• Building Resilience and Self-Advocacy in a Digital Age
    May 23 2025

    In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the impact of technology on self-regulation and resilience in children. She discusses TikTok's recent decision to introduce guided meditation prompts for teens after 10 p.m., aimed at encouraging healthier screen time habits. Dr. Kathy reflects on the role of technology in our lives, considering how tools like social media and smart devices can influence our ability to self-regulate and manage our time. She raises important questions about the effects of relying on technology for reminders and motivation, particularly on younger generations. Tune in for insights into fostering resilience and self-awareness in a digital age.

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    15 mins
  • The Pressure to Be Exceptional: Cultivating Confidence and Courage in Kids in Their Unique Journeys
    May 22 2025

    In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy discusses the pressures teenagers face to be exceptional, referencing a 2024 study from the University of Indiana. The study reveals that over half of surveyed teens feel pressured by expectations surrounding their achievements, future plans, and even their appearance. As graduation approaches, the conversation often shifts to what comes next for students, amplifying this pressure. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the dangers of these expectations and encourages a shift in perspective, highlighting the benefits of being average and the importance of allowing kids to explore their paths without the burden of needing to be extraordinary. Tune in for insights on how to support kids during this pivotal time in their lives.

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    17 mins
  • Beyond Dry Texting: Cultivating Meaningful Conversations with Our Kids
    May 21 2025

    In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the concept of "dry texting," which refers to minimal responses in text conversations that lack depth and engagement. She discusses how this trend may lead to conflict-averse behavior and poor communication skills in children. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of encouraging children to elaborate on their thoughts and feelings rather than settling for one-word answers. She suggests using more engaging questions, such as "What intrigued you today?" to foster richer conversations and help children practice effective communication. Tune in to learn how to cultivate better dialogue with your kids and support their emotional development.

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    15 mins
  • Character Age vs. Chronological Age: Rites of Passage in Ages and Stages
    May 20 2025

    In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy discusses how to determine when children are ready for more responsibilities and how to adjust our conversations and interactions with them as they mature. She addresses the various societal benchmarks like getting a driver's license, voting, and registering for the military, and offers guidance on approaching these discussions. The episode also features a sponsorship message from Summit Ministries, a ministry focused on shaping the hearts and minds of young people with a biblical worldview. Tune in for valuable insights on navigating the journey of raising children and helping them mature in their understanding of themselves and their faith.

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    16 mins
  • Navigating Discipline: Understanding Mistakes vs. Misbehavior
    May 19 2025

    In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, host Wayne Stender discusses the likely reality that many parents' instinct is to take away something that that kid loves to help them understand that they shouldn't do whatever they shouldn't have done again. A recent article challenges this tactic, and Dr. Kathy unpacks how best to approach correction and what discipline and relationship can look like to go hand-in-hand.

    This episode is brought to you by creatingamasterpiece.com

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    17 mins
  • Rethinking Success: Guiding Our Kids to Find Their Purpose
    May 16 2025

    In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the concept of launching children into adulthood and the importance of broadening their definition of success. Drawing from a recent article by Jamie Richardson in Business Insider, she discusses the benefits of having adult children live at home, particularly in helping them navigate unfulfilling careers and relationships. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the value of redefining success beyond traditional metrics, focusing instead on health, wisdom, and happiness. This broader perspective encourages young adults to connect with their true selves and articulate their own definitions of success as they prepare to launch into the world. Tune in for insights on parenting and guiding kids toward meaningful adulthood.

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    16 mins
  • Understanding the Impact of Parental Substance Abuse on Children
    May 15 2025

    In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the concerning statistics surrounding children affected by parental substance abuse. With nearly 19 million children in the United States having at least one parent with a substance use disorder, the episode emphasizes the emotional and psychological impacts on these kids, who may feel undervalued and unimportant. The discussion highlights the need for pediatricians to screen for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD in these children, as they are more prevalent in this demographic. Dr. Kathy also notes the various forms of addiction parents may struggle with, including alcoholism and marijuana use, underscoring the urgency to address these issues and support affected families.

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    15 mins
  • Redefining Education: Fostering a Love for Learning Over Grades
    May 14 2025

    In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Wayne Stender delves into the evolving landscape of education, emphasizing the importance of fostering a love for learning over traditional metrics like grades and GPAs. Drawing from Proverbs 4:13, Dr. Kathy stresses that instruction and a desire for knowledge should be the focus, rather than the pressure of achieving honor roll status. The discussion touches on the historical shift towards standardized education and critiques the current free market approach, highlighting a recent interview with Arne Duncan, former Secretary of Education, who pointed out the lack of coherent educational goals and strategies at the national level. Dr. Kathy encourages parents and educators to prioritize meaningful learning experiences for children amidst the complexities of modern education.

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    21 mins