Celebrate Kids Podcast with Dr. Kathy

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, host Wayne Stender introduces a heartfelt discussion with Dr. Kathy on the challenges faced by children of divorce and their parents. They explore the feelings of disconnection from faith that often arise during such tumultuous times and emphasize that God understands the pain associated with divorce. The episode encourages listeners to recognize that...

In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy discuss the national conversation about gender identity, children, medical care, and parental responsibility. They explore why parents must speak truth with compassion, and help children build a secure identity rooted in Christ.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the importance of getting kids outside and engaging with nature, especially during the summer months. The discussion arises from concerns parents face when their children prefer indoor activities, like reading, over outdoor play. Dr. Kathy explores the benefits of nature for children's health and development, referencing a recent s...

In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy talk about the growing concern around declining reading scores and the rise of screen based learning. They explore why reading is more than an academic skill and how it forms attention, imagination, empathy, wonder, wisdom, and identity.

In this episode of Celebrate Kids, Wayne Stender discusses the importance of nurturing different intelligences in children. Dr. Kathy then emphasizes how giving kids opportunities to explore new and challenging activities can help them discover their capabilities and prepare for future success. The episode highlights the value of creativity and artistic expression, featuring the resource Creating...

In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy talk about the tension parents feel when raising independent kids in an anxious culture. Using stories of children walking to the library, running errands, and practicing small responsibilities, they explore how competence, confidence, character, and resilience grow through wise, supported independence.

In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy talk about a neighborhood using simple WiFi "tin can phones" to help kids call friends and build real life connection without smartphones. Together, they explore why conversation skills must be taught, why belonging grows through practice, and how parents can help kids develop confidence and relational maturity in a screen shaped world.

In this episode of Facing the Dark, Wayne Stender and Dr. Kathy Koch step into one of the most common and uncomfortable parenting conversations: How do we explain where babies come from without confusing or misleading our kids? The discussion is sparked by a popular podcast moment in which a celebrity mom offers a simple explanation: "When two people love each other enough, their love gets them a...

Screens do more than entertain children; they shape habits, identity, attention, and belonging. In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy unpack new health concerns about rising screen use among kids and teens while exploring the deeper heart needs driving attachment to technology. They discuss why screens often become substitutes for security and identity, while offering parents pr...

In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy explore one of the most challenging conversations parents are navigating today: helping kids build healthy identity in a culture filled with competing voices. Drawing on insights from Raising Gender Confident Kids, they discuss why identity confusion often runs deeper than surface level questions and how parents can become intentional builde...

In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy respond to recent reports of teen violence in public spaces and ask what may be happening beneath the behavior. They discuss anger, emotional regulation, isolation, authority, and why parents must move toward kids with truth, courage, accountability, and compassion before culture pulls away from them.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy discusses the pressures teenagers face to be exceptional, referencing a 2024 study from the University of Indiana. The study reveals that over half of surveyed teens feel pressured by expectations surrounding their achievements, future plans, and even their appearance. As graduation approaches, the conversation often shifts to what comes nex...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the concept of "dry texting," which refers to minimal responses in text conversations that lack depth and engagement. She discusses how this trend may lead to conflict-averse behavior and poor communication skills in children. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of encouraging children to elaborate on their thoughts and feelings rat...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy discusses how to determine when children are ready for more responsibilities and how to adjust our conversations and interactions with them as they mature. She addresses the various societal benchmarks like getting a driver's license, voting, and registering for the military, and offers guidance on approaching these discussions. The episode...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the concept of launching children into adulthood and the importance of broadening their definition of success. Drawing from a recent article by Jamie Richardson in Business Insider, she discusses the benefits of having adult children live at home, particularly in helping them navigate unfulfilling careers and relationships. Dr. Kath...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the concerning statistics surrounding children affected by parental substance abuse. With nearly 19 million children in the United States having at least one parent with a substance use disorder, the episode emphasizes the emotional and psychological impacts on these kids, who may feel undervalued and unimportant. The discussion hi...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Wayne Stender delves into the evolving landscape of education, emphasizing the importance of fostering a love for learning over traditional metrics like grades and GPAs. Drawing from Proverbs 4:13, Dr. Kathy stresses that instruction and a desire for knowledge should be the focus, rather than the pressure of achieving honor roll status. The discussion...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy discusses the importance of getting children outside to play and engage with their environment. She highlights a long-term study linking physical activity in teenagers to lower symptoms of depression, emphasizing that those who maintain or increase their activity levels are less likely to experience mental health issues. Dr. Kathy explores t...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy discusses the critical issue of student engagement in education. She highlights the findings from a recent Brookings Institution survey revealing that only one-third of children are enthusiastic about school by age 13, contrasting sharply with parents' perceptions. Dr. Kathy addresses the reasons behind children's boredom and disinterest in...

In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy talk about how teens are forming opinions through social media and AI, even while doubting the credibility of what they find. They unpack why uncertainty affects security, identity, and confidence, and how parents can teach kids to evaluate truth with wisdom.

In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy talk about teens who say "not every home is safe" and why some kids seek belonging in risky places. They unpack how parents can build homes marked by safety, attention, correction without criticism, and meaningful connection.

In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy discuss the common habit of using screens to calm kids in cars, restaurants, airports, and other stressful moments. They explore why screens can weaken emotional regulation over time and how parents can gradually help children build patience and self control.

In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy talk about Pizza Hut's returning Book It program and whether rewards help or hurt a child's love of reading. They explore how parents can motivate reluctant readers, make reading relational, and build habits that last longer than the reward.

In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy discuss rising reports of sadness and hopelessness among teens and what those struggles can look like in everyday family life. They explore how parents can notice changes without panic and guide children toward the steady truth of who they are in Christ.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, we delve into the significant benefits of outdoor play for children. Dr. Kathy discusses how spending time outside can alleviate anxiety and feelings of loneliness in kids, while also providing them with a broader perspective on life by encouraging them to look towards the horizon. She joins the conversation to offer insights and encouragement for par...