Brave Parenting

Today we interview Tim Nixon, retired pastor of 39 years and ACBC Biblical counselor and fellow. Tim offers insight to the state of  the parent-teen relationship, how AI could worsen an already lacking bond, and the importance of connection and engagement! We talk about chatbot therapy, social media, and teen mental health crisis within the context of biblical parenting. __________________________...

AI influencers are ostensibly benign, but when you pull back the curtain of AI-generated “magic” avatars and the aesthetic of perfection that AI creates, these AI influencers actually represent a dangerous and deeper theological and philosophical issue. What does it mean to post online under your likeness? Who really owns your likeness? Does it matter to anyone if AI takes over the mod...

Today we are joined by Dr. Jacob Shatzer, professor, parent, and author of the book,  Transhumanism and the Image of God.  If you’ve never heard the term “transhumanism” before, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss! Transhumanism is the idea that humans can evolve to a post-human state with the aid of artificial intelligence. Seems crazy, right?! Our conversation w...

To no surprise, advancing AI technologies have lead to the production of AI toys for babies and toddlers in order to capture their dependence. In this episode, Kelly reviews some of the “top” AI Robots for Kids in order to help you evaluate their marketing propaganda and see through their lies. It will be easy to cave to their persuasive ploys so it is essential you listen and learn no...

The Artificial Intelligence industry seems to be single-mindedly set on advancing the human-chatbot relationship. To no surprise, this has expanded into the mental health arena with new apps poised to meet the growing demand for providers. If research has shown that humans can develop relationships with chatbots – does this provide validity for therapy chatbots, or is it a grave concern? It&...

In today’s PART 2, examining AI chatbots and the relationships that people can develop with them, we dive into the deep waters of AI companion (or AI girlfriend/boyfriend) apps like Replika. As parents and Christians, there is much to be warned about and be discerning with regarding apps like these. And don’t worry, we did all the research needed for you! Kelly talks about her experien...

In today’s episode, we begin the discussion of AI chatbots and the relationships people can have with them. The conversational “chat” nature of informational generative AI like ChatGPT and Copilot or relational generative AI such as Replika can deceive just about anyone with their human-like qualities. In Part I, we look at informational chatbots and consider the particular ways...

After ChatGPT’s release in November 2022, the educational world went from a panicked ban of the chatbot to now embracing it as an educational tool. In this episode, we examine what aspects of ChatGPT can actually be used to enhance learning and what aspects weaponized it against learning. We look at how parents can approach this widely popular app with middle school and high school students,...

Today, we begin our series unpacking AI (Artificial Intelligence) by defining many of the terms, acronyms and general jargon surrounding all things AI. What is Artificial General Intelligence? What is the big deal about quantum computing? What does GPT stand for? Kelly and her husband, Ryan walk through the basic terms that will help serve as a foundation for the series of podcasts forthcoming to...

Sports betting has been a long-standing practice, but now that it is legal in 37 states and apps have made it easier than ever to place a bet on your favorite team, it has woven itself into teen culture. In this episode, Kelly discusses the whole scope of the sports betting issue, the apps, the ads, and addiction. And a point that cannot be overlooked – how video games set teens up for probl...

Shopping has not only moved from malls to the internet, it has also evolved from being a pattern of socialization to a game-show-style transaction. As Brave Parenting continues to evaluate the ways media and technology have changed how people live, communicate, and relate, today’s look at shopping and the massively popular app Temu provides excellent context.  Be sure to check out our Brave...

We are living in a global loneliness epidemic. Headlines saturate media news surrounding the growing problem – we collected at least ten published within twenty-four hours. In today’s episode, we highlight some of the first solutions offered by the new global initiative to combat loneliness by the World Health Organization, co-led by the U.S. Surgeon General. Like always, we look at th...

Common Sense Media published research about a week in the life of a young person’s smartphone use, and they named it “Constant Companion.” In today’s episode, Kelly and Chelsea review the key findings in the study as well as unpack the implications of a smartphone as a “constant companion” in the lives of young people today. As always, we look at these findings...

In this episode, Kelly and Chelsea discuss the recently filed lawsuit against Facebook and Instagram’s parent company, Meta. Currently, the attorney generals of forty-one states have united against one common enemy in order to protect and preserve the well-being of one common victim: children. Is this legitimate? Why are the states taking action instead of the parents? What harm is actually...

November is the month that we shine a light on the dark reality of online pornography. And today, we specifically highlight the newest debate on the ethics of AI porn. Is it now “ethical” since it doesn’t exploit people in the making of it? We provide clear definitions for you to understand the intricacies and an apologetic (defense) for you to use when dealing with this topic. A...

Have you ever answered someone’s “How are you?” question with “Busy” ? Today, we aim to define the difference between busyness and productivity and seek to honestly answer how much of that would change if our media/screen/entertainment time went down (or away completely).  The word of God tells us we are to “be careful how we live, not as unwise but wise, making...

Today we are talking about some recent news headlines surrounding social media and the culture it breeds. How do parents handle Snapchat? Do you know what the new research reveals about teens notifications? Why are Gen Z young adults so lonely? Should I got to college to be an influencer? All of this from a biblical worldview. Articles Referenced: Should I let my kid use Snapchat? Kids and Teens A...

Continuing our conversation about baby and toddler screen time, today we have Dr. Vivian Carlin providing her expert insight as a pediatrician. We discuss the potential benefits and detriments of consistent screen time at young ages (whether that be television, iPads, smartphones, or video games). Dr. Carlin explains the nuances of research out there and provides practical ways parents can navigat...

In today’s episode, we’re reflecting on and wading through the murky waters of screen time for our youngest kiddos. We look at the pros and cons of screen time for babies and toddlers and discuss the nuanced nature of scientific research surrounding this topic. As online media and screen technology continue to advance at a rapid speed, this topic isn’t as black and white as we&#8...

This week, we are sharing our best practices for giving kids smartwatches. Are they appropriate? At what age? What type of watch is best for kids?  We’ve got answers to all these questions and more. We also analyze the narrative surrounding smartwatches on parenting websites and blogs through a biblical lens. Scripture referenced: Psalm 119:11 Proverbs 22:6 1 Cor 7:35 ___________ Sign up for...

In this episode, Kelly discusses the WHY of boundaries and restrictions for media and internet-connected devices. Parents, you must know the WHY before you can APPLY. Otherwise, when it gets tough, you’ll give up. Also, Kelly reviews the best kid-safe smartphone for parents to consider and reviews all of Brave Parenting’s best practices for boundaries and restrictions for the devices i...

While it seems like Gen Z has lost their faith and their way, we have another guest today who will shatter that presumption. Sam Langenbahn is finishing his senior year at Texas A&M while simultaneously in seminary at Dallas Theological Seminary. He shares with us how his home life growing up: learning to study Scripture, praying as a family, attending and serving in church, and (you guessed i...

Every small, next, right step parents take to help raise their children in the knowledge and discipline of the Lord makes an impact. If that’s prayer, if it’s family devotionals, Bible reading, or if that step is private school or home curriculum on worldview or theology – every bit of that adds to the foundation of a child’s faith. Today, our Gen Z ambassador Mary Katherin...

As Christian parents raising children in the knowledge and discipline of the Lord, student and youth ministries serve as a vital adjunct to our kids’ discipleship. What happens, though, when their smartphones and online media content become a stumbling block during student ministry? How can the youth pastor do his job if the phone constantly vies for the kid’s attention? Today we are t...

Continuing in our SET UP FOR SCHOOl series, today we have the perspective of a Classical Christian private school headmaster. In last week’s episode , we heard a public school perspective on how online media and screen time impact education; check it out if you haven’t already. Asking the same questions today, we think you might be surprised by the similarities and differences between...