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 can step into fresh mercies and new beginnings.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the profound impact of scripture on identity and personal growth. She reflects on the tendency many have to rely on their own problem-solving abilities rather than turning to prayer or the teachings of the Bible, especially when facing challenges as parents. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of embracing the truth of scripture to foster a deeper understanding of oneself and to experience the goodness of God. She also discusses insights from the American Bible Society's study, "The Eighth Chapter," which examines the state of the Bible in the USA, highlighting the necessity of scripture in rebuilding identity for both adults and children. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that encourages listeners to seek out the light of truth in their lives.

How do we talk to kids about violence, fear, and brokenness without overwhelming them, or pretending it doesn't exist? In this Facing the Dark episode, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender help parents navigate hard conversations sparked by news, school lessons, and cultural realities. They explore how to give children real security (not just reassurance), how to recognize emotional "pressure points," and how to create healthy release valves for stress using the ways kids are uniquely wired. This episode equips parents to replace fear with faith, confusion with clarity, and isolation with connection—anchored in the hope and security found in Christ.

In this Facing the Dark conversation, Dr. Kathy and Wayne Stender engage the growing concern around "sharenting," a term popularized by legal scholar Leah Plunkett to describe how parents and trusted adults share children's lives online. While often well-intentioned, constant posting can subtly communicate that a child's value lies in how they appear, how well they perform, or how much attention their moments generate.

Dr. Kathy explains how children can internalize the belief that they exist to make parents feel proud, connected, or validated. When everyday life becomes content, kids may begin to feel responsible for maintaining a highlight reel rather than simply living their childhood. Over time, this can affect identity formation, confidence, and a child's ability to own and narrate their own story.

Wayne reflects on the tension many parents feel: wanting to capture meaningful moments while also wanting to stay present in those moments. Together, they challenge families to reconsider the rhythm and ratio of posting, to create private spaces for memory-keeping, and to invite children into owning their memories rather than outsourcing them to a feed.

Grounded in Scripture and child development, this episode invites parents to pause, put the phone down, and choose presence over performance, so kids can grow up known, secure, and free to become who God created them to be.

Why do Scripture-engaged people report lower loneliness, anxiety, and despair? In this episode of Facing the Dark, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender unpack new research from the American Bible Society and explore why biblical truth forms a deeper, more secure identity than modern ideologies. Together, they examine how Scripture, identity, security, and the work of the Holy Spirit bring lasting belonging, resilience, and hope—for adults and for kids

How do parents support kids who've experienced stress without letting labels become their identity? In this Facing the Dark episode, Wayne and Dr. Kathy explore post-traumatic stress, attention struggles, and the growing role of AI in diagnosis, while carefully distinguishing between understanding a child's challenges and defining a child by them. Together they explain why beliefs shape behavior, why labels should only be used when they lead to real help, and how parents can speak truth, hope, and resilience over kids who are working through pain. This episode equips families to listen longer, look beneath the surface, and walk patiently with kids toward healing and confidence rooted in who God says they are.

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 approval but in covenant faithfulness to God.

What does it really mean for a child to be "successful"? In this episode of Facing the Dark, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender explore research on sibling success and unpack why optimism, motivation, learning, coaching, and, most importantly, wisdom and resilience shape kids for long-term flourishing. Together, they challenge achievement-based definitions of success and offer a Christ-centered vision that emphasizes character, growth, and learning how to apply truth in everyday life