Ask Alice

Rooted introduces a new podcast focused on youth ministry in an Asian American context. It features a rotating panel of youth ministers who will talk about issues affecting Asian American youth and anyone ministering to them, whether in the home or in the church. This episode is a sample of what you will hear. The first full episode is available now at RootedMinistry.com/Podcasts. Or subscribe to the Asian American Youth Ministry Roundtable wherever you listen to podcasts. Bios of PanelistsDorothy Lau Dorothy is the youth director at the Chinese Bible Church of Maryland (Rockville, MD) in the Washington D.C. metropolitan. She is passionate to serve the Lord through discipleship, musical worship, administration, and multimedia. Dorothy is a massive foodie, enjoys cooking for loved ones, and delights in trips to her home city of Chicago.Huey Lee Huey Lee has been serving the local church in the youth ministry context for over 15 years, and holds a Masters of Divinity from Biblical Theological Seminary. He currently serves as a Pastor of Youth Ministry at Christ Central Presbyterian Church in Centreville, VA. He is married to his beautiful wife, Alice, and they are parents to 4 sons: Matthew, Ethan, Christian, and Lucas. He loves reading, Korean food, a good cup of coffee, and the growing pains that come with learning to play golf.Justin WongJustin serves as the Pastor of Youth at Chinese Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. He has worked with students, parents, and families for the past 23 years. He graduated from Houston Baptist University with a biology degree and later received his Masters of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is currently finishing his Masters of Theology and Doctorate of Education from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married Tina and they have two girls, Ella and Mia.Terrence ShayTerrence serves as the Family Pastor at First Chinese Baptist Church, Walnut, located in Los Angeles County with the largest Asian population in the US. He has grown up in the immigrant church and believes unashamedly in its role to fulfill Jesus' call to make disciples across all cultures and generations. He is gladly married to Regina and forever growing as a father of three children from middle school to college. He will go out of his way to cheer on LA sports (Lakers, Dodgers, UCLA Bruins) and to engage in a meaningful conversation.

Join licensed counselor (and boy mom) Alice Churnock for the 50th episode of Ask Alice. Alice and guest Anna Meade Harris talk about their favorite- and most helpful- episodes. You'll want to listen all the way through for an exciting announcement at the end!"I appreciated hearing, especially from someone in education, who was adamant about letting kids fail."Resources:Join us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas October 24-26!Follow us @rootedministryPurchase Anxiety: Finding the Better Story by Liz Edrington today!Sissy Goff on Mothers, Daughters, and Female Friendships What Teens Hear When Parents Talk, with author David ThomasSilver Linings in the Midst of a PandemicDivorce and Coparenting During the Holidays – Practical Ways to Help Kids Transition Between Homes and Traditions Let's Talk About Pornography with Tal PrinceHeather Holleman on Lunchroom Rejection and Acceptance in ChristHow to hold Christian Values in a Public Education Setting, with Dr. Dicky BarlowFathers Raising Daughters- A Father's Day Interview With Dr. Langston Haygood

“Transition is good and it's right. And it may feel uncomfortable because it's unknown, but that's exactly how we were made to experience that transition and throughout all of our transitions, we have a God that doesn't change.”In this episode of Ask Alice, Alice sits down with Kaila Thomas, a Licensed Master Social Worker, to discuss how parents can help their children navigate transitions, both big and small. Alice and Kaila discuss the most common transitions children face, how parents can engage with their child's emotions regarding transitions, practical tips for helping your child through a transition, and much more. As Summer ends and we make the transition to a new school year, parents will not want to miss this informative and grace-filled conversation. Show Notes: Kaila Thomas is a Licensed Master Social Worker practicing on Galveston Island, a barrier island off the coast of Texas. She works as a school-based therapist at an elementary school. Kaila graduated from Baylor University with both a Bachelor and Master of Social Work. Kaila enjoys running, visiting friends and family, and going to concerts.Check out Kaila's articles on the Rooted blog! Order Anxiety: Finding the Better Story by Liz Edrington today!Interested in learning more about gospel-centered parenting? Join us for the 2023 Rooted Conference in Nashville, TN November 2-4. Follow @therootedministry on Social Media! 

In this episode, Alice interviews best-selling author and speaker, Heather Holleman on her upcoming fictional book for tweens, This Seat's Saved. Heather and Alice discuss the feeling of lunchroom rejection that commonly occurs in middle school, and how to encourage our kids with the truth that they already have a seat at the table with Christ. Alice discusses the emerging diagnosis, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, and explains its common characteristics. Parents will be encouraged to see how the gospel is good news for both parents and teenagers who struggle with the hurt of rejection. Dr. Heather Holleman is an associate teaching professor at Penn State, speaker, and author. She has written eight books, including the bestseller Seated With Christ: Living Freely in a Culture of Comparison.Heather also serves with Faculty Commons in the professor and graduate student ministry of Cru. She has two daughters and three cats, and she blogs daily at www.heatherholleman.com.  When she's not writing or teaching, Heather is growing a plum orchard, looking for turtles in the woods, or gathering with friends for dinner and a movie.References:Rejection sensitive dysphoria definition from Cleveland clinicThis Seat's Saved by Heather Holleman is out on June 6th and is available for pre-order now.“Seated With Christ: Living Freely in a Culture of Comparison” by Heather Holleman 

In this episode of Ask Alice, Alice interviews author and mental health counselor, Liz Edrington on her 31-day teen devotional: Anxiety: Finding the Better Story. Listen in as these two experts in teenage anxiety discuss common misconceptions of anxiety, how to spot patterns of anxious behavior in your child, and how to walk with a child or teenager who is struggling with anxiety. Using her own story with anxiety, Liz invites us to consider how Jesus invites both us and our children into wholeness in the face of anxiety. Resources:Pre-order Anxiety: Finding the Better Story by Liz Edrington today! Subscribe to Ask Alice and check out all the other Rooted podcasts!Follow @therootedministry on Instagram!Check out our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Ask Alice, Alice interviews longtime superintendent and former principal, Dr. Dicky Barlow, on being a Christian in public education. Dr. Barlow speaks as both an administrator and as a Christian parent. He understands the concerns parents have with the public school system, yet he underscores the excitement of having a child growing up in the age of accessible technology. He addresses ways that parents can partner with teachers so that their values systems are more aligned, as well as the standards to which he holds the teachers in his school system. Dicky Barlow serves as the superintendent of a public school system in Alabama. Dr. Barlow earned his doctorate at Samford University.Resources:Subscribe to Ask Alice!  Follow @therootedministry on Instagram  Sign up to join us for our 2023 conference in Nashville, TN! Family Discussion Questions by Dr. Barlow

In this episode of Ask Alice, Alice interviews mom Suzanne Jones on how she addresses drinking with her own teenage children. As someone who has been sober for years, Suzanne candidly and wisely offers insight to teenage drinking after being in the depths herself. She and Alice discuss the driving factors of underaged drinking, as well as warning signs for parents to look for. Their conversation includes practical methods for parents to openly discuss the dangers and consequences of drinking and ways to provide teenagers with in-the-moment excuses when they are offered alcohol. Suzanne encourages parents to offer grace without shame while still enforcing consequences for illegal behavior. You'll learn that there is hope for the teenager who drinks to fit in, escape, or numb— all found in Jesus. Resources:Suzanne Jones is a jewelry designer based in Birmingham, Alabama. She and her husband have four children, and she loves sharing her experience of walking away from alcohol in early 2000's and the transformation of her life and marriage. Subscribe to Ask Alice! Follow @therootedministry on Instagram Sign up to join us for our 2023 conference in Nashville, TN! Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services AdministrationNational Center on Substance Abuse and Child WelfareTo Drink or Not to Drink: Is That Really the Question? By Liz Edrington Underage Drinking: Just Say YES! (Sort Of) by Cameron Cole Sharon Hersh on the Anatomy of Addiction 

In this episode of Ask Alice, Alice interviews counselor and author, Julie Lowe about her newest book, SafeGuards: Shielding Our Homes and Equipping our Kids. Julie teaches parents how to guide our children into discerning the behavior of another, not merely evaluating their character. She and Alice detail their thoughts about spend-the-night parties, and the better alternative to 'stranger danger.' Julie concludes with practical role-playing conversations to guide critical thinking in our children, as well as compassionately addressing those parents who have already experienced unsafe people in their children's lives.Resources:Safe Guards: Shielding Our Homes and Equipping our Kids by Julie LoweRooted Reservoir

For our daughters, relationships with other women are often the most important aspect of their lives. In this new year's episode of Ask Alice, Alice interviews author, speaker and counselor, Sissy Goff, on how to nurture healthy relationships between moms and daughters, and daughters with friends. She provides practical tips on deescalating emotionally intense conflicts, as well as addressing the balance between being a mom and being a friend to your daughter. Sissy addresses the growing sense of anxiety that both moms and daughters experience in our pre- and post-Covid world. She also discusses the change that social media has brought to adolescent relationships and how to help our daughters identify unhealthy friendships.Resources: The Worry-Free Parent: Living in Confidence So Your Kids Can Too by Sissy Goff Lpc-Mhsp MEd Lpc-MhspRaising Worry-Free Girls: Helping Your Daughter Feel Braver, Stronger, and Smarter in an Anxious World by Sissy Goff and Carlos Whittaker Brave: A Teen Girl's Guide to Beating Worry and Anxiety by Sissy GoffBraver, Stronger, Smarter: A Girl's Guide to Overcoming Worry & Anxiety by Sissy Goff and Alena Pitts Are My Kids on Track?: The 12 Emotional, Social, and Spiritual Milestones Your Child Needs to Reach by Sissy Goff, Melissa Trevathan MRE, et al. www.raisingboysandgirls.com

For those families dealing with divorce, the holidays bring an extra layer of complexity. In this episode of Ask Alice, Alice interviews Divorce and Family Mediation and Licensed Marriage and Family therapist, Sara Hadgraft, on how to help both parents and children enjoy the Christmas season - even if it looks different from years past. She addresses visitation schedules and gift giving, as well as providing parents with the language to address both the emotional and spiritual questions about divorce that may arise as children adjust to a new normal.Resources:www.sparrowcounsel.comCoparent Dilemmas podcast hosted by Diane DierksBIFF for CoParent Communication: Your Guide to Difficult Texts, Emails, and Social Media Posts (Conflict Communication Series, 3) by Bill Eddy, Annette Burns, et al.Dinosaurs Divorce (Dino Tales: Life Guides for Families) by Marc Brown and Laurie Krasny BrownTwo Homes by Claire Masurel My 2 Homes: A Game to Help Kids Understand and Accept Divorce manufactured by Childswork/Childsplay

With the season of food and fullness upon us, in this episode of Ask Alice, she interviews Registered Dietitian and Professor, Dr. Melissa Powell, on ways that parents can help kids - and themselves - survive the season of sweets and stuffed. She explains the notion of mindfulness and intuitive eating, as opposed to the "anything goes" or "forbidden fruit" mentality. While Alice approaches the emotional component of holiday foods, Melissa provides insight on balancing food choices. She also encourages the notion of hospitality by teaching kids a spirit of gratitude and appreciating foods from other cultures and families.Resources:Children Just Like Me: A New Celebration of Children Around the World by DKThe Harvard Nutrition Source Melissa-Powell [at] utc.eduBiblical Wisdom for Teenagers' Eating Habits by Melissa Powell 

While this episode of Ask Alice is geared toward younger children, the wisdom that her guest, Joel Busby, brings is applicable to kids of all ages. Alice and Joel discuss conveying the Gospel through everything from our beautiful world to discipline to allowing kids to appreciate silence. In his thoughtful and kind manner, Joel tackles the tough questions kids often ask such as "Why does God allow bad things to happen?" and "How do I know that my faith is right when my friends worship with other religions?"Resources:Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing by Sally-Lloyd JonesHow Great is Our God by Louie GiglioThe Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally-Lloyd Jones

In this episode, Alice is joined by Davis Lacey, a former youth pastor who now leads a young church plant in Ellijay, GA (Autumn Ridge Community Church). Drawing from personal experience, Davis shares how churches which take intergenerational integration seriously are great assets for family discipleship and growing faith in teenagers - even if those churches don't have formal "youth groups." Then, he and Alice dive into this week's questions, including, "Should I force my child to go to youth group?", "Is it OK for my child to attend another church's youth group?", "How can I support my child's youth leaders while respecting my child's space?", and more. Show notes: Rooted's 3-Part "Church Planting as Youth Ministry" series of articles, available using the links at the top of article #3 (https://rootedministry.com/blog/church-planting-and-youth-ministry-three-steps-to-help-teenagers-serve-your-church/)Take you pick of other articles from Rooted's "Intergenerational Integration" tab. https://rootedministry.com/?tag=intergenerational-integration&post_types&author_id&s

In this episode of Ask Alice, Alice addresses what is, in her opinion, one of the most underserved populations among kids today: biological siblings in adoption homes. She interviews author, counselor, and mother of an adopted daughter Jennifer Phillips on the joys and trials of bringing an adopted child into the home. She discusses common issues that biological children experience during the adjustment stage, including their own trauma and feelings of displacement. Jennifer gently encourages parents to let go of the pressure to "do it right" and provides beautiful, gospel-filled language on explaining adoption to children.Resources:Social media handles: FB - Jennifer Phillips / Insta - @jennifer_leigh_phillipsBringing Lucy Home by Jennifer PhillipsHope When it's Hard by Jennifer PhillipsUnhitching from the Crazy Train: Finding Rest in a World You Can't Control by Julie Sparkman and Jennifer Phillips

In this episode of Ask Alice, Alice welcomes the hosts of another Rooted podcast you will want to subscribe to. The Rooted Parent Podcast, hosted by Cameron Cole and Anna Meade Harris, aims to equip and encourage parents as they disciple their children to lifelong faith in Jesus Christ. Rooted Parent is a part of the Rooted Family of Podcasts.Resources:The Rooted Parent PodcastJohn chapter 4

In this episode of Ask Alice, Alice discusses the post-Mother's Day reality that often consumes our daily thoughts - mom guilt. She answers questions from our listeners but also uses her own mom-fail moment to discuss the dangerous, slippery slope that guilt leads to. She distinguishes between Mom-guilt and Mom-shame, and processes the idols that these can expose in our parenting. Using Gospel-centered truths, she illustrates how grace toward ourselves and other struggling moms can end the spiral of unhealthy lies. Resources:14 Gospel Principles that can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp"Surface Pressure" from Encanto by Lin-Manuel Miranda

In this episode of Ask Alice, Alice interviews editor and author Betsy Childs Howard on her newest children's book, Polly and the Screen Time Overload. The two discuss the updated recommendations for screen time use in children, as well as the differences in technology from a decade ago. In her gentle and humble way, Betsy provides excellent dialog opportunities for parents to have with kids on what Scripture says - without saying - on screen time usage and the necessary why's behind screen time boundaries.Resources:Polly and the Screen Time Overload by Betsy Childs Howard

Resources:College Data point comparisons and rankings:https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/https://www.wsj.com/articles/college-rankings-list-2022-11632246093https://www.usnews.com/best-collegesCollege Search Platformshttps://www.niche.com/https://www.collegexpress.comhttps://www.scoir.com/https://www.naviance.com/

Resources:The God Attachment by Clinton and StraubEmpowered to Connect - www.empoweredtoconnect.orgThe Connected Child: Bring Hope and Healing to Your Adoptive Family by Karyn B. PurvisThe Connected Parent: Real-Life Strategies for Building Trust and Attachment by Karyn B. Purvis

Resources:Raising a Strong Daughter in a Toxic Culture by Meg MeekerCodependent No More by Melanie BeattieGet Your Story Straight by Kristen Hatton

Resources:Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol  DweckBig Life Journal Teen EditionThe 12 Week Year by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington

Resources: The 5 Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Ross CampbellLove Like Jesus by Kurt BennettThe Precious Present by Spencer Johnson

For more about David and the books he has authored, visit https://www.raisingboysandgirls.com 

For further reading: The Matheny Manifesto: A Young Manager's Old-School Views on Success in Sports and Life

BOOKS: The Whole Brained ChildADHD Workbook for KidsSmart but ScatteredTaking Charge of ADHDUnderstanding Girls with ADHD: How they Feel and Why They Do What They DoWEBSITES: Differential Efficacy of Neurofeedback in Children with ADHD Presentations: Journal of Clinical MedicineIn-School Neurofeedback Training for ADHD: Sustained Improvements From a Randomized Control Trial: Journal of the American Academy of PediatricsWhat Are the Top ADHD Resources? Resources for Enfolding Youth with Disabilities Into Your Ministry   

Preparing Teenagers for Homesickness in College by Alice ChurnockA Letter to Teenagers Beginning Sorority Recruitment by Cameron ColeWhy We Don't Have to Fear Sending a Child off to College by Carolyn LankfordGod's Goodness in Parenting Transitions: From High School to College by Carolyn LankfordThe Strength Gen Z Christians Need by Chris ColquittYou Are Special by Max Lucado

More from Alice on the topic of divorce: Interview with Melody Lovvorn on Parenting Children Through a Divorce 

More about Tal Prince: https://insightscc.com/More Resources:Ask Rooted: How Does the Gospel Comfort and Guide My Student Who is Struggling with Porn? I Just Caught My Kid Looking at PornSix Dangers of Porn to Teach Your Kids 

Check out part one of the interview where John gives an overview of the Enneagram and how it can be used in relationships with others and ministry. Check out all of the free resources and tools that Gospel Enneagram has to offer at https://www.gospelenneagram.com/ 

More from Ask Alice Podcast: Ask Alice: Fostering Healthy Relationships With Food In Our Children Ask Alice: SAD (Seasonal Affect Disorder) Ask Alice: Talking to Your Kids About Current Events Ask Alice: Screen Protection for Youth

Listen and be encouraged as Alice Churnock speaks with Suzanne Pirkle, licensed dietitian and nutritional counselor, discuss the importance of fostering healthy relationships with food in our children. Suzanne and Alice give practical advice on staying neutral when discussing food as well as debunk the glorifying and demonization of certain food groups. They also share practical advice on raising a child to grow in their relationship with food in a healthy manner.

In this episode, host Alice Churnock discusses Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD): what it is, what causes it, and how to spot its onset in the lives of the teenagers you know and love. She also provides insight into the routines, structures, foods, etc. that help manage the negative impacts of seasonal depression. Whether you're listening for your own sake, or whether you're wanting ideas on how to care for someone who experiences SAD, we hope that you'll be served well by this episode of Ask Alice.

Rooted article by Cameron Cole: What Do We Tell Our Children About the Storming of the Capitol? 

In this episode, Alice is joined by Trey and Melody Lovvorn to discuss the important topic of screen protections for young people. As Christmas approaches, and as many families plan to give internet-accessible devices as gifts, don't miss this vitally important conversation!

In this episode, host Alice Churnock discusses two important struggles which many teenagers encounter. The first is body dysmorphia, in which a person can't stop obsessing about a perceived flaw in his/her appearance. The second is gender dysphoria: the anxiety that besets a person who perceives a conflict between his/her inner-identity and his/her biological sex. Alice explains how parents can walk alongside of teenagers who struggle with these sensations. Above all, she reminds listeners of the hope of the gospel - a source of supernatural transformation that impacts the whole person, not merely outer appearance.

In his book "Getting Love Right," Terence Gorski estimates that 70%-80% of people grow up in dysfunctional families. Citing the biblical doctrine of original sin, host Alice Churnock states that we all grow up in some form of a dysfunctional family - we all grow up as sinners who are raised by sinners! Alice identifies the different ways that broken and dysfunctional home-life impacts young children and adolescents. After equipping listeners with the knowledge to recognize depression and anxiety in teenagers, Alice then gives practical advice on how to care for the souls of young people whose homes are broken/dysfunctional.

In this episode of Ask Alice, host Alice Churnock interviews her good friend Kari Kampakis regarding the release of Kari's new book, "Loving Her Well: 10 Ways to Find Joy and Connection with Your Teenage Daughter." Kari discusses a number of topics of interest: the difference between being an "authority figure" and an "influencer" of teen daughters, how to grow with grace as the mother/daughter relationship morphs over time, and practical methods to love teenage daughters in ways that reflect the way Jesus loves His people. We hope that you are equipped and encouraged by this grace-filled resource from the Rooted Family of Podcasts.

In this episode of Ask Alice, licensed professional counselor Alice Churnock discusses social anxiety by highlighting the many ways that COVID-19 has exacerbated it among children and teenagers. She then provides good words of gospel hope that will be of encouragement to parents and children alike. Finally, she outlines a number of practical ways to overcome social anxiety amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

In this very special Father’s Day episode of Ask Alice, Alice Churnock interviews her father, Dr. Langston Haygood, a counselor and pastor who raised three daughters (who, in Alice’s words, are all “amazing!”). Listen in as father and daughter have a candid conversation on the joys and trials of raising daughters. Hear his wisdom on meeting the needs of a daughter at various developmental stages, relating to her in the teen years, and opening the lines of communication. Dr. Haygood shares all sorts of gospel-rich wisdom for fathers who seek to parent daughters with wisdom and grace. This heartwarming interview is both endearing and informative – be sure to give it a listen to encourage the fathers and daughters in your life!

Please also see Boys, Body Image, and A Better Story.

See also:Summertime Blues: Sibling Love- or Lack Thereof by Katie PolskiSanctification By Sibling: Seven Encouragements for the Parent Who Love Them by Anna Meade HarrisA Gospel Vision for Helping Your Students Love Their Siblings by Chelsea Kingston Erickson

In this episode of “Ask Alice,” Alice Churnock reached out to many of her friends in search of COVID-19 “silver linings.” Be encouraged by the responses she reads in this episode … and be equipped to go find some silver linings of your own. This podcast is made available to you by the Rooted Ministry for educational purposes only, not to provide specific therapeutic advice. The views expressed are the personal perspectives of the author and do not represent the views of all counselors or the profession. This podcast does not create a counselor-client relationship and should not be used as a substitute for competent therapeutic counsel from a licensed professional in your state.

War. Cancer. Kidnapping. Terrorism. Pandemic. Our world is scary and unsure at best. The ongoing list of fears can be never-ending, and with the rates of childhood anxiety increasing rapidly, its proof that our kids are not immune to fear either. In this episode, Alice hears from a parent whose child is struggling with the fear of death following Kobe Bryant’s passing. She discusses the mindset of a fearful child and their natural tendency to avoid talking about it, which unfortunately leads to additional fear and anxiety. Alice provides practical advice on approaching difficult circumstances with a child, as well as how to convey the peace and comfort that comes from the solid foundation of the Gospel.Questions for Youth Groups:What are the fearful events that affect you the most – globally and locally?What are ways that you respond to these potentially uncertain circumstances?If you could visibly see God in these events, would it change how you reacted? If so, how?In Philippians 4, Paul speaks of the “peace of God which surpasses all understanding” – what does that mean for how we can live our lives and help those who may be overwhelmed with fears?

Questions for Reflection:Melody discussed being an “elder brother” as part of her own sin. What are areas of sin that the Lord has revealed to you as you have walked through your own trauma?How did you explain the divorce to your children? Has it been difficult for you to refrain from slandering your ex?How can you use your painful experience to further the kingdom of God?Resources:Undoneredone.com – Melody and Traylor Lovvorn’s website and organization. The Lovvorns have an excellent podcast that you will find here, as well as on iTunes. Their podcast guests have included Elyse Fitzpatrick, Jackie Hill Perry, Dan Allender, and David Zahl, among many others.The Smart Step-Family: Seven Steps to a Healthy Family by Ron L. Deal.Dinosaurs Divorce: A Guide for Changing Families by Marc Brown and Laurie Krasny Brown. An excellent resource for parents of young children, this picture book works to answer the many questions children will have when they find out their parents are divorcing.Living with Your Husband’s Secret Wars by Marsha Means. For women whose husbands are caught in a web of sexual sin.This podcast is made available to you by the Rooted Ministry for educational purposes only, not to provide specific therapeutic advice. The views expressed are the personal perspectives of the author and do not represent the views of all counselors or the profession. This podcast does not create a counselor-client relationship and should not be used as a substitute for competent therapeutic counsel from a licensed professional in your state.

  This podcast is made available to you by the Rooted Ministry for educational purposes only, not to provide specific therapeutic advice. The views expressed are the personal perspectives of the author and do not represent the views of all counselors or the profession. This podcast does not create a counselor-client relationship and should not be used as a substitute for competent therapeutic counsel from a licensed professional in your state.

Suicide affects millions of Americans; it will affect nearly all of us directly or indirectly through the course of our lifetime. Our teens desperately for need for the adults in their lives to be equipped to share Biblical truth and hope whenever the topic comes up. We highly recommend Randy Alcorn’s beautiful piece, Suicide, Heaven, and Jesus- the Final Answer to Our Sorrow. Prompted by the recent suicide of beloved young pastor Jarrid Wilson, this article offers biblical consolation and hope for those grieving a suicide as well as those suffering from suicidal thoughts. Alcorn also links other resources you may find helpful, including biblical counselor Dave Powlison’s helpful booklet, Grieving a Suicide: Help for the Aftershock.In the podcast Alice recommends the resources at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; click here.We also encourage you to check out youth ministry leader Walt Mueller’s articles: Adolescent Suicide: Number, Prayer, and a Helpful Handout… as well as Responding to Kids Who “Can’t Handle This Sucky World Any Longer.”Resources from Rooted:Alice Churnock’s extremely helpful article: If My Dad Loved Me, Why Did He Commit Suicide?Articles about Thirteen Reasons Why, the Netflix series Alice references on the podcast.Thirteen Reasons Why We Need to Have Conversations With Our Kids by Kristen HattonHope This Helps: Responding to Thirteen Reasons Why by Charlotte GetzFor the issue of self-harm, which Alice discusses but differentiates from the desire to commit suicide, please see:Understanding Self-Injury by Liz EdringtonA Call to Incarnational Ministry in the Face of Teen Self-Harm by Taylor MendozaThe number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255.This podcast is made available to you by the Rooted Ministry for educational purposes only, not to provide specific therapeutic advice. The views expressed are the personal perspectives of the author and do not represent the views of all counselors or the profession. This podcast does not create a counselor-client relationship and should not be used as a substitute for competent therapeutic counsel from a licensed professional in your state.

In this episode of Ask Alice, licensed professional counselor Alice Churnock speaks with veteran pediatrician Stacey Gilbert, who answers questions from parents who are exploring medication as an option for their children. Dr. Gilbert dispels myths and encourages a balanced perspective on meds. With so many confusing and conflicting reports about medication, this episode of Ask Alice allows parents to hear the truth directly from a professional.Dr. Gilbert addresses the following questions:How young is too young to put a child on medication?What would cause you to start a child on meds ? What symptoms are you looking for?How long do most kids take meds and are they addictive?What is a black box warning and should that deter us from starting a kid on meds?How do medications work – what do they do for the brain?As a Christian, how can I justify placing my child on medication?On the Rooted blog , we work to address teen depression through the lens of the Gospel. Here are some articles and podcasts we hope you and the parents of your students will find helpful:Only the Gospel Will Save Teens From Their Anxiety by Seth StewartTo the Parent Struggling With a Struggling Teen by Kristen HattonParenting A Child With Major Depressive Disorder by Ingram LinkRooted Podcast: Dave Thomas on Adolescent Anxiety Rooted Podcast: Gospel Contextualization of Anxiety and Academic Pressure in Affluent Suburban and Asian American Contexts with Cameron Cole and Clark FobesIn addition, check out the Special Challenges section of our Resources tab for more Rooted articles and other resources on topics such as depression, grief, and perfectionism.This podcast is made available to you by the Rooted Ministry for educational purposes only, not to provide specific therapeutic advice. The views expressed are the personal perspectives of the author and do not represent the views of all counselors or the profession. This podcast does not create a counselor-client relationship and should not be used as a substitute for competent therapeutic counsel from a licensed professional in your state.

From Alice: The past week has been up and down in my office as the thought of heading back to school is starting to slap us all in the face. Where we live school starts in very early August. Just about every kid I’ve talked to has wanted to process their upcoming school schedule. So while the kids are dealing with disappointment, we’ve had some excellent parent questions this week on how to handle the let-downs our kids are facing.Here are a couple of the questions Alice will be addressing in this month’s episode:Riley Reed, a mom of three in Nashville: “My oldest daughter is 12 years old and she’s dedicated her time and energy to an incredible theater group in town. She’s put in long hours, paid for extra training and received high scores in the placement levels. However, for some unknown reason, she was not asked to advance to the upper level ensemble when a lot of her friends did. She’s sad, but honestly, I’m mad. How can I walk rightly with her through this disappointment, while I’m still hurt and frustrated too?”Virginia in Virginia: “My son is going into 3rdgrade this year and several of his friends have moved away or are going to a different school. He’s so upset that he’s already made up his mind that its going to be a horrible year. How can I help him push past his disappointment and make the most of a hard situation?”This podcast is made available to you by the Rooted Ministry for educational purposes only, not to provide specific therapeutic advice. The views expressed are the personal perspectives of the author and do not represent the views of all counselors or the profession. This podcast does not create a counselor-client relationship and should not be used as a substitute for competent therapeutic counsel from a licensed professional in your state.

 This podcast is made available to you by the Rooted Ministry for educational purposes only, not to provide specific therapeutic advice. The views expressed are the personal perspectives of the author and do not represent the views of all counselors or the profession. This podcast does not create a counselor-client relationship and should not be used as a substitute for competent therapeutic counsel from a licensed professional in your state.

This podcast is made available to you by the Rooted Ministry for educational purposes only, not to provide specific therapeutic advice. The views expressed are the personal perspectives of the author and do not represent the views of all counselors or the profession. This podcast does not create a counselor-client relationship and should not be used as a substitute for competent therapeutic counsel from a licensed professional in your state.

  This podcast is made available to you by the Rooted Ministry for educational purposes only, not to provide specific therapeutic advice. The views expressed are the personal perspectives of the author and do not represent the views of all counselors or the profession. This podcast does not create a counselor-client relationship and should not be used as a substitute for competent therapeutic counsel from a licensed professional in your state.