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 children, helping them to embrace their identities and responsibilities as they mature. Additionally, listeners are introduced to Summit Ministries, a valuable resource for shaping young minds and addressing significant life questions, with information on summer camps available for high school and college students. Tune in to gain practical advice on parenting and guiding your children through their developmental stages.

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 emphasizes the importance of understanding and guiding them through these complex cultural moments. Join us as we explore ways to encourage our children and cultivate resilience in the face of modern life's pressures.

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 Worldview Inventory Report. This report reveals that many adults are open to the idea of God under certain conditions, presenting both a troubling reality and a powerful opportunity for fostering faith in children. The conversation aims to equip parents with the understanding that having a trusted person in a child's life is crucial for building their faith. Tune in to explore how to guide children in their spiritual journey without overwhelming them.

The insights from this podcast reference Dr. Kathy's work Start with the Heart>>

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 significant shifts in attitudes toward love and relationships within families. Dr. Kathy also reflects on the evolving role of grandparents, using personal anecdotes to illustrate how the concept of "it takes a village" remains relevant today. Tune in for insights on navigating these familial dynamics and fostering healthy relationships across generations.

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 and practical strategies for parents to help their children establish better sleep habits, emphasizing the importance of giving kids the time and space they need to rest. Tune in for essential advice on fostering a healthy sleep environment for your children!

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 immediately to messages, but has inadvertently led to increased anxiety among teens. Tune in for insights on guiding children through their feedback-seeking behaviors while fostering a strong sense of self.

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 can effectively support their kids during this transformative phase, even when it feels like their efforts are not being recognized. Join us as we navigate these complex emotions and work towards fostering a nurturing environment for our growing teens.

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 bond with an AI chatbot. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the need for awareness and guidance as children navigate these new types of interactions, encouraging parents to engage thoughtfully with their kids about the implications of AI friendships. Tune in for insights on fostering genuine connections and understanding the darker side of technology in our children's lives.

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.

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 delves into the perspectives on what purpose kids serve in our culture, helping listeners navigate these complex thoughts. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that encourages a deeper understanding of the significance of children today.