In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Wayne Stender introduces a meaningful interaction between Pope Leo and a group of 300 Ukrainian children at a summer camp in the Vatican. The Pope emphasized the importance of learning from childhood experiences and fostering mutual respect among peers. He encouraged the kids to recognize the similarities they share with others, promoting understanding and unity. Dr. Kathy unpacked these lessons, giving perspective on childhood experiences, promotin...
Jul 21, 2025•20 min
In this episode, we delve into the complexities of honesty in parenting, particularly when it comes to discussing difficult topics with children, such as illness and medical procedures. The hosts reflect on their experiences with their own kids in hospital settings, grappling with whether to shield them from painful truths or to prepare them for reality. They introduce insights from Dr. Kathy , highlighting the balance between protecting children's hearts and fostering resilience. The conversati...
Jul 18, 2025•13 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the complexities of diagnosing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children. She discusses the challenges faced by scientists and psychologists in recognizing this condition, particularly due to children's limited communication skills and emotional awareness. Highlighting recent advancements, Dr. Kathy shares insights on an innovative AI system developed by researchers at the University of South Florida. This system analyz...
Jul 17, 2025•23 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the evolving standards by which we gauge adolescent well-being. While statistics show that high school graduation rates are up, smoking rates are down, and youth drug use is declining, many teens report increasing struggles with mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Dr. Kathy discusses the disconnect between traditional measures of success and the contemporary realities of adolescent life, que...
Jul 16, 2025•13 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the importance of instilling consistent and automatic character in kids to prepare them for proper leadership roles. As the world witnesses a trend of young men gravitating toward authoritarian leaders, Dr. Kathy emphasizes the dangers of this mindset and the need for parents to guide their children toward understanding biblical leadership. She advocates for following the example of servant leaders, particularly Jesus, to foster ...
Jul 15, 2025•16 min
There are a plethora of parenting tips, resources, and advisers who want parents to adopt strategies to instill character qualities in kids. All of these resources have the best of intentions, but many times the perspective creates undue weight on parents and kids, who are often found trying to match up to someone's perspective of what their kids should look like. Dr. Kathy turns the tables on these lists, encouraging parents to ask their kids what character qualities they think are important, a...
Jul 14, 2025•12 min
Jul 11, 2025•14 min
In this episode, Wayne Stender introduces the exciting new book from Celebrate Kids and Dr. Kathy, in partnership with Summit Ministries, titled "Raising Gender Confident Kids," which aims to equip parents with tools to raise children with confidence in their gender identity. Listeners can pre-order the book from celebratekids.com to support ongoing ministry efforts. Join us as we delve into the importance of fostering gender confidence in today's society. Order the book here: https://ckonlinest...
Jul 10, 2025•19 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, host Wayne Stender addresses the heart-wrenching tragedy of a deadly flash flood that impacted an all-girls camp in Central Texas during the Fourth of July. He acknowledges the deep grief and anxiety surrounding the ongoing search and rescue efforts and reflects on the profound questions that arise in the face of such calamities, emphasizing that it's natural to question how God allows these events to happen. The discussion encourages listeners to g...
Jul 09, 2025•20 min
Today on the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the importance of engaging kids with nature, even if they prefer indoor activities. She discusses the benefits of outdoor play, citing a study from Finland that showed increased T-cells in kids playing in natural environments.
Jul 08, 2025•14 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the profound impact of scripture on identity and personal growth. She reflects on the tendency many have to rely on their own problem-solving abilities rather than turning to prayer or the teachings of the Bible, especially when facing challenges as parents. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of embracing the truth of scripture to foster a deeper understanding of oneself and to experience the goodness of God. She also discusses i...
Jul 07, 2025•16 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the pressing issue of hope among young adults, particularly Gen Z, who are facing significant mental health challenges and a diminished belief in the American dream. With only 44% of young adults feeling prepared for their future, Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of encouraging children and teens to dream realistically and to adapt their aspirations to fit their current circumstances. She offers insights on how parents can ins...
Jul 04, 2025•11 min
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 parents struggling to get their kids off devices and engaged with nature. The episode emphasizes the im...
Jul 03, 2025•12 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the concept of tech addiction through a different lens—one of sin and the human need for a savior. She discusses the implications of labeling tech dependence merely as addiction, suggesting that this perspective may overlook deeper issues of brokenness and our reliance on Jesus. Citing Jonathan Haidt’s works, including "The Happiness Hypothesis" and "The Anxious Generation," Dr. Kathy delves into the negative impacts of technology...
Jul 02, 2025•15 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the challenges teens face in today's world, particularly the pressures of hyper-productivity and the quest for perfection. She emphasizes the importance of helping children build their identity in Christ rather than in their achievements. Dr. Kathy draws on research from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, highlighting the unique struggles of this generation as they navigate technology, societal expectations, and the impa...
Jul 01, 2025•14 min
In this episode, we delve into the complexities of sharing difficult family stories with our children. Inspired by a piece from Time Magazine by Jessica Goudeau, we explore the challenging question of how to communicate our family's hardships without overshadowing the positive aspects of our experiences. The discussion touches on the importance of confession and absolution, particularly for men, and the innate fear of revealing dark moments in our lives. We consider the potential impact of these...
Jun 30, 2025•14 min
Exploring the concept of digital self-harm, Dr. Kathy delves into the trend of individuals anonymously posting hurtful content about themselves online. She and Wayne Stender discuss the implications of this behavior and highlight research conducted by groups at Florida Atlantic University and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Findings from surveys conducted with teens aged 13 to 17 shed light on the prevalence of digital self-harm, revealing concerning insights about this emerging form of ...
Jun 27, 2025•15 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the emotional challenges parents face as they prepare for significant transitions in their children's lives, such as entering the workforce or pursuing higher education. She explores how to guide kids through these pivotal moments, emphasizing the importance of discerning the right path for each child. The episode also highlights the partnership with Summit Ministries, a dynamic organization offering students opportunities to dee...
Jun 26, 2025•12 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, we delve into the significant concerns parents have regarding their children's mental health in today's digitally connected world. Host discusses a recent Pew Research Center report revealing that 40% of U.S. parents are extremely worried about their children struggling with anxiety or depression, surpassing fears related to physical dangers such as kidnapping or substance abuse. Dr. Kathy explores the impact of these worries on parental behavior an...
Jun 25, 2025•10 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, we dive into the important topic of boredom and its impact on children. Dr. Kathy discusses the challenges parents face when their kids experience boredom and how this can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, including substance use. Recent research highlights the necessity of teaching children to manage boredom effectively, as it is a natural part of life. Dr. Kathy also examines the shift in reasons behind teen vaping, noting that many now turn to...
Jun 24, 2025•14 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, host Wayne Stender introduces a crucial discussion on teen health with Dr. Kathy. The episode delves into the rising trend of American teens turning to weight loss drugs, exploring the implications and health concerns associated with this choice. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of understanding the reasons behind this trend and encourages listeners to consider healthier, more supportive approaches to adolescent health and body image. Tune in for...
Jun 23, 2025•17 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender delve into the challenges and joys of parenting as children grow and change, particularly during the teenage years. Hosts discuss the natural evolution of children's interests and behaviors, emphasizing that it's normal for kids to shift from wanting close parental involvement to seeking independence. The conversation highlights the emotional journey parents experience as they navigate these changes, often feeling a ...
Jun 20, 2025•14 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, we dive into the importance of fostering a love for reading in children, especially during the summer months. Wayne Stender discovers insights from Dr. Kathy, highlighting research that shows reading is crucial for summer learning and can significantly impact children's reading achievement, particularly for those from low-income families. Recent surveys reveal a concerning decline in the number of kids who read for fun, with only 42% of nine-year-ol...
Jun 19, 2025•12 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids daily podcast, "Facing the Dark," we explore the profound joys and fears of parenting, particularly around helping children discover their true identities as created by God. Dr. Kathy discusses insights from a recent Summit Ministries blog that examines the modern identity crisis, linking it to a historical trend of Western individualism and the questioning of truth. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding how choices are presented to chi...
Jun 18, 2025•13 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the concerning trend of negative self-perception among kids today, which is often exacerbated by societal narratives labeling them as an anxious generation. She explores the implications of these self-definitions, questioning their healthiness and how parents and educators can respond effectively. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of speaking truth, positivity, and encouragement into the lives of children to counteract these ne...
Jun 17, 2025•18 min
In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of faith formation among young people, particularly how many are turning to AI tools like ChatGPT for answers to their spiritual questions. Wayne Stender addresses the implications of this shift, noting that while technology can offer quick insights, it may also create a gap between kids and their parents or mentors. Dr. Kathy provides insights into how this trend reflects broader societal changes and what it means for churches and families. Tog...
Jun 16, 2025•12 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the complexities of technology, particularly cell phones, and their impact on children. Reflecting on a poignant conversation about hopes for the next generation, she explores how kids recognize the negative aspects of technology but feel compelled to keep using it due to societal pressures. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of not just banning technology, but also providing meaningful alternatives to fill the void. Additiona...
Jun 13, 2025•17 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy discusses the essential qualities that contribute to children's success, inspired by an article from CNBC by Susan Domenez. The episode highlights five key elements identified in successful children's stories: the importance of optimism, the need to understand and tailor motivation to each child, the idea that learning and empowerment can occur in any environment, the value of a genuine love for knowledge alongside hard work, and the role ...
Jun 12, 2025•14 min
In this episode, Wayne Stender explores the profound idea that a good life is more important than simply having a good job. He and Dr. Kathy define a good life as one filled with fulfillment, connection, joy, commitment, growth, service, and learning. Dr. Kathy encourages listeners to reflect on what a "good job" means to them, emphasizing aspects like providing for family, flexibility, and personal maturity. The conversation aims to deepen the understanding of how our careers can align with our...
Jun 11, 2025•16 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses a concerning trend revealed in a recent HarperCollins survey from the UK, which shows a significant decline in the interest of parents reading aloud to their children. Less than half of parents of kids up to 13 find reading aloud fun, and only 29% of children aged 5 to 13 view reading as enjoyable rather than just a school subject. The episode highlights alarming statistics showing a decrease in literacy rates in the U.S., with n...
Jun 10, 2025•15 min
