Celebrate Kids Podcast with Dr. Kathy

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...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy discusses the vital role of reading aloud to children and its profound benefits on their development. Citing research from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, she highlights that a significant percentage of four-year-olds are not read to regularly, which can impact their vocabulary, reading comprehension, and motivation. Dr. Kathy shares...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, we explore the idea of preparing children for the challenges of the world by intentionally placing them in difficult situations. Host discusses the overwhelming amount of social science research available to help parents and adult leaders navigate the mental health crises and emotional challenges faced by kids today. The conversation highlights the im...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, we explore the importance of remembrance in education. Wayne discusses the overwhelming pressure students face today, with numerous graduation requirements and expectations. Drawing on research and biblical concepts, the segment emphasizes the need for students to take time to reflect on their learning and the positive experiences they've had. Dr. Kat...

What happens when a parent's identity becomes built around being needed? In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy talk about the quiet crisis many parents face as children grow older and need them differently. They explore the difference between identity, purpose, and competence, why parenting must be rooted in Christ rather than control, and how parents can model a whole, healthy...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the challenges faced by today's children and the pressures they encounter in various environments, including school, church, and family life. She reflects on the shifts in children's behavior and performance over the years, sparked by a Reddit discussion among teachers about the noticeable changes they have observed since they bega...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy and Wayne Stender discuss the challenges parents face when trying to nurture their children's faith, especially when it seems like their efforts aren't yielding the desired results. They emphasize the importance of having meaningful conversations that go beyond faith discussions, engaging with kids on various topics that interest them. The e...

As debates over gender identity and medical care for minors grow louder across the country, parents are left asking a deeper question than politics alone can't answer: how do we help our children know who they are? In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy discuss identity formation and why parents must be the clearest, most trusted voices in their children's lives. This is a conver...

Some children seem easy to raise. They do not ask for much, and they rarely create conflict. But what if that "easy" child is not thriving at all? In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy explore why quiet, low maintenance children are often overlooked, how unmet needs can hide behind calm behavior and what parents can do to make sure every child feels seen and deeply loved.

In a world that constantly pushes kids toward the next thing—next assignment, next achievement, next version of themselves—what if the most important habit we could teach them is to pause and look back? In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy explore the power of remembrance. Drawing from research, real-life parenting moments, and biblical truth, they unpack why reflection is one...

When kids say school feels boring, parents can be tempted to panic, rescue, or simply push harder. In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy explore why relevance matters so much in learning, why boredom can become dangerous when kids disconnect, and how parents can coach children to stay engaged even when school feels hard or uninteresting.

In this episode, we explore the challenges of parenting preteens and teens, focusing on the shift in dynamics as children enter their teenage years. Many young people express feelings of being scrutinized by their parents, questioning why they suddenly feel like they are under an interrogation just because they've turned 13. We discuss the importance of support and understanding in the parent-chil...

Just because a child is older does not always mean they are more mature. In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy explore the difference between chronological age and character age, why maturity should shape freedom more than birthdays, and how parents can wisely adjust their expectations as children grow.

Some of the loneliest kids do not look lonely at all. They have friends and plenty of social activity, yet still feel deeply unknown. In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy explore the difference between being alone and being lonely, why emotional loneliness is often hidden, and how parents can help children feel truly known, not just constantly connected.

Writing does more than capture thoughts. It can calm the brain and organize emotions, which helps kids grow in resiliency. In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy explore why putting thoughts on paper matters, how journaling helps children process hard moments, and why handwritten words may still be one of the most powerful tools for clarity and growth.

Artificial intelligence can make life faster and easier, but what if it also makes our kids more fragile? In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy explore why failure and curious critical thinking still matter, and how parents can raise resilient kids in a world that keeps trying to remove struggle.

As our kids grow, something powerful replaces control. That something is influence. And influence is built on relationship. Influence grows where conversations feel safe. It deepens where respect is mutual. It strengthens when our kids know they are valued not just for what they do, but for who they are. This shift mirrors a beautiful picture from Scripture. In 1 Thessalonians, Paul describes his...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the challenges and struggles that come with parenting, especially for those who are also caring for aging relatives. With an estimated 1.3 million "sandwich carers" in the UK, this segment addresses the pressures faced by individuals juggling multiple responsibilities. Dr. Kathy discusses the feelings of isolation and doubt that can...

In this episode, we delve into the insights shared by Dr. Kathy, focusing on the concerning trends highlighted by author Jonathan Haidt in his book, "Anxious Generation." Haidt discusses the alarming increase in high school seniors who feel their lives are useless, with the percentage doubling since 2010. We explore the impact of storytelling on youth, emphasizing the moral order present in narrat...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the ongoing discussions surrounding gender identity within the church, particularly in light of a leaked training video from North Point Community Church. The video showed a ministry director instructing leaders to use affirming language for transgender students aged 11 to 14. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of truth in guiding...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the importance of self-efficacy in children and how daily chores contribute to this vital character quality. Drawing on research conducted by pediatrician Rebecca Schraff at the University of Virginia Medical School, Dr. Kathy discusses the findings that children who regularly participate in household chores develop a stronger sense...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, host Dr. Kathy discusses the importance of building resiliency in children amidst a societal focus on ensuring their happiness. She emphasizes the need for parents to model resilience by overcoming challenges rather than complaining about daily struggles. Dr. Kathy highlights the role of negative experiences in personal growth, drawing from her own jo...

Online platforms like Roblox promise fun, creativity, and connection, but for millions of kids, those promises are breaking. In this episode of  Facing in the Dark , Wayne Stender and Dr. Kathy Koch unpack the rise of digital gaming and the dangers hidden behind "safe" online play. From lawsuits and predatory risks to the loss of imagination, they contrast artificial worlds with the kind of real p...

When your son or daughter says, "I'm just not good at math," it's easy to focus on the subject, but the real issue often runs deeper. In this episode of  Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy unpack why math struggles are rarely just about numbers and more often about identity, mindset, and connection. They explore how culture, family language, and learning styles shape a child's confidence, and w...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the complex impact of social media on children and the potential consequences of removing access to these platforms. She emphasizes that simply taking social media away from kids may not be enough to address the underlying issues they face. Instead, she advocates for a proactive approach where parents and educators step in to tea...