From Disney Star to Vixen

Posted on: 07/11/16 4:21 PM | by Jonathan McKee

demi-lovato-body-sayDemi Lovato is in the headlines again with her sexy new release, Body Say.

Sadly, her story isn’t very unique:

  • Disney star. My own girls watched her show Sonny with a Chance and the Camp Rock movies.
  • At age 18, she dropped out of a tour because of some “emotional and physical issues” (self-mutilation, eating disorders).
  • She returned to the scene with a new confidence… in fact… the name of her new album last year was Confident, sporting her new sexy look… and sexy new songs (you probably our post about her song Cool for the Summer, a song about her desire for a lesbian hook up).

Well Demi’s back, and she’s pushing the sexy envelope again with her Continue reading “From Disney Star to Vixen”

The Draw of Nudity

Posted on: 07/7/16 5:45 AM | by Jonathan McKee

dating-nakedIn 2013 The Discovery Channel launched a show with the title Naked and Afraid. It’s now in its 5th season. The following year VH1 launched Dating Naked. The Season 3 premier was on last week.

What’s next… Bowling Naked?

Nudity has been a draw for audiences since before I was born, but now, much more commonplace. Many of you might recall an article I wrote on the subject in 2013, The Naked Truth. That previous TV season had seen a 407 percent increase of “blurred nudity” than the season prior.

Continue reading “The Draw of Nudity”

TV Christianity

Posted on: 06/30/16 5:45 AM | by Jonathan McKee

the real onealsIn my lifetime I’ve noticed a huge shift in opinion about Christians and the local church… and it ain’t been good! “Christian” is rapidly becoming a naughty word.

If you ever turn on TV or go to the movies, it’s not uncommon to hear the perception that faith is at the root of a vast number of societal ills. In fact, some have even studied these perceptions of faith and Christianity.

The question I want to ask is, where are people learning this?

Two answers emerge Continue reading “TV Christianity”

On TV Last Week

Posted on: 06/28/16 5:45 AM | by Jonathan McKee

Jonathan-on-TV

Last week I was interviewed on live TV, the Canadian TV show 100 Huntley Street, sharing ideas from my new book about how to actually connect with our kids who can’t seem to pry their eyes from their mobile devices.

The interview was fun– take a peek:

Continue reading “On TV Last Week”

SNL Mocks Christian Films

Posted on: 05/24/16 5:45 AM | by Jonathan McKee

SNL-mocks-christian-moviesSaturday Night Live (SNL) has been poking fun at Christians for years. The question I want to ask is: is there any validity to their jesting? Or more importantly, can we learn anything from it?

A few weeks ago SNL did a sketch mocking the film God’s Not Dead (and the sequel), mixed with the recent controversy about Christians refusing to provide services for gay weddings.

Continue reading “SNL Mocks Christian Films”

At what age should I let my kid have a phone?

Posted on: 05/3/16 5:45 AM | by Jonathan McKee

http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-image-cute-little-girl-using-cell-phone-taking-selfie-portrait-happy-image52775476I hear the question at every parenting workshop I teach. It comes in many forms:

“How young is too young for my kids to have their own phone?”

“I didn’t get my kid a phone… I just got them an iPad. Is that dangerous?”

“My 11-year-old daughter wants an Instagram account. Should I let her?

“What age should I let them have access to all of this stuff?!!”

Let me give you the quick answer: 13-years-old.

It’s a question I have to keep answering again and again for parents. So let me show you a few places where it’s been addressed in detail lately.

Continue reading “At what age should I let my kid have a phone?”

52 Ways to Connect

Posted on: 04/28/16 5:45 AM | by Jonathan McKee

The book, the workshop… it’s happening.

Last night I taught my brand new parent workshop, Connect with Your Smartphone Obsessed Kid, for the second time. I’m excited with the feedback I’m hearing so far! And speaking of feedback…

My publisher just sent the final cover of the book, 52 Ways to Connect with Your Smartphone Obsessed Kid, to the printer. I really like the way it turned out (with Shaunti’s kind words on the front)…

Continue reading “52 Ways to Connect”

Netflix Binging

Posted on: 04/12/16 5:45 AM | by Jonathan McKee

girl_watchingphone-DP.comAnd how we can use Netflix to connect with our kids

It’s funny how the proliferation of mobile devices is actually changing the way young people watch entertainment. One of the biggest changes is video streaming.

Think about it. At the turn of the Millennium, had you ever even heard the word “Netflix”? It wasn’t until 2001 when the company’s name began gaining recognition because Best Buy gave them exposure. You, like me, might remember them in the early 2000’s as a unique way to “rent movies” through the mail. Then come 2007 they began their video streaming services…

…and entertainment changed.

Now if you walk through a college dorm and see a Continue reading “Netflix Binging”

Helping Today’s Parents

Posted on: 04/5/16 5:45 AM | by Jonathan McKee

girl-dad-fightMy 3 Favorite Places to Get Real-World Help for Parents

Parenting was difficult for my parents, and I wasn’t even begging them for a Smartphone! Now add technology into the mix… how are today’s parents even supposed to handle the following situations (true circumstances parents ask me about constantly):

  • My daughter just sits and watches Netflix all afternoon… and honestly… I don’t even know what she’s watching.
  • My 11-year-old son plays X-box with his headset on talking with who knows. Should I know who he’s talking to?
  • My teenagers’ favorite app is Continue reading “Helping Today’s Parents”

Today’s Teens Compared to Yesterday’s Teens

Posted on: 02/23/16 5:45 AM | by Jonathan McKee

Today's Kids DrinkWould you guess today’s young people are drinking more or less alcohol than you when you were a teenager?

What about drugs? More or less?

Sex?

Smoking?

Last week Vox.com released an article with a title saying, “Today’s teens have babies less than you did.” Then the words “have babies” scroll off the screen and are replaced by the word “fight.” Then “drink.” Then “use meth.”

The article goes on to compare the results of the Continue reading “Today’s Teens Compared to Yesterday’s Teens”