Today on the Celebrate Kids Podcast, Dr. Kathy Koch considers a new study from the Netherlands that highlights how young people grow out of gender confusion as they age and mature. She references insights from Glenn Stanton, who notes that kids will identify with their biological gender if reinforced as they mature. Dr. Kathy gives important insights to parents as we prepare to field questions from kids who will likely experience dissatisfaction in their body at some point, and may experience confusion because of the influence of culture.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the recent National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) report, often referred to as the nation's report card. The findings reveal that high school seniors are experiencing a significant decline in math and reading skills, with scores reaching historic lows. 12th graders have recorded the weakest performance since the assessment began. Dr. Kathy raises important questions about whether current educational assessments are outdated, considering the advancements in technology such as computers and AI that have emerged since the assessment's inception in 1992. The discussion prompts listeners to reflect on the effectiveness of traditional educational standards in today's rapidly evolving world.

In this episode of the Raising Gender Confident Kids podcast, hosts Wayne Stender and Dr. Kathy Koch delve into the origins of radical gender ideology and its rapid influence on culture, particularly among youth. They discuss the alarming trend of rapid-onset gender dysphoria, especially in girls, and highlight the role of online communities in shaping these experiences. The conversation highlights the importance of being cautious about children's online interactions and critiques the ideological forces perceived as driving these changes. Tune in for an insightful exploration of a pressing issue that affects families today.

In today's episode Wayne asks Dr. Kathy to comment on the rise in sports gambling. The practice has become mainstream in sports and Wayne believes it is wrecking the beauty of what sports does in culture by making athletics self-centered and removing the character forming disciplines to push kids to cheat. Dr. Kathy has great insights on what gambling does and why we need to protect sports from it.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the foundation of great social skills in children, emphasizing that these skills are developed through everyday interactions at home rather than just memorizing phrases. Drawing on research of a study of over 200 parent-child relationships, Dr. Kathy highlights the importance of emotional safety and authentic connection in fostering communication. She outlines nine key practices parents can adopt to build exceptional social skills in their children, including openly discussing feelings, modeling empathy, fostering authentic confidence, and helping kids recognize social cues. Tune in to discover how these strategies can make a significant difference in your child's social development.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy dives into the topic of GLP-1 medications, which have recently gained attention for their use in managing obesity and type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents. She discusses how these injectable drugs, like Wegovy and Victoza, enhance feelings of fullness and reduce appetite to mimick self-control. Dr. Kathy uses this topic to engage how we can teach character, self-control, and have a posture of support for our kids as they face things like obesity and a culture that pushes them to quick-fixes for big problems.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, host Wayne Stender and Dr. Kathy emphasize the critical roles boys and young men need to embody as sages, explorers, servants, warriors, and husbands. The discussion is sparked by recent events, including the assassination of their friend Charlie Kirk, and touches on the perceived crisis among young men exacerbated by the COVID pandemic and cultural shifts. Dr. Kathy advocates for a holistic understanding of masculinity that balances strength with servitude, aiming to inspire resilience and growth in the younger generation. Tune in to explore these vital themes and learn how we can support boys in their development.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the challenges faced by today's youth, who often grapple with the pressures of hyperproductivity and the quest for perfection. She emphasizes the importance of helping children build their identity in Christ rather than solely focusing on their achievements. The discussion highlights the need for parents to recognize and celebrate their children's qualities, such as loyalty and confidence, and to be mindful of the potential dark places that the pursuit of being the best can lead both teens and parents. With insights from researchers at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Dr. Kathy explores how we can guide our kids through the complexities of modern life while nurturing their spiritual and emotional well-being. Join us as we learn how to support our children in thriving amidst the pressures of their generation.

In this episode of the Raising Gender-Confident Kids podcast, hosts Wayne Stender and Dr. Kathy delve into the crucial foundations of identity and competence in children. They discuss how a strong sense of security and belonging helps children navigate failures without shame, enabling them to embrace mistakes as part of their growth. The conversation highlights the importance of affirming messages such as "I am loved" and "I can do hard things." Additionally, Wayne and Kathy reflect on their experiences writing a book on this timely topic, emphasizing the relevance of their discussions on spiritual lostness and cultural counterfeits in relation to gender confusion. Tune in for insightful perspectives on raising confident children in today's complex world.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy discusses the findings of a recent global survey by Edelman, revealing that 45% of young people, particularly from Gen Z (aged 18-34), tend to ignore medical advice from professionals in favor of insights shared by friends and social media influencers. The survey highlights a significant trend where 38% of respondents reject doctors' recommendations, influenced by a growing movement of "crunchy teens" who prioritize wellness and often share questionable health theories online. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of teaching children to seek deeper understanding and critical thinking rather than settling for surface-level answers. The conversation serves as a reminder to navigate the complexities of health information in today's digital age.