Celebrate Kids Podcast with Dr. Kathy

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the challenge of entitlement in children and offers valuable strategies for parents. She begins by sharing her frustration with entitled behavior in her own kids and emphasizes the importance of helping children learn to tolerate frustration instead of removing it. Drawing from insights by Dr. Becky, she highlights the significance...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the prevalent issue of anxiety in children and explores innovative methods to support them. Traditional cognitive behavioral therapy has been the go-to approach, but Dr. Kathy considers a new technique known as Childhood Independence Therapy, developed by the nonprofit Let Grow. This therapy focuses on fostering independence in chi...

Culture tells kids to "find strength within," but what if that's not enough? In this episode of  Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy unpack inner strength, self efficacy, and why true confidence is built on Christ rather than self.

Test scores say kids are falling behind, but is that the full story? In this episode of  Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy unpack post-COVID learning gaps, the power of reading, and why curiosity, not scores, may be the real measure of success.

Are today's kids really falling behind, or are we measuring the wrong things? In this episode of  Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy unpack the debate around intelligence and what truly matters. Discover why "People Smarts" may be the most important skill your child can develop in today's world.

New research shows that when parents play with their kids, their brains actually sync. But this isn't just science, it's a powerful reminder of how God designed connection. In this episode of  Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy explore how play, shared rhythms, and presence build belonging and lifelong bonds.

Location tracking apps promise safety and peace of mind, but are they quietly undermining trust and confidence in our kids? In this episode of  Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy explore the tension between protection and control and how parents can use technology wisely without damaging relationships.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, we explore the significance of everyday moments spent with our children, particularly during car rides. Wayne reflects on a cherished experience with his family, emphasizing how these simple interactions can create lasting memories and foster connections. Dr. Kathy joins the discussion, highlighting the positive impact that mundane engagements have on...

In this episode, we explore the fascinating trend of "kidults," adults who are rediscovering their love for toys and play. Dr. Kathy discusses how companies like Hasbro are tapping into this nostalgia driven market, with adults investing in intricate Lego sets, trendy plush toys, and even matching outfits with their American Girl dolls. We delve into the implications of this phenomenon on adult cu...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the important topic of building resiliency in children. As parents increasingly seek guidance on this subject, Dr. Kathy explores the concept of "panda parenting," a style that emerges from permissive parenting. This approach emphasizes a balance of warmth, support, and the encouragement of exploration and independence, allowing...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, host Dr. Kathy addresses the challenges parents face when their children struggle with friendships or are influenced by negative peers. Drawing on the importance of self-awareness and shared experiences, Dr. Kathy emphasizes the need for parents to communicate their hopes and strengths for their children while teaching them discernment in choosing fri...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the nuances between normal anxiety and chronic anxiety in young people. She highlights the alarming statistics surrounding depression among teens, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe environment for open conversations about mental health. Dr. Kathy encourages parents to foster courage in discussing these sensitive topics,...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the concept of parenting beyond merely raising well-behaved children. She challenges the notion that the primary goal of parenting should be to produce obedient kids who do the right things at the right times. Instead, Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of encouraging children to be comfortable in their own skin and to embrace t...

Gentle parenting has become one of the most popular parenting trends among millennials. But when warmth replaces structure, experts warn it can backfire. In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy explore the difference between permissive and authoritative parenting and why boundaries are one of the greatest gifts parents can give their children.

Remember when teens spent weekends wandering the neighborhood and doing things just for fun, without documenting it online? In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy reflect on what young people have lost in the age of constant connectivity and why kids still need unstructured time, real relationships, and room to grow in independence.

Artificial intelligence is quietly entering children's toy boxes. New reports show dozens of toys marketed to kids using AI systems, despite restrictions meant to keep children away from these technologies. In this episode of  Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy discuss how AI toys shape identity and relationships, and why parents must pay attention.

Nearly 80% of high school students report getting less than the recommended amount of sleep. Is it puberty, caffeine, busy schedules, or digital distraction? In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy explore the causes and dangers of teen sleep deprivation and how Psalm 127 reframes sleep as a gift from God.

Broadband internet expanded rapidly in the early 2010s, and teen mental health concerns rose alongside it. Is the internet the problem? Or is loneliness the deeper issue? In this episode of  Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy unpack research, rural broadband history, teen identity formation, and what Psalm 42 teaches us about longing and connection.

More parents are pushing back against school issued devices, citing distraction, inappropriate access, and concerns about learning loss. Should schools count classroom screen time differently from recreational use? In this episode of  Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy explore the formation question behind technology and what the Tower of Babel teaches us about tools and pride.

Why are so many kids picky eaters today? Is it selfishness, fear, lack of exposure, or something deeper? In this episode of  Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy unpack cultural food trends, parenting pressure, restaurant frustration, and what the Israelites' craving for Egypt teaches us about control and growth.

In this special Saturday Q&A episode, Wayne and Dr. Kathy answer real parent questions from a Be Bold for Jesus event in Spokane. Topics include teenage hormonal rages, foster child grief, loud and goofy personalities, advanced toddlers, adult word-smart debates, and how the 8 Great Smarts apply for a lifetime.

Americans are marrying later than ever. But is delaying marriage actually costing young adults something deeper? In this episode of Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy unpack Brad Wilcox's warning about the "Midas mindset," the difference between marriage and idolatry, and how to talk to kids about family without making it an idol.

A new Institute for Family Studies report (surveying nearly 24,000 parents and more than 40,000 children, including 2,600 teens) argues that modern culture quietly rewards one kind of parenting: keeping kids quiet, often by putting them in front of a screen. In this conversation, Wayne and Dr. Kathy talk honestly about the moment we  all recognize, when a baby cries in a restaurant, or a kid is "b...

February can bring a slump, low motivation, heavier workloads, gray skies, and frayed tempers. In this episode of  Facing the Dark , Wayne and Dr. Kathy explore how parents can respond wisely to midwinter mood dips and meet core needs before pushing harder conversations.