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 leaders. She offers insights on how to navigate these challenging conversations with children, highlighting the necessity of making sure that the church remains a place of truth while ensuring that all students feel safe and supported. Tune in as Dr. Kathy shares helpful strategies for parents and leaders facing this complex issue.

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-appropriate responsibilities to kids, emphasizing how chores can foster independence, confidence, and a positive mindset about their abilities. Tune in for insightful tips on how to integrate chores into family life in a way that feels rewarding rather than burdensome.

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 the tendency to create overly protective environments, urging listeners to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Tune in for insights on how to help kids develop the skills they need to face life's obstacles with confidence.

Online platforms like Roblox promise fun, creativity, and connection, but for millions of kids, those promises are breaking. In this episode of Facing in the Dark, Wayne Stender and Dr. Kathy Koch unpack the rise of digital gaming and the dangers hidden behind "safe" online play. From lawsuits and predatory risks to the loss of imagination, they contrast artificial worlds with the kind of real play God designed to shape hearts, build courage, and foster identity. Drawing on the story of David's childhood play and its role in forming his bravery, Dr. Kathy reminds us that kids don't just need entertainment; they need formation. Discover why parents stepping in to set boundaries isn't control; it's love, and how playing together as families restores joy, resilience, and faith in a distracted age.

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When your son or daughter says, "I'm just not good at math," it's easy to focus on the subject, but the real issue often runs deeper. In this episode of Facing the Dark, Wayne and Dr. Kathy unpack why math struggles are rarely just about numbers and more often about identity, mindset, and connection.

They explore how culture, family language, and learning styles shape a child's confidence, and why interest, not pressure, is the key to growth. You'll discover practical ways to make math meaningful in everyday life, how to shift from performance to progress, and why learning to do hard things matters far beyond the classroom.

Plus, they'll walk through how the 8 Great Smarts can unlock your child's ability to engage math in a way that actually makes sense to them.

If you've ever wondered how to help your child move from frustration to confidence, this conversation will equip you with both perspective and practical next steps.

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 number of lawsuits against major social media companies, highlighting concerns about their effects on youth and the strain they place on resources in schools. Dr. Kathy provides valuable insights to help parents better understand the topic and navigate the challenges of raising children in a digital age.

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 parents to resist the urge to immediately solve their kids' problems, allowing them the opportunity to wrestle with difficulties and develop resilience. Tune in for practical tips on fostering a healthier mindset in your children and guiding them toward a more appreciative attitude.

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 without direct involvement. The discussion highlights the benefits of this approach, including reduced anxiety, increased confidence, and enhanced independence, providing parents with practical strategies to help their children navigate anxiety both now and in the future. Tune in to learn how these methods can serve as a form of preventative medicine for your child's emotional well-being.

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.