In this episode, Wayne Stender introduces the exciting new book from Celebrate Kids and Dr. Kathy, in partnership with Summit Ministries, titled "Raising Gender Confident Kids," which aims to equip parents with tools to raise children with confidence in their gender identity. Listeners can pre-order the book from celebratekids.com to support ongoing ministry efforts. Join us as we delve into the importance of fostering gender confidence in today's society.

Order the book here: https://ckonlinestore.com/products/raising-gender-confident-kids?variant=47003909619966

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, host Wayne Stender addresses the heart-wrenching tragedy of a deadly flash flood that impacted an all-girls camp in Central Texas during the Fourth of July. He acknowledges the deep grief and anxiety surrounding the ongoing search and rescue efforts and reflects on the profound questions that arise in the face of such calamities, emphasizing that it's natural to question how God allows these events to happen. The discussion encourages listeners to grapple with their feelings and thoughts during difficult times. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of facing dark moments with hope and understanding.

Today on the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the importance of engaging kids with nature, even if they prefer indoor activities. She discusses the benefits of outdoor play, citing a study from Finland that showed increased T-cells in kids playing in natural environments. 

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.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the pressing issue of hope among young adults, particularly Gen Z, who are facing significant mental health challenges and a diminished belief in the American dream. With only 44% of young adults feeling prepared for their future, Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of encouraging children and teens to dream realistically and to adapt their aspirations to fit their current circumstances. She offers insights on how parents can inspire hope in their kids, especially during difficult times. Join us as we explore ways to help the next generation navigate their dreams and foster resilience in an uncertain world.

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 importance of outdoor activity, highlighting a recent NPR report that suggests spending at least two hours outside each day can greatly protect children's eyesight. The episode also features a brief mention of Summit Ministries, a two-week camp designed to deepen teens' understanding of a Christian worldview. Tune in for valuable tips on fostering a love for the outdoors in your children!

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the concept of tech addiction through a different lens—one of sin and the human need for a savior. She discusses the implications of labeling tech dependence merely as addiction, suggesting that this perspective may overlook deeper issues of brokenness and our reliance on Jesus. Citing Jonathan Haidt’s works, including "The Happiness Hypothesis" and "The Anxious Generation," Dr. Kathy delves into the negative impacts of technology on young people today, emphasizing the need for a more profound understanding of these challenges beyond surface-level solutions. Join Dr. Kathy as she invites listeners to reflect on the complexities of technology's role in our lives and the importance of addressing these issues with a spiritual perspective.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the challenges teens face in today's world, particularly the pressures of hyper-productivity and the quest for perfection. She emphasizes the importance of helping children build their identity in Christ rather than in their achievements. Dr. Kathy draws on research from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, highlighting the unique struggles of this generation as they navigate technology, societal expectations, and the impact of external influences. Tune in to explore how parents can guide their kids through these complexities while fostering resilience and confidence in their relationships.

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of sharing difficult family stories with our children. Inspired by a piece from Time Magazine by Jessica Goudeau, we explore the challenging question of how to communicate our family's hardships without overshadowing the positive aspects of our experiences. The discussion touches on the importance of confession and absolution, particularly for men, and the innate fear of revealing dark moments in our lives. We consider the potential impact of these conversations on our kids and the balance between honesty and protecting them from the weight of our past. Join us as we navigate the delicate task of fostering open dialogue about our stories while ensuring our children can see the good that has emerged from our struggles.

Exploring the concept of digital self-harm, Dr. Kathy delves into the trend of individuals anonymously posting hurtful content about themselves online. She and Wayne Stender discuss the implications of this behavior and highlight research conducted by groups at Florida Atlantic University and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Findings from surveys conducted with teens aged 13 to 17 shed light on the prevalence of digital self-harm, revealing concerning insights about this emerging form of self-directed abuse.