Celebrate Kids Podcast with Dr. Kathy

Confusion about gender doesn't start with culture—it starts with unmet core needs. Dr. Kathy Koch joins Wayne Stender to explore how God designed children with five foundational needs that shape their confidence and faith. From bedtime routines to meaningful conversations, discover practical ways to disciple your kids toward identity, purpose, and peace in Christ.

Halloween can be full of confusion for Christian parents, with spooky decorations, dark themes, and cultural tension. Dr. Kathy and Wayne Stender explore how to approach the holiday with grace, discernment, and purpose. Learn how knocking on doors and sharing candy can become an opportunity to teach kids about community, belonging, and being a light for Jesus in their neighborhood.

What makes kids successful? It's not grades or grit alone. In this episode, Dr. Kathy Koch shares how true success is rooted in wisdom: applying truth, agreeing with God, and living with resilience and purpose.

Reading aloud to kids does far more than build vocabulary; it builds connection, confidence, and faith. In this episode, Dr. Kathy Koch explains why reading is one of the most powerful tools parents have to shape hearts and minds.

In a world full of noise, distractions, and dopamine-triggering apps, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender talk about how parents can help kids rediscover the gift of focus — and why staying faithful to one task is an act of worship that builds character and identity.

New research shows a sharp decline in college students identifying as transgender. Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender unpack what's behind the trend, why it's hopeful, and how parents can raise children anchored in God's truth instead of cultural confusion.

When stress hits, kids retreat to what feels safe, often a screen. In this conversation, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender help parents understand what kids are really searching for in gaming and how to reconnect them to God's design for competence, purpose, and belonging.

New research shows that early social media use lowers kids' reading, memory, and vocabulary, but that's not the only loss. In this episode, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender explore how constant scrolling reshapes our children's ability to think, rest, and relate. Learn how to help your family unplug with purpose, restore focus through faith, and find joy in being fully present.

Is math just another school subject, or could it be a way to see God's order and beauty? In this episode, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender unpack the growing math crisis in schools and explore why numbers, patterns, and problem-solving matter for your child's confidence and faith. Discover how interest drives ability, and how teaching kids that math reflects God's design can help them approach learning with joy instead of fear.

As AI "friends" become more common, what are our kids really learning about friendship? In this episode, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender unpack Meta's new chatbot update and explore how true friendships form character, resilience, and faith. Learn how to help your kids value real people over artificial connection—and why Jesus' definition of friendship changes everything.

When does helping someone cross the line from compassion into condescension? In this episode, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender unpack a viral Supreme Court moment that raises tough questions about empathy, equality, and how we treat others. Learn how to teach your kids the difference between pity and Christ-like compassion—and how true love restores dignity instead of diminishing it.

What if our culture's obsession with happiness is actually making our kids less happy? In this episode, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender unpack why chasing happiness leads to emptiness and how teaching contentment, gratitude, and respect helps kids develop real joy. Learn how to guide your children through sadness and disappointment so they can grow strong, wise, and anchored in faith.

What if gratitude isn't just good manners, but the foundation of mental health and spiritual maturity? In this episode, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender explore how gratitude shapes a child's character, rewires family culture, and builds resilience in tough times. Learn how to nurture a thankful heart in your home through conversation, creativity, and Christ-centered habits.

In a world where social media normalizes labels, more kids are turning to self-diagnosis to make sense of their struggles. Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender unpack why this happens, how labels can both help and harm, and how parents can respond with curiosity, compassion, and truth. Learn how faith, relationship, and guidance help kids find their identity in who God says they are—not in a diagnosis.

Why are so many kids anxious, lonely, and unsure of who they are? In this episode, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender unpack new research showing that a loss of play and independence is leaving kids less creative, more fearful, and increasingly depressed. Learn how restoring freedom, purpose, and connection through Dr. Kathy's Five to Thrive model can help kids rediscover joy, confidence, and identity in Christ.

How do we talk to our kids about the hard things they see in the news without overwhelming them? In this episode, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender explore how parents can help children process violence, fear, and brokenness with truth and hope. Learn how creativity, compassion, and Christ-centered security can become release valves for kids' anxiety in a world that often feels heavy.

In this episode of the Raising Gender Confident Kids podcast, hosts Wayne Stender and Dr. Kathy delve into the roots of radical gender ideology, exploring how postmodern thinking and the concepts of "your truth" versus "my truth" contribute to today's confusion surrounding gender identity. They discuss the importance of understanding these philosophical underpinnings and how they impact identity formation, particularly in children. The conversation builds on insights from the book "Raising Gender Confident Kids," providing listeners with valuable context and strategies for navigating these complex issues. Join them for an enlightening discussion that aims to equip families with the...

Our kids are tired, but not just from sports or school. In this episode of the Celebrate Kids Podcast, Dr. Kathy and Wayne Stender unpack how smartphones are quietly stealing sleep, peace, and purpose from our children. Learn how constant connection leads to exhaustion and anxiety, and how reclaiming rest can restore focus, joy, and faith in your home.

When truth becomes optional, courage becomes essential. In this episode, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender unpack a Supreme Court case surrounding Christian counselor Kaley Childs and explore what it means to raise kids who stand firm in truth with grace. Discover how lies breed anxiety and confusion, but truth, spoken with love, restores peace, identity, and confidence in who God made us to be.

When culture celebrates what's loud instead of what's true, families can feel out of sync. In this episode, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender talk about why moments like the Super Bowl, concerts, and national holidays shape kids' identity and belonging more than we realize, and how Christian parents can reclaim these cultural rhythms to point kids back to Christ. Discover how faith-filled families can celebrate with joy, think critically, and bring light into the dark corners of culture.

When was the last time you looked around a room full of kids and saw every face lit—not by screens—but by conversation and curiosity? Across the country, more schools are going device-free, and something amazing is happening: kids are becoming more attentive, more engaged, and more confident.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids Podcast, Dr. Kathy and Wayne Stender unpack what's really going on when we unplug. Dr. Kathy explains that technology, while useful, can condition children to expect life to be easy—and when challenges come, they give up too soon. True resilience, she sa...

In this episode of Facing the Dark, Wayne Stender and Dr. Kathy Koch tackle a question many parents quietly wrestle with: Can we really afford to raise kids in today's world? Drawing from both research and real-life experience, they unpack the financial realities of family life and explore what it means to trust God's calling over cultural caution.

Dr. Kathy emphasizes that parenting isn't just a financial decision, it's a spiritual one. She encourages parents to seek the Lord's guidance when considering children, to embrace sacrifice with joy, and to celebrate kids as image bearers, not economic...

In this episode of the Raising Gender Confident Kids podcast, hosts Wayne Stender and Dr. Kathy delve into the roots of radical gender ideology, exploring how postmodern thinking and the concepts of "your truth" versus "my truth" contribute to today's confusion surrounding gender identity. They discuss the importance of understanding these philosophical underpinnings and how they impact identity formation, particularly in children. The conversation builds on insights from the book "Raising Gender Confident Kids," providing listeners with valuable context and strategies for navigating these complex issues. Join them for an enlightening discussion that aims to equip families with the...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids Podcast, Wayne Stender and Dr. Kathy Koch explore psychologist Mitch Prinstein's research on the two types of popularity—likability and status. Together, they discuss why likability leads to healthy belonging while status often leaves kids empty and isolated. Dr. Kathy connects these insights to her Five to Thrive model, showing how belonging shapes identity and why character qualities like compassion, faithfulness, and hospitality help kids form lasting friendships. Wayne ties it to the story of Jehoiada and young King Joash in 2 Chronicles 23, reminding parents that true belonging is found not in surface ap...

In this episode of The Celebrate Kids Podcast, the daily episode Facing the Dark, Wayne Stender and Dr. Kathy Koch explore new research on parenting benchmarks and trends, especially the growing movement of "cycle-breaking parenting" among Gen Z moms and dads. Together, they unpack what it means to parent with both wisdom and grace, moving beyond negative family patterns without shaming past generations. Dr. Kathy shares practical insights on being unified as parents, balancing correction with encouragement, and raising kids who know their God-given strengths. Wayne connects these themes to Ezekiel 18, showing how Scripture reminds us that every generation...

Today on the Celebrate Kids Podcast Dr. Kathy reflects on a new study that highlights that young men and boys don't feel as comfortable sharing their feelings and mental health struggles with their friends. Dr. Kathy gives perspective on why boys pause, and how to walk our kids into a place where they feel encouraged and supported so they share naturally. 

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

In the wake of Jimmy Kimmel and other inconsiderate responses to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Dr. Kathy unpacks why we need to celebrate and encourage politenenss and manners. She considers this through a growing movement in culture for kids to be more authentic than kind, which she references through a recent article co-host Wayne Stender stumbled across this week. It's part of the cultural mood away from civility to self-centeredness, and Dr. Kathy notes that parents have the primary role in reforming culture and civilization by teaching manners at home.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the impact of well-designed homework on student learning. She discusses recent research that shows that upper-grade students can gain approximately five extra months of progress in subjects like math and English through effectively structured homework. In contrast, primary school students benefit less, gaining around three months of additional educational value. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of engaging homework to avoid boredom and frustration, encouraging parents to consider discussing their children's assignments with teachers if they find them unengaging. Tune in to learn more about how homework can effectively...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the dynamics of obedience and behavior in children and teenagers. Drawing on recent research from U.S. and Israeli studies, she discusses how the authenticity of parents' values heavily influences the effectiveness of parental warnings. When parents model their values consistently and appear genuinely satisfied, their guidance is more likely to be respected by teenagers. However, inconsistencies can lead to feelings of control, resulting in defiance. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of building a loving relationship with children, noting that while authentic parenting can reduce defiance, it may...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, "Facing the Dark," Dr. Kathy addresses the troubling rise of violence and graphic content on social media, particularly recently in how kids have experienced reporting of the Charlie Kirk assassination. She emphasizes the importance of guiding children to process tragedy in how we're smart, and then to seek God's call on their lives in the face of tragedy. Dr. Kathy and Wayne engage this topic in response to a listener's inquiry about how to discuss the impact of such events with their kids, highlighting the need for open communication and spiritual...