In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the complex relationship between teenagers and technology. As digital devices become a significant part of young people's lives, they often know more about our kids than we do. Dr. Kathy discusses recent data indicating that many kids prefer a life guided by algorithms, raising concerns for parents about the implications of this preference. Despite the unsettling nature of these findings, Dr. Kathy aims to provide insights and ...
Apr 25, 2025•14 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, we dive into the topic of autism, highlighting the latest statistics from the CDC that reveal an estimated 1 in 31 U.S. children are diagnosed with the condition. Dr. Kathy discusses the increasing prevalence of autism and the disparities in diagnosis among different demographics, including boys and various racial groups. The episode emphasizes the importance of embracing differences and recognizing that every individual is created in the image of G...
Apr 24, 2025•18 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses a common concern among parents: how to determine when their children are mature enough to handle increased responsibilities and discussions. The episode explores various cultural and societal benchmarks, such as obtaining a driver's license, voting, and military registration, that signal a transition into adulthood. Dr. Kathy provides insights on how parents can initiate conversations that foster understanding and growth in their...
Apr 23, 2025•16 min
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 began teaching. With insights on how to communicate positively and supportively with our kids, Dr. Kathy...
Apr 22, 2025•14 min
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 episode features insights from Dr. Kathy, who highlights findings from George Barna's American Worldv...
Apr 21, 2025•19 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the complexities of family relationships, particularly between parents and grandparents, in the context of modern child-rearing. Drawing on a recent Pew Research Center study, she discusses the prevalent conflicts arising from differing parenting styles. With 44% of parents intending to raise their children differently than they were raised, and 43% aiming to follow in their parents' footsteps, the conversation highlights the s...
Apr 18, 2025•12 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the crucial topic of sleep and its significant impact on children's mental health. Drawing on recent research, she discusses how lack of sleep can lead to serious issues such as depression, ADHD, and conduct problems in children. Dr. Kathy highlights the challenges parents face in prioritizing rest amidst societal pressures to keep kids actively engaged in various activities for their development. She offers valuable insights a...
Apr 17, 2025•17 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the critical role of feedback in shaping children's identities and the concerns parents face regarding external influences. She discusses the impact of mentors, coaches, and teachers on kids' self-perception and the potential challenges that arise when they return home with altered views of themselves. Additionally, Dr. Kathy addresses the new Snapchat Half Swipe feature, which aims to reduce the pressure teenagers feel to respond...
Apr 16, 2025•17 min
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-child relationship, emphasizing the need for open communication. The episode also touches on how parents...
Apr 15, 2025•16 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the complexities of friendships in the age of artificial intelligence. She highlights the crucial role that relationships play in the development of preteens and teens, especially during formative years when meaningful connections are essential. The discussion is sparked by the tragic story of Megan Garcia, whose 14-year-old son, who had been perceived to be engaging with friends online, was actually forming a deep emotional bo...
Apr 14, 2025•14 min
Today, on the Celebrate Kids Podcast in the daily segment Facing the Dark, Dr. Kathy considers a report out of Georgia that identifies why a number of kids don't conform in school. The report highlights that some kids aren't impacted by peer or social pressure and there are reasonings they provide. More than that, Dr. Kathy gives insights on how we can parent kids who are strong-willed to live into the good gift of being strong willed while directing kids to find purpose and competence in Christ...
Apr 11, 2025•17 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, host Wayne Stender discusses the vital role of children in today's society, challenging the common notion that they are merely the future of the church. He shares an insightful conversation with his son about the purpose of kids in a family and their role in shaping culture. Wayne emphasizes the importance of recognizing children as active participants in the present rather than just a legacy for the future. The segment features Dr. Kathy, who delve...
Apr 10, 2025•15 min
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 arise during tough times, reminding listeners that it's essential to acknowledge the reality of lif...
Apr 09, 2025•17 min
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 narratives from previous generations and how this contrasts with the current environment. Additionally, we...
Apr 08, 2025•15 min
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 youth, expressing concern over the confusion that can arise from misleading ideas propagated by lea...
Apr 07, 2025•20 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, host Dr. Kathy delves into the challenges parents face when engaging with young children, particularly as they navigate the fast-paced world of toddlers. With insights drawn from a recent study by Drexel University, Dr. Kathy discusses the potential long-term effects of allowing very young children access to screens. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, highlights a concerning link between increased screen time during the first two years of life...
Apr 04, 2025•12 min
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 of capability compared to those who do not. This episode delves into the benefits of assigning age-...
Apr 03, 2025•12 min
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 journey of faith and resilience. She addresses the concerns surrounding children's mental health and t...
Apr 02, 2025•14 min
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 teach children about the challenges posed by social media. The discussion touches on the increasing num...
Apr 01, 2025•15 min
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 of acknowledging and validating children's feelings when they face challenges. Dr. Kathy encourages...
Mar 31, 2025•16 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, we delve into the complex relationship between young people and technology. Dr. Kathy discusses how technology has become an integral part of family life, often creating challenges for parents and children alike. Drawing an analogy to fabric allergies, she emphasizes the need for families to navigate the digital landscape thoughtfully and intentionally. The episode also touches on the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations on screen time fo...
Mar 28, 2025•18 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy dives into the profound benefits of reading aloud to children. Citing research from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, she highlights that a significant portion of children are not read to regularly, which can impact their vocabulary, reading comprehension, and motivation later in life. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of starting reading habits early, with studies showing that children who are read to as young as one to two years ...
Mar 27, 2025•13 min
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 children by encouraging them to take on new challenges on their own, with parental permission but witho...
Mar 26, 2025•13 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the challenges of raising children in environments that may not be conducive to their exploration and creativity. She discusses the common phenomenon of a "crisis of place," where modern developments often prioritize functionality over spaces that encourage kids to learn, grow, and take risks. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of providing children with opportunities for exploration and resilience, even in settings that may see...
Mar 25, 2025•15 min
In this episode, we explore the delicate balance of discussing difficult family histories with our children. Inspired by Jessica Goudeau's thought-provoking question from her piece in Time Magazine, we delve into the potential impact of sharing challenging stories on our kids. The conversation emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and honesty, especially for parents, as they navigate their own pasts and the lessons learned. We consider whether exposing children to the darker aspects of fami...
Mar 24, 2025•14 min
In this episode, we delve into the complexities surrounding children's gender identity and the significant impact of societal laws on LGBTQ youth. Dr. Kathy discusses alarming statistics indicating that 71% of LGBTQ-identifying kids report negative effects on their mental health due to these laws, with nearly half having contemplated suicide in the past year. The conversation highlights the growing number of high school students identifying as non-heterosexual and the limited research focused on...
Mar 21, 2025•15 min
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 their true selves. Drawing on insights from Elizabeth Tenty's article in Motherly, the discussion hig...
Mar 20, 2025•14 min
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 children's identity and sense of purpose. Inspired by a Men's Health article by Ben Falcone, the ep...
Mar 19, 2025•19 min
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 culture and consumer behavior, highlighting how play is not just for kids anymore. Sponsored by Creatin...
Mar 18, 2025•21 min
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 children to navigate challenges with minimal rules or boundaries. While some experts argue that this...
Mar 17, 2025•13 min
