focus sphere?

Something Old: What is Shepherd’s Hill Academy all about?

Discover more of the story with the book: The Miracles of Shepherd’s Hill Academy

What is Insight for Today’s Culture?

How is License to Parent different than other programs out there?

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The Bible Parenting Code

Last time on License to Parent:

“Our first obligation in the raising of a child is not to the child. Our first obligation is to God the father. Your second obligation is to your neighbor. Your third obligation is to your child.”

That’s John Rosemond, author of The Bible Parenting Code: Revealing God’s Perfect Parenting Plan.

“You see, parenting is about more than just the kids. It’s about serving God and others through your parenting.” We’ll talk more about that today on License to Parent.

If you missed our first conversation with Dr. John Rosemond, be sure to listen to our last episode, Raising Well Adjusted Children.

Training Our Children Today

Episode Highlights:

Is there ever a time when we train our children to do wrong?

What is the first lie that a child learns?

Are parenting trends today worthy of our attention?

How to answer “why?” And when not to.

What does obedience look like in our kids?

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Parenting as Coaching

One familiar and consistent premise among coaches is the emphasis on fundamentals. Wooden took these principles to the next level. His team members could expect an entire lesson at the beginning of each season on how to put on socks. But why focus on socks? “Because in order to play the game, you have to start with a good foundation. Putting on your socks correctly is critical. Because if you don’t, you get blisters. And if you get blisters it impacts everything else you do as a player. Ultimately, that impacts the whole team.”

As Christian parents, have we gotten wrapped up in the game and neglected the fundamentals? It’s time to get back to the basics.

Discussing the Fundamentals of the Game with John Rosemond

John Rosemond has worked with families, children, and parents since 1971 in the field of Family Psychology. Presently, his time is devoted to speaking and writing. John’s work is syndicated in several hundred newspapers nationwide. He’s written about 20 best-selling parenting books. He’s also one of America’s most popular speakers in the field of parenting.

Coaching Our Kids

Episode Highlights:

What does Psalm 11:3 have to do with parenting today?

How has mental health impacted parenting?

Where do I turn for parenting advice?

Are parenting principles in line with godly principles?

How did we become a post-modern progressive society?

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