In this episode, we delve into the changing landscape of teen employment, noting a significant decline in the percentage of teens working since the late 1970s. Recent statistics reveal a slight recovery post-pandemic, with around 38% of teens aged 16 to 19 actively seeking jobs as of May 2024. Surveys indicate that part-time work is beneficial for youth, helping them understand budgeting and financial responsibility. Join us as we discuss these themes and share insights on how to support childre...
Jun 09, 2025•13 min
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 study from Finland that shows significant advantages for kids who play in natural environments compar...
Jun 06, 2025•14 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the concerning trend of negative self-perception among today’s youth, highlighting how many kids define themselves through a lens of anxiety and mental health challenges. She explores the implications of this self-view and the potential for it to become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Listeners are encouraged to consider effective ways to speak truth and positivity into the lives of this generation. The episode also features a specia...
Jun 05, 2025•18 min
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 not every light in their lives will guide them positively, urging caution and reflection in their j...
Jun 04, 2025•17 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the important topic of how to respond when our children are sad, especially in instances where it seems they may be faking their sadness for attention. As part of the segment "Facing the Dark," she explores whether we should always push our kids towards happiness or allow them to express their emotions authentically. The episode also highlights the impactful work being done at Summit Ministries, where children receive valuable in...
Jun 03, 2025•14 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, we explore the impact of dangerous ideas on children's imaginations and the importance of protecting their minds amidst a rapidly changing world. The conversation highlights the concerns many adults have regarding the messages children receive, particularly around concepts of gender and identity that challenge traditional views. We reflect on how these ideas capture kids' imaginations and can lead to confusion and darkness. However, we also turn to ...
Jun 02, 2025•11 min
In this episode, we delve into the complexities surrounding the challenges that children face today, from academic hurdles to social dynamics and technology. The conversation begins with the struggle many kids have with seemingly simple tasks and the parental instinct to remove obstacles from their paths. We discuss a recent ruling in Texas that impacts how social media companies manage content for teens, raising questions about the balance between protecting our children and allowing them to de...
May 29, 2025•16 min
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 a Masterpiece, which offers step-by-step guidance for parents and children to engage in various art ...
May 28, 2025•14 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the growing concern of young people self-diagnosing mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions after engaging with social media content. Drawing insights from a recent article in the journal Education Psychology's In Practice, she explores the complex reasons behind this phenomenon and the systemic barriers that limit access to proper support for youth. The discussion emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding...
May 27, 2025•16 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, host Dr. Kathy explores the dynamics of how parents interact with their children in public settings. She addresses the pressure some parents feel to present themselves and their children in a certain light when around other parents. The discussion focuses on fostering healthy interactions that prioritize the child's emotional and developmental needs over external perceptions. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of building resilience and opportuniti...
May 26, 2025•16 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the impact of technology on self-regulation and resilience in children. She discusses TikTok's recent decision to introduce guided meditation prompts for teens after 10 p.m., aimed at encouraging healthier screen time habits. Dr. Kathy reflects on the role of technology in our lives, considering how tools like social media and smart devices can influence our ability to self-regulate and manage our time. She raises important questi...
May 23, 2025•15 min
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 next for students, amplifying this pressure. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the dangers of these expectations and...
May 22, 2025•17 min
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 rather than settling for one-word answers. She suggests using more engaging questions, such as "What in...
May 21, 2025•15 min
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 also features a sponsorship message from Summit Ministries, a ministry focused on shaping the hearts...
May 20, 2025•16 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, host Wayne Stender discusses the likely reality that many parents' instinct is to take away something that that kid loves to help them understand that they shouldn't do whatever they shouldn't have done again. A recent article challenges this tactic, and Dr. Kathy unpacks how best to approach correction and what discipline and relationship can look like to go hand-in-hand. This episode is brought to you by creatingamasterpiece.com...
May 19, 2025•17 min
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. Kathy emphasizes the value of redefining success beyond traditional metrics, focusing instead on health,...
May 16, 2025•16 min
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 highlights the need for pediatricians to screen for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, ...
May 15, 2025•15 min
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 touches on the historical shift towards standardized education and critiques the current free marke...
May 14, 2025•21 min
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 the challenges some kids face in enjoying outdoor play due to sensory sensitivities and other barrier...
May 13, 2025•15 min
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 learning, emphasizing the importance of making education relevant and beneficial. She also explores ...
May 12, 2025•15 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, we dive into the complexities of parenting as children grow and change, particularly during their teenage years. Wayne Stender opens, discussing the natural evolution of children's interests and behaviors, highlighting the emotional challenges parents face when their kids transition from childhood. Drawing insights from Dr. Kathy, the conversation explores how to navigate these changes with grace and understanding, encouraging parents to embrace the...
May 09, 2025•14 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy discusses the importance of fostering gratitude in both ourselves and our children. Drawing on insights from former First Lady Michelle Obama, who reflects on her own upbringing and the gratitude she felt for the hard work of her parents, the conversation explores the challenges parents face in guiding their kids towards a thankful mindset. Dr. Kathy emphasizes that gratitude is a vital quality for a fulfilling life and shares strategies f...
May 08, 2025•16 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, hosts Wayne Stender and Dr. Kathy delve into the impact of social media on adolescents, particularly those with mental health conditions. They discuss how teens with internalizing issues, such as anxiety and depression, often face more negative experiences online compared to their peers. The conversation highlights the challenges of social comparison, struggles with self-control, and the emotional fluctuations linked to social media interactions, su...
May 07, 2025•15 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the challenges children face in building friendships and the growing trend of using artificial intelligence as a solution. With insights from Meta's Mark Zuckerberg's recent interview, the discussion highlights the alarming reality of declining real-life friendships and the potential impact of AI chatbots on social connections. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of providing children with opportunities to practice friendship s...
May 06, 2025•19 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, host Wayne Stender and Dr. Kathy discuss a significant report from the Department of Health and Human Services titled "The Treatment of Pediatric Gender Dysphoria, Review of Evidence and Best Practices." The report highlights the current practices endorsed by major medical associations in the U.S., which include affirming youth's gender identities and offering families options for medical interventions such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy. T...
May 05, 2025•14 min
In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the challenges parents face when helping their children believe in Jesus amidst a culture that often fosters doubt. The discussion emphasizes the process of belief and trust, ranging from everyday situations to profound spiritual questions. Dr. Kathy references a recent study by the Barna Group revealing that a significant number of teens and adults struggle with doubts about their religious beliefs. The findings show that over h...
May 02, 2025•16 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...
May 01, 2025•12 min
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 insights on the positive outcomes linked to parents reading to their kids as young as one to two an...
Apr 30, 2025•13 min
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 importance of fostering mental toughness and resilience in children, encouraging them to embrace strug...
Apr 29, 2025•14 min
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. Kathy highlights Connecticut's graduation requirement, which asks students to assess their own learning...
Apr 28, 2025•15 min
