In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender delve into the challenges and joys of parenting as children grow and change, particularly during the teenage years. Hosts discuss the natural evolution of children's interests and behaviors, emphasizing that it's normal for kids to shift from wanting close parental involvement to seeking independence. The conversation highlights the emotional journey parents experience as they navigate these changes, often feeling a mix of pride and sadness. This episode of Facing the Dark encourages parents to embrace this transitional phase with a positive mindset, fostering an environment that honors both their children’s growth and their role as caregivers. Tune in for practical advice on how to support your kids through their developmental changes while maintaining a strong familial bond.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, we dive into the importance of fostering a love for reading in children, especially during the summer months. Wayne Stender discovers insights from Dr. Kathy, highlighting research that shows reading is crucial for summer learning and can significantly impact children's reading achievement, particularly for those from low-income families. Recent surveys reveal a concerning decline in the number of kids who read for fun, with only 42% of nine-year-olds and just 17% of 13-year-olds engaging in daily reading. Tune in for practical tips on how families can encourage reading habits and create enjoyable reading experiences together.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids daily podcast, "Facing the Dark," we explore the profound joys and fears of parenting, particularly around helping children discover their true identities as created by God. Dr. Kathy discusses insights from a recent Summit Ministries blog that examines the modern identity crisis, linking it to a historical trend of Western individualism and the questioning of truth. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding how choices are presented to children and the significant impact this has on their self-identity. Tune in as we delve into these critical topics and reflect on the balance between guiding our kids and allowing them to become who they are meant to be.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the concerning trend of negative self-perception among kids today, which is often exacerbated by societal narratives labeling them as an anxious generation. She explores the implications of these self-definitions, questioning their healthiness and how parents and educators can respond effectively. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of speaking truth, positivity, and encouragement into the lives of children to counteract these negative labels. Additionally, she highlights the partnership with Summit Ministries, a program that offers engaging camps where teens can explore significant questions in a supportive community, fostering both personal growth and friendship. Tune in for valuable insights on nurturing resilience and self-esteem in today’s youth.

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of faith formation among young people, particularly how many are turning to AI tools like ChatGPT for answers to their spiritual questions. Wayne Stender addresses the implications of this shift, noting that while technology can offer quick insights, it may also create a gap between kids and their parents or mentors. Dr. Kathy provides insights into how this trend reflects broader societal changes and what it means for churches and families. Together, they tackle concerns about reliance on AI for understanding faith and offer strategies for guiding young people in their spiritual journeys amidst the digital age. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on navigating faith in a tech-driven world.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the complexities of technology, particularly cell phones, and their impact on children. Reflecting on a poignant conversation about hopes for the next generation, she explores how kids recognize the negative aspects of technology but feel compelled to keep using it due to societal pressures. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of not just banning technology, but also providing meaningful alternatives to fill the void. Additionally, she highlights the support from their ministry partner, Summit Ministries, which offers a two-week worldview camp that helps kids engage with cultural dynamics and personal development. Tune in for valuable insights on navigating technology in today's world.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy discusses the essential qualities that contribute to children's success, inspired by an article from CNBC by Susan Domenez. The episode highlights five key elements identified in successful children's stories: the importance of optimism, the need to understand and tailor motivation to each child, the idea that learning and empowerment can occur in any environment, the value of a genuine love for knowledge alongside hard work, and the role of parents as loving coaches. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the significance of applying knowledge—what she defines as wisdom—as a crucial component of this journey. Join us as we explore how to cultivate these traits in children to help them thrive.

In this episode, Wayne Stender explores the profound idea that a good life is more important than simply having a good job. He and Dr. Kathy define a good life as one filled with fulfillment, connection, joy, commitment, growth, service, and learning. Dr. Kathy encourages listeners to reflect on what a "good job" means to them, emphasizing aspects like providing for family, flexibility, and personal maturity. The conversation aims to deepen the understanding of how our careers can align with our overall life satisfaction and personal development. Additionally, Wayne highlights the importance of awakening different smarts in children through art, mentioning the work of Creating a Masterpiece, which offers structured art education to help kids thrive creatively and emotionally. Tune in for insights on prioritizing life fulfillment while navigating career choices.