Public language is getting louder, harsher, and more vulgar, and our kids are listening. In this episode of Facing the Dark, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender explore the rising use of profanity in politics and public life and ask a deeper question: What does the way we speak reveal about our character? Together, they unpack the difference between freedom and license, why breaking rules isn't the same as courage, and how words shape virtue, dignity, and trust. Drawing from Scripture, cultural thinkers, and real parenting conversations, this episode equips parents to teach kids how to express strong emotions without dehumanizing others—and how to form character in a culture that often rewards outrage over wisdom. If you've ever wondered how to help your kids speak with conviction and compassion, this conversation is for you.

Do kids really need to be taught to focus, or do they need permission to wonder first? In this Facing the Dark episode, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender explore new research showing that children learn even when they're not intentionally paying attention. Together, they unpack the difference between curiosity and concentration, why wonder is not a distraction but a doorway to learning, and how parents can teach focus without extinguishing imagination. Anchored in child development, the 8 Great Smarts, and the story of Gideon, this conversation equips parents to nurture both attentiveness and awe, so kids grow confident and spiritually curious in a world that often rushes them to perform.

Why do parents think school is going great, while many kids feel disengaged and uninspired? In this Facing the Dark episode, Wayne Stender and Dr. Kathy Koch unpack research revealing the growing gap between how parents and students experience school. Together, they explore why learning often feels passive, why awe and wonder fade as kids get older, and how families can re-ignite curiosity by connecting schoolwork to real life. From dinner-table conversations to creative family rhythms, this episode equips parents to help kids move beyond grades and tests toward meaningful, integrated learning rooted in purpose, faith, and joy.

Technology is shaping our kids, often more than we realize. In this Facing the Dark episode, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender help parents move beyond fear or frustration toward clarity, compassion, and leadership. Drawing on research, Scripture, and real family experience, they explore how screens quietly train attitudes like entitlement, impatience, and self-centeredness, and how families can reclaim joy, peace, and connection through intentional, gradual change. This episode equips parents to lead tech conversations wisely, create family plans kids can buy into, and choose whom their household will truly serve.

Consider Dr. Kathy's book on Technology: https://celebratekids.com/screensandteens

Sign-up to get email or text updates from Dr. Kathy: https://celebratekids.com/podcasts

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the concept of flourishing in children and what drives their success in an ever-evolving world. Drawing insights from Sarah Hernholm's recent Forbes article, Dr. Kathy discusses how Gen Z is becoming the most entrepreneurial generation yet, with traditional preparation methods no longer sufficient. She highlights five essential skills that kids need to cultivate: entrepreneurial skills, AI literacy, public speaking and communication, real-world problem-solving, and financial literacy through practice. The conversation centers around how these skills can empower children to thrive in their future careers and contribute positively to society. Tune in to explore how we can better prepare the next generation for success in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.

In this episode of The Celebrate Kids Podcast, the daily episode Facing the Dark, Wayne Stender and Dr. Kathy Koch explore new research on parenting benchmarks and trends, especially the growing movement of "cycle-breaking parenting" among Gen Z moms and dads. Together, they unpack what it means to parent with both wisdom and grace, moving beyond negative family patterns without shaming past generations. Dr. Kathy shares practical insights on being unified as parents, balancing correction with encouragement, and raising kids who know their God-given strengths. Wayne connects these themes to Ezekiel 18, showing how Scripture reminds us that every generation can step into fresh mercies and new beginnings.

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 insights from the American Bible Society's study, "The Eighth Chapter," which examines the state of the Bible in the USA, highlighting the necessity of scripture in rebuilding identity for both adults and children. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that encourages listeners to seek out the light of truth in their lives.

How do we talk to kids about violence, fear, and brokenness without overwhelming them, or pretending it doesn't exist? In this Facing the Dark episode, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender help parents navigate hard conversations sparked by news, school lessons, and cultural realities. They explore how to give children real security (not just reassurance), how to recognize emotional "pressure points," and how to create healthy release valves for stress using the ways kids are uniquely wired. This episode equips parents to replace fear with faith, confusion with clarity, and isolation with connection—anchored in the hope and security found in Christ.

In this Facing the Dark conversation, Dr. Kathy and Wayne Stender engage the growing concern around "sharenting," a term popularized by legal scholar Leah Plunkett to describe how parents and trusted adults share children's lives online. While often well-intentioned, constant posting can subtly communicate that a child's value lies in how they appear, how well they perform, or how much attention their moments generate.

Dr. Kathy explains how children can internalize the belief that they exist to make parents feel proud, connected, or validated. When everyday life becomes content, kids may begin to feel responsible for maintaining a highlight reel rather than simply living their childhood. Over time, this can affect identity formation, confidence, and a child's ability to own and narrate their own story.

Wayne reflects on the tension many parents feel: wanting to capture meaningful moments while also wanting to stay present in those moments. Together, they challenge families to reconsider the rhythm and ratio of posting, to create private spaces for memory-keeping, and to invite children into owning their memories rather than outsourcing them to a feed.

Grounded in Scripture and child development, this episode invites parents to pause, put the phone down, and choose presence over performance, so kids can grow up known, secure, and free to become who God created them to be.

Why do Scripture-engaged people report lower loneliness, anxiety, and despair? In this episode of Facing the Dark, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender unpack new research from the American Bible Society and explore why biblical truth forms a deeper, more secure identity than modern ideologies. Together, they examine how Scripture, identity, security, and the work of the Holy Spirit bring lasting belonging, resilience, and hope—for adults and for kids