About Joshua Straub, Ph.D., CMCLC

Dr. Joshua Straub is the Co-Founder and President of Famous at Home, a company that equips others with relational connections and emotional intelligence.  He is also an author and speaker.  He is passionate about helping others lead; he is a marriage and leadership coach, and is a Fellow at the Townsend Institute for Leadership and Counseling.  He takes most pride in his role as husband and dad.  He and his wife Christi host the Famous at Home podcast.

How to Cultivate Emotional Connection with Kids

Michelle Hill, Trace Embry and Dr. Joshua Straub discuss the importance of emotional safety in raising children.

Together, they also highlight the importance of showing up for children, both physically and emotionally, and the role of a biblical community in child-rearing.  Dr. Straub suggests that parents should regularly check in with their children to understand their needs and feelings and to show them grace and wisdom.

Both Trace and Joshua share stories about their own fathers.  Joshua also gives pointers how he parents his own children as he and his wife homeschool and have family weekly meetings.

Episode Highlights:

Be sure to listen to the end; Trace gives a special announcement.

With risks all around us, how do we keep our kids safe?

God's standards never fall short.

Is there safety without boundaries or exploration?

What is effective parenting without grace?

How do messed up parents turn out some really good kids?

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About Brad Griffin

Our 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 Group

Together, 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 Whitmer

Our 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 Jesus

Together, 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 Turek

Our 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 Apologetics

Together, 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 Week

In 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 Discussion

They 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 Program

Trace 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 Lust

Trace attributes the increase of Gen Z members joining the LGBTQ+ community with regard to a combination of factors; including the removal of God from daily life, the conflation of love with lust, and the misuse of freedom.  Trace remarks that the LGBTQ+ community is not about love, but about sexual lust without moral restraint.

He also suggests that the acceptance and celebration of sexual perversion in society is leading to a rise in sexually transmitted diseases. Trace and Michelle both agree that we need to return to God's definition of love and sex within the bounds of traditional marriage.  They also discuss the dangers of other sexual behaviors including; narcissism, addiction, delusion, autism, and OCD.

Episode Highlights:

Why does the LGBTQ+ society seem to be increasing?

Can what we do in the privacy of our bedroom hurt others?

A good analogy on God's plan for sex.

Do the members of Gen Z feel peer pressure to join the LGBTQ+ community?

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About Karen Whiting

Our guest, Karen Whiting, is a mother of two daughters and three sons, and that includes rocket scientists. She's a grandmother of 15 and her late husband served in the U.S. Coast Guard, so they raised their children from Hawaii to New York and Michigan to Florida. She is the author of 27 books, an International speaker, certified writing and marketing coach, and a former television co-host.

Gaining a Peaceful Heart within Your Family

Trace, Michelle and Karen discuss the importance of peace within families and how to cultivate it.  They share their thoughts on the current state of the American family where internal conflict and anxiety are prevalent due to the complexities of modern life.  They suggest that genuine peace can only be achieved through faith in God. The conversation also touches on the role of parents in guiding their children through life's struggles, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and allowing children to experience failure as a means of growth.

Karen shares her approach to fostering peace within her family through devotions, prayer and active listening.  She gives great examples of how this approach helped her children have love and compassion for each other.  She also discusses the negative impact of permissive parenting and the overuse of digital devices on children's mental health.

At the end, Trace and Karen differentiate between peacekeeping and peacemaking and explain which they think is a long-term solution that sometimes requires conflict, and use the example of Jesus in the temple in Matthew 21:12-17.

Episode Highlights:

What is the polar opposite of peace?

Karen's take on anxiety, and how to get your kids to get a long.

What is investigative listening?

How media or music can affect your child's peace.

Do people seem to thrive on conflict?

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Transported to Treatment

Today 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 SafePassage

A 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 Care

Throughout 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 Hunter

Holly 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 Trace

Ever wished for a chance to glean wisdom from an expert specializing in troubled teens? I ask your questions to Trace Embry, a leading authority in working with challenging teens. Periodically, we engage Trace Embry in discussing parenting difficulties, drawing from his vast experience as the Founder of Shepherd’s Hill Academy. This institution has successfully redirected numerous teens on a negative path towards a positive future. Trace's expertise lies in understanding teenagers and facilitating their growth. Gain insights into handling issues like bullying, discernment, and more.

Discussing Parenting with Trace Embry

Trace Embry is the Founder of Shepherd’s Hill Academy a Christ-centered, outdoor-focused, year-long, therapeutic boarding academy for troubled youth. Trace and his wife Beth started Shepherd’s Hill Academy in 2001 to bring healing to hurting families. They came to Christ after becoming parents and learned a lot through that process as well as in their leadership roles at Shepherd’s Hill. Trace is also the author of “The Miracles of Shepherd’s Hill: An Extraordinary Odyssey of Divine Interventions” which accounts for the full journey of how Trace and Beth came to where they are now.

Episode Highlights:

What is the primary challenge faced by parents today?

Is a family akin to a democracy, or is it different?

Despite having certain advantages, why might a child remain unhappy?

What is our fundamental nature as individuals?

Why is it crucial for parents to encourage their children to undertake tasks they may not want to do?

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