In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the idea of preparing our children for the realities of life by embracing challenges rather than shielding them from danger. Inspired by Susie Welch's article in the Wall Street Journal, Dr. Kathy discusses the impact of recent global events on the rising generation's sense of safety and purpose. She emphasizes the importance of teaching resilience through experience, encouraging parents to highlight their children's efforts in overcoming obstacles. By sharing stories of perseverance—whether in sports, music, or daily chores—parents can instill a sense of confidence and adaptability in their kids. Tune in to discover practical insights on fostering resilience in a world that often feels uncertain.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, the host reflects on the challenges and inefficiencies of parenting, particularly when trying to nurture a child's potential. They discuss the importance of recognizing and encouraging a child's unique personality traits while acknowledging that parenting often involves navigating dark and inconvenient moments. The episode highlights a fascinating study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, which reveals that handwriting engages the entire brain, unlike typing. This insight serves as a reminder for parents to embrace less efficient, more meaningful interactions with their children. Tune in as the host introduces Dr. Kathy Cooke and delves into the implications of these findings for parenting and child development.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the evolving dynamics between parents and grandparents in child-rearing practices. Drawing on a recent Pew Research Center study, she highlights that nearly half of parents intend to raise their children differently than they were raised, with love and relationships being a key focus. The discussion delves into the idea of the "village" concept in parenting, contrasting past attitudes with present-day practices. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own familial relationships and the importance of intergenerational support in raising 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 explores the importance of affirming our children's identities through a biblical lens. She reflects on how children perceive themselves, considering the influences of parental affirmations versus societal messages. Dr. Kathy discusses the impact of culture on children's self-image, particularly in light of recent research comparing AI systems trained on data from different cultures. With insights from the University of Wisconsin, the episode highlights the disparities in how societal problems are represented in discussions about teens. Tune in to discover practical ways to instill confidence in our kids and help them understand their true identity in Christ.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the impact of technology on children's development and identity. She discusses how the pervasive use of smartphones can alter children's perspectives and expose them to trauma prematurely. Drawing on a study from Sapien Labs, which surveyed over 10,500 teens aged 13 to 17 from the U.S. and India, Dr. Kathy highlights alarming trends: younger users are experiencing increased aggression, anger, and even hallucinations. The conversation emphasizes the challenge parents face in guiding their children to understand their identity amidst the influence of technology, which can often lead them to harmful places. Tune in for valuable insights on navigating parenting in a tech-driven world.

Dr. Kathy opens the mail bag to answer some of your biggest questions. Today she reflects on a series she received from Summit Ministries. We open the conversation with an adult child asking how they can give confidence to their parents that they did a good job parenting, even when they don't believe it. We also look into how to guide children who are lying, and what the benchmarks of good parenting should be.

Send in your questions for Dr. Kathy to wayne@celebratekids.com

In this episode, we dive into alarming trends surrounding LGBTQ identification and suicidality among high school students, particularly focusing on the significant increase in LGBTQ identification among females, which rose from 15% in 2015 to 34% in 2021. We discuss the concerning rise in suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts among female students during the same period. With data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's biennial youth risk behavior survey, we explore the implications of these findings and the urgent need for supportive measures for youth questioning their gender identity. Join us as we emphasize the importance of prayer and community support in addressing these tragic statistics.