In this episode of Raising Gender-Confident Kids, Wayne and Dr. Kathy dive into Chapter 5 of Raising Gender Confident Kids and explore how truth actually takes root in a child's heart. They unpack why identity grows through discipleship, why presence matters more than performance, and why kids don't just need information—they need formation. With stories, Scripture, psychology, and practical rhythms for daily family life, this episode equips parents to build secure attachment, model truth consistently, and disciple their kids toward deep, lasting confidence in who God created them to be.

When teens and college-age kids come home for the holidays, families often feel the tension between independence and connection. In this episode of Facing the Dark, Wayne and Dr. Kathy unpack what's really happening in the brain during "emerging adulthood," why young adults come home exhausted, and how parents can welcome them without slipping back into old patterns. You'll learn how to set healthy expectations, reframe the transition with hope, and use each child's unique strengths, including their 8 Smarts, to build meaningful connections this holiday season. This episode brings clarity, grace, and practical wisdom for anyone navigating the in-between years.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, host Wayne Stender discusses the vital role children play in today's society with Dr. Kathy, arguing against the notion that they are merely the church's future. He reflects on a meaningful conversation with his son about the purpose of kids in a family and within culture. This leads to deeper questions about how society perceives children—whether they are seen as participants in cultural building or simply as a legacy for the future. Dr. Kathy explores these themes further, drawing insights from philosopher Anastasia Berg's work, "What Are Children For?" This episode encourages parents and caregivers to wrestle with the significance of children's roles in the present and the challenges that accompany these perspectives. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that aims to reshape how we view and nurture the children in our lives.

Every parent knows the morning rush can swing from peaceful to chaotic in seconds. But new research suggests that what we do in those early minutes may shape much more than how fast we get out the door, it may shape our children's resilience, emotional stability, and sense of belonging.

In today's Facing the Dark, Wayne and Dr. Kathy explore a study highlighting nine morning habits practiced by parents who raise happy, resilient kids. They unpack why connection matters more than control, how mornings imprint identity, and why some "chaotic kids" just think differently, not worse. With humor, real family stories, practical tools, and Scripture, this episode reimagines mornings not as a battleground, but as one of parenting's most powerful windows of influence.

A groundbreaking brain study from Cambridge reveals that adolescence may last far longer than we once believed, stretching all the way into the early 30s. Today on Facing the Dark, Wayne and Dr. Kathy unpack this research and explore what it means for parents raising kids in a confusing and fast-changing culture. They contrast chronological age with "character age," explain why maturity can't be rushed, and offer hope for parents who feel overwhelmed by their children's slow progress or surprising immaturity. Through Scripture, science, and practical encouragement, this episode reframes the expectations we place on our kids and helps parents parent with confidence for the long haul.

Reading scores are dropping across the country, and behind every statistic is a child trying to make sense of words, meaning, and identity. In today's episode of Facing the Dark, Wayne and Dr. Kathy unpack why reading matters so deeply, not just for academics but for confidence, identity, and a child's formation. They explore a Georgia district working to retrain teachers, explain why vocabulary and decoding are such obstacles today, and show parents simple, powerful ways to support struggling readers using the 8 Great Smarts. With wisdom from Scripture, especially the beautiful pattern in Acts 8, this episode gives parents practical hope: you can help your child learn to read, and you don't have to panic or do it alone.

Gender confusion doesn't begin in the body, it begins in the mind. And the way kids think is shaped by the worldview they're given. In today's episode of Raising Gender-Confident Kids, Wayne and Dr. Kathy unpack Chapter 4 of Raising Gender-Confident Kids and explain how worldview becomes the lens through which kids interpret reality, identity, feelings, and truth. They explore why kids need a worldview big enough to handle disappointment, how emotions can hijack decision-making, and why mentoring kids through the Five Core Needs builds clarity instead of confusion. Practical, deep, and hope-filled, this episode will help you guide your kids to see themselves the way God sees them.

Kids often build their Christmas lists from influencer recommendations, trending videos, and carefully curated feeds. But what if we used gift-giving to help kids feel truly seen—not just marketed to? In today's Facing in the Dark, Wayne and Dr. Kathy explore how parents can use this season to cultivate discernment, deepen connection, and choose gifts that strengthen identity rather than feed consumer pressure. You'll learn how to navigate social-media-driven wants, avoid gift-giving guilt, and lean into meaningful, memorable ways to bless your kids this Christmas.