Celebrate Kids Podcast with Dr. Kathy
338 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 278 ratingsDaily encouragement from a multitude of speakers, led by Dr. Kathy Koch. All topics covered are helpful not only to kids and their parents, but also to single adults, married couples, teachers, social workers, pastors, and many more. We hope you can be encouraged through these messages, send it to a friend so they can join you in joy and growth!
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Episodes
The Impact of AI on Development and Privacy Concerns with Interactive AI Toys
December 18, 2023 11:00 - 12 minutes - 21.7 MBIn this episode, Dr. Kathy explores the topic of using technology with artificial intelligence to inspire and educate children. She questions whether these devices truly help children develop social skills. Tune in to gain insights on the potential impact of AI on social development in kids.
Creating Spaces for Teenagers to Nurture Independence and Identity
December 15, 2023 11:00 - 11 minutes - 19.6 MBIn this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the topic of youth growing up in today's culture. She reflects on her own experiences and wonders if children have the space and opportunities to learn and make mistakes. She discusses the importance of providing a supportive environment for teenagers to practice being adults. Dr. Kathy also highlights the insights of Professor Victor Rios from the MacArthur Foundation, who discusses the negative perceptions of youth in socie...
The Benefit of Championing Music with Kids
December 14, 2023 11:31 - 9 minutes - 17.3 MBIn this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy discusses the importance of music education for young people. She addresses the concerning trend of students dropping out of music programs and the decrease in enrollment in music classes. She explores ways to encourage young people to embrace music and highlight the disparities in access to music education among low-income and ethnically diverse school districts.
Raising Kids in a Culture that Doesn't Value Children
December 13, 2023 09:52 - 10 minutes - 19.2 MBIn this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy Koch explores the topic of the DINK movement, which stands for dual income with no kids. While research suggests that having children can actually extend a person's life expectancy, there is a growing social trend of couples choosing not to have kids. Dr. Kathy discusses the implications of this movement and how parents can prepare their families and children to thrive in a society that may not value children. Tune in for an insightfu...
Helping Kids with Doubt - ReAir
December 12, 2023 10:54 - 14 minutes - 27 MBIn this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy discusses the challenge of helping children believe in Jesus in a culture that fosters doubt. She explores the belief process and how parents can build trust with their children to help them have confidence in their beliefs. She also addresses the topic of doubt and its prevalence, as highlighted by a recent study by the Barna Group.
The Stress of Tests on Kids and Parenting Well in Test Periods
December 11, 2023 11:50 - 14 minutes - 24.8 MBStandardized tests can cause stress and guide kids to judge themselves unfairly. However, in our modern education system, kids are required to be tested. These tests serve little purpose often times and the director of the Department of Education, Miguel Cardona, has announced new guidelines to work to hone these processes of assessment to be more open to kids who don't test well or see the world differently. Dr. Kathy has some insights on this important topic and how to parent well in these...
Teens, Energy Drinks, and Conflict Conversations that Win - ReAir
December 08, 2023 11:29 - 11 minutes - 19.8 MBIn this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy discusses the issue of teenagers feeling tired and the temptation to medicate their fatigue with energy drinks or caffeine. She highlights the potential risks of consuming too much caffeine, especially for teens and college students. Dr. Kathy addresses the need for open conversations about sleep habits and healthier alternatives to boost energy. Listeners gain valuable insight on how to approach this topic with their kids and prioriti...
Anxiety, Creativity, Outside Play, and Identity: A Unifying Link to Them All
December 07, 2023 11:32 - 12 minutes - 20.7 MBDr. Kathy considers a recent article that linked depression to the decrease in outside play and forming identity. She has some important insights for parents to inspire being creative, guiding outside play, and forming identity for their kids. According to some, the mix of those three in repeated succession drives kids to strong mental health.
Caring for Kids When You're Both Confused by Culture
December 06, 2023 11:32 - 13 minutes - 21.4 MBThere seems to be a general mood of confusion from much of society. For kids, they're encouraged to imagine a society where physics, logic, and sexual norms aren't necessary. For adults, they're encouraged to let this societal moment happen because things are "just different now". That mood is revealed more and more in new data on the trends of gender identity and how some younger people are understanding the role and purpose of sexuality. Dr. Kathy has some important insights, and some g...
Is a Four Day School Week Best for Kids?
December 05, 2023 11:30 - 11 minutes - 20.5 MBSchool is important, but are the rhythms students build and the habits of labor formed in school and athletics really healthy? Dr. Kathy considers a report of a school district in Ohio that is shifting their school week to give students and teachers space. In that, is it really healthy for us to push hard to carve out and protect time for students to have down time, and maybe even be bored? Dr. Kathy considers this and more on the Celebrate Kids Podast.
What's in Dr. Kathy's Character Book "Parent Differently"
December 04, 2023 11:30 - 21 minutes - 34.2 MBToday we take a few extra minutes to explore Dr. Kathy's new book on character, titled Parent Differently. Dr. Kathy explains why she chose specific character traits to include in her book and how those caring for kids can build places for character formation. Buy the book today at www.celebratekids.com If you want to support the ministry do so at www.celebratekids.com/give
When Should Kids Know About Darkness in the World Through Movies, Books, and the News?
December 01, 2023 11:39 - 13 minutes - 20.5 MBDr. Kathy considers a recent opinion piece where an author said she is introducing her toddler to the darkness of the world. The author explains that she doesn't want her young child to grow up and receive a slap in the face from the world and lose bearings, falling into depression that earth is not as idyllic as the fairytales explained. Dr. Kathy unpacks some of the realities of introducing kids to darkness, and gives important insights on how to do it with care, concern, but also to i...
What Kind of Tutoring Best Supports Kids?
November 30, 2023 12:16 - 12 minutes - 17.5 MBDr. Kathy responds to a recent report on tutoring and how an enhanced model actually drives students performance in the classroom. As an expert teacher, Dr. Kathy has facilitated successful tutoring programs and has also critiqued failed efforts by some schools to drive student identity and overall academic achievement. She comments today, looking also at the role of discipleship in the Christian framework of guiding students, offering a better way forward for schools, parents, and students.
How to Talk to Kids About Healthy Intimate Relationships
November 29, 2023 10:55 - 15 minutes - 25.3 MBOften conversations about the birds and the bees feel like either a one and done conversation, or that every conversation leads back to that topic. It's hard to find a middle-ground sometimes for intentional parents. But today, Dr. Kathy considers a helpful resource from our friend Christopher Yuan and she gives us some insight on how to engage this topic with grace and dignity that builds a place of security for our kids moving forward. Click here for more on the Holy Sexuality Projec...
Hallucinate in the Word of the Year...What Does That Say About Us?
November 28, 2023 11:24 - 14 minutes - 19.3 MBCambridge Dictionary chose hallucinate as the word of the year. The reasoning has to do with artificial intelligence. Is it helpful for us to assign human-like experiences to artificial intelligence? What does that say about our society and how should we as parents respond to the movement of culture into a place that tries to build an alternative reality with the power of computation? Dr. Kathy has some important insights and encouragement for parents today. Today is Giving Tuesday. Join u...
Can We Do Anything To Battle Anxiety for Kids?
November 27, 2023 11:30 - 17 minutes - 24.9 MBDr. Kathy Koch addresses the issue of teenage anxiety and its prevalence in today's society. She discusses the statistics that show an increase in anxiety among teenagers and how it has become a part of their reality. Dr. Kathy emphasizes that while statistics may not determine the destiny of individuals, they can have an impact on civilizations as a whole. The episode delves into the question of whether parents should view anxiety as something to be dealt with or simply as a natural part o...
021 - Teaching Thankfulness and the Power of Gratitude for Kids - Dr. Kathy Says
November 25, 2023 12:24 - 29 minutes - 27 MBDr. Kathy begins unpacking her new book, Parent Differently. She shares insights on one of the core character traits that ignites other traits parents seek to develop in kids. Being thankful and expressing gratitude is a fundamental skill that inspires other traits to grow and flourish in young people. To purchase Parent Differently, click here>>
The Power of Belonging for Kids and Development
November 24, 2023 11:48 - 13 minutes - 22.7 MBDr. Kathy considers how belonging does more than make us feel good. She outlines in the podcast the value of belonging for building identity, highlighting aspects from her book Five to Thrive, where she shares the core needs found in science that are essential for building a solid identity. Dr. Kathy highlights in her book how these needs are true because God made them true and has them manifest in special ways in reality. In her book, she outlines a Christian view of how these needs are met...
Teens, Cell Phones, and the Impact of 5000 Interruptions per day - ReAir
November 23, 2023 14:00 - 11 minutes - 20.5 MBIn this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the impact of interruptions on teen growth and development, with a specific focus on the interruption caused by phones. New research from Common Sense Media reveals that teens are constantly bombarded with notifications, with some receiving up to 5,000 in just 24 hours. The pop-ups are primarily from social media apps and can disrupt school and sleep. Experts advise parents to have non-judgmental conversations with their kids...
Surprising Benefits of Gratitude: Developing a Thankful Heart in Kids
November 22, 2023 11:30 - 12 minutes - 22.2 MBIn this episode, Dr. Kathy discusses the importance of gratitude, especially during Thanksgiving. She delves into the benefits of being thankful and how to develop a gratitude practice. She also explores how gratitude can heal past traumatic experiences and build resilience for future challenges. The Dr. Kathys are joined by Dr. Kathy Cook, who shares insights from her book, Parent Differently, and highlights the significance of gratitude in parenting. She mentions a Stanford professor's st...
Teaching Kids to Be Alone in a World Filled with Fear and Anxiety
November 21, 2023 11:36 - 13 minutes - 22.1 MBBeing alone is a learned trait, and building that muscle creates space for contemplation, meditation, and reflection. Space for these things opens opportunities for a deeper understanding of growth and founding a solid identity in Christ. The world is fearful of kids being alone, and maybe even more of teaching kids to be alone. Dr. Kathy has some important insights on how we can encourage kids in hard times to pursue hard things that benefit them later in life.
Combating Loneliness, A Primary Cause of Teen Mental Health Crises
November 20, 2023 11:10 - 13 minutes - 17.2 MBIn this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy discusses the alarming rise of teen mental health issues, which some are calling another pandemic. They explore the impact of social media and technology on young people's mental well-being, highlighting the increasing sense of loneliness among teens and young adults. She also examines how God's light can offer encouragement and support during these dark times.
020 - Competence | The Five Core Needs on Dr. Kathy Says
November 18, 2023 12:21 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MBDr. Kathy continues teaching on the five core needs as parents and those caring for kids are entering into a challenging time in the school year. The changing of seasons in the fall often marks a change in attitude and a struggle with motivation. Dr. Kathy gives important insights to how we can speak to the core needs of kids and thus encourage them as they build resiliency during challenging times.
The Power of Grandparents for Kids - ReAir
November 17, 2023 12:00 - 12 minutes - 14.8 MBGrandparents are the joy of many kids. But new reports are showing it's harder for grandparents to have relationship with kids because of disagreements between parents and grandparents. Dr. Kathy considers the role of grandparents and provides helpful steps to bridge gaps for parents and grandparents to help us celebrate kids.
When Should Kids Get Cell Phones?
November 16, 2023 11:53 - 12 minutes - 15.7 MBThere are so many ways technologies, especially cell phones and apps are pushed into the lives of parents. From church youth group communication to homework to friend networking, kids today almost need access to apps and cell phones at younger ages to participate in life. Is this a good rhythm, and if this is happening it begs the question for many parents, when is it best to get kids a cell phone? New groups are coming out demanding a halt on the mass distribution of devices, but Dr. Kathy ...
Kids and Anxiety - Helpful Habits to Care Well with Dr. Kathy Koch
November 15, 2023 14:48 - 12 minutes - 15.6 MBAnxiety is a reality for most kids, and something they'll face in their life at some point. Building healthy ways to process anxiety is a gift parents and those caring for kids can give to kids as they grow that they'll use for the rest of their lives. Dr. Kathy has some important insights in the wake of a new push by some in culture to guide kids to process anxiety well.
Kids Want Less Sex in Movies...Dr. Kathy Shares How to Shape Character in This and Other Ways
November 14, 2023 12:03 - 10 minutes - 15.2 MBA new report on media and movies is showing kids want less sexual relationships with the characters and more platonic or friendship relationships. It's a sign for us that kids are hungering for real meaningful friendships, something talked about consistently in the examples of community in Scripture. So how can parents feed this hunger and shape the loves that drive it? Dr. Kathy has important insights in today's episode of Facing the Dark
Are Student Mentors Good For Kids? - ReAir
November 13, 2023 12:37 - 11 minutes - 19.8 MBIn this episode, Dr. Kathy considers the crucial role mentorship plays in the lives of kids. She highlights how various individuals, specifically high school seniors, can serve as mentors and inspire children to pursue their passions and conquer obstacles. This is through the lens of a mentorship program at Cumberland Regional High School in New Jersey, where senior students mentor incoming freshmen, resulting in mutual benefits for both groups. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the need for parents a...
019 - Purpose - Why am I Alive | The Five Core Needs on Dr. Kathy Says
November 11, 2023 12:48 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MBToday, Dr. Kathy continues our series on the five core needs. She outlines how they're all linked and traced, starting from security, who can I trust. She continues building a reality that these needs are first met in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and that as we grow these core needs flourish in the care of relationships that understand, foster, and celebrate the needs. Today she specifically highlights our core need to understand our purpose, essentially answering the question,...
How Protective Parents Can Build Resiliency in Kids
November 10, 2023 11:04 - 17 minutes - 28.3 MBSome new data points out that people who had over protective parents growing up died before their counterparts. While the data is a little muddled on the topic, what is true is kids need resiliency, and when parents care, and maybe just "parent" they are often called overprotective. Can a parent care, be conscious of situations, and still be someone actively building resiliency in their kids? Dr. Kathy considers that and give important insight in this episode.
Marriage, Divorce, and the impact on kids
November 09, 2023 11:55 - 10 minutes - 14.7 MBToday Dr. Kathy considers how marriage and divorce impact kids as they grow and mature. Many believe the home a child is reared in doesn't matter, but many statistics back up the biblical concept that a married home is the best place for a child to grow in.
Is It Best to Place Kids In Danger to Build Resiliency and Character?
November 08, 2023 11:37 - 13 minutes - 16.6 MBNearly every parent wants to build confidence, resiliency, and character in their kids. The challenge for most is how we do that knowing the world is a dangerous place? Dr. Kathy considers this and gives insights to building character and resiliency without placing kids purposely in places where they'll fail or face harm.
Is Humor and Important Trait for Parents to Model?
November 07, 2023 10:58 - 16 minutes - 27.1 MBDr. Kathy explores the area of dad jokes. She considers if humor is an important quality for parents to model and what that does to kids as they express joy, laughter, and an understanding of their place in the world.
Loneliness and Teen Mental Health: Finding Hope in the Darkness
November 06, 2023 10:57 - 13 minutes - 16.6 MBIn this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the alarming rise in teen mental health issues, which some are calling another pandemic. She explores the impact of social media and technology on the well-being of young people, highlighting the increase in self-identified loneliness amongst teens and young adults. Dr. Kathy discusses how this crisis is reshaping friendships and relationships but also sheds light on how God's light is encouragement during these dark times...
018 - Belonging: Who Wants Me | The Five Core Needs on Dr. Kathy Says
November 04, 2023 12:29 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBIn this episode, Dr. Kathy delves into the third of the five core needs, which is belonging. Belonging is described as occupying a central position in the pyramid of core needs. Dr. Kathy emphasizes that belonging is fostered by both security and identity. She points out that when individuals, whether children or adults struggle with belonging, it is crucial to consider the state of their security and identity. If these aspects are not healthy, individuals are likely to face difficulties i...
The Best Way to Help Kids With Friends May Be To Have Our Own
November 03, 2023 10:34 - 15 minutes - 25.4 MBDr. Kathy considers a report from the Barna Research Group on how kids fare better when parents have strong friendships. The report is interesting, considering many kids will encounter friend challenges and face hard things as they develop and grow in their identity. Dr. Kathy has helpful insights for parents, and we close considering how we can lead in our communities to have friends, build friends, and be mindful that all people need connection.
Kids Need Parents to Target Facebook as Meta Targets Kids
November 02, 2023 10:19 - 11 minutes - 19.2 MBIn this episode, Dr. Kathy discusses how far parents should go to make changes in culture when they see something harmful for their children. They explore the current situation with a lawsuit filed against Facebook, accusing the platform of contributing to a youth mental health crisis through addictive social media platforms. Dr. Kathy provides insights on how parents can navigate these situations and step forward boldly to protect their families and shine light on important issues in socie...
Do LockDown Drills Teach Kids They're Not Safe and Stifle Identity Formation?
October 31, 2023 10:30 - 13 minutes - 22.1 MBDr. Kathy discusses the impact of drills and preparations for potentially dangerous situations, things like school shootings or tornadoes, on children's growth and development. Wayne questions whether constantly preparing for threats creates an environment of fear and limits children's ability to express themselves and be excited about the world. Dr. Kathy explores the debate surrounding active shooter drills and the use of fake gun noises and emphasizes the importance of establishing securi...
Talking to Kids about Israel, the Maine Shooting, and the Problems in the World
October 30, 2023 10:30 - 12 minutes - 20.8 MBDr. Kathy explores the challenges of working with and raising kids in a world filled with darkness and brokenness. With recent events like the invasion of Israel and the mass shooting in Maine, it can be difficult for parents to shield their kids from the weight and anxiety that comes with such news. Dr. Kathy offers guidance on how to bring light into these dark times and navigate conversations with children about the brokenness of the world without ignoring or covering it up.
Teens Want Parents to Practice Tech Tracking
October 27, 2023 10:30 - 10 minutes - 16.2 MBA new report is highlighting how many teens and young adults feel safer when parents and caretakers actually track their location. More than 7 out of 10 young adults noted they not only feel safer but appreciate the relational bond with parents who track where they're going and what they're doing using technology. Is this a light for parents to step in and be engaged in their older teen and young adults' lives? Dr. Kathy has great insights on what we should be doing.
Young Adult Kids Want Mentors...Why, and How Do We Lead In That?
October 25, 2023 10:42 - 10 minutes - 17.5 MBA new report shows that young adult leaders want more mentors and more time with their leaders. It's an interesting report noting that other recent findings in some circles highlight how adult kids want relationships with their parents to a greater degree, showing integrity, patience, and other Christian characteristics. Today, Dr. Kathy walks us through why this might be and how we can encourage young adult leaders as they mature and grow into their different giftings. She also consider...
The Purpose of School: Assessing Readiness and Repeating Grades
October 25, 2023 10:30 - 11 minutes - 19.7 MBIn this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy discusses the topic of holding students back a grade in school. She addresses whether students who repeat a grade perform better academically than their peers who advance to the next grade. Dr. Cook references a study that highlights the potential benefits of early grade retention policies that prioritize mastery of foundational skills. The episode challenges the traditional view of school as solely focused on achievement and encourage...
The Dangers of Nearsightedness for Kids in Culture
October 24, 2023 10:00 - 11 minutes - 19.1 MBIn this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy discusses the alarming increase in nearsightedness among children. She explores the shift from genetic factors to environmental influences as a possible cause, particularly the excessive screen time and lack of outdoor activities. The World Health Organization's warning that 40% of the world's population will be nearsighted by 2030 is a concerning statistic. She delves into the implications for culture and the potential impact on child...
Understanding Early Puberty and Identity Formation
October 23, 2023 10:30 - 11 minutes - 20 MBIn this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the challenges parents face when their children experience puberty earlier than expected. With recent reports showing that puberty starts two to three years earlier than in previous generations, parents may feel unprepared to navigate this new territory. Dr. Kathy emphasizes that while the age of onset may be earlier, puberty is not occurring faster. This can lead to confusion as parents struggle to reconcile the physical cha...
017 - Belonging and Identity - A Key to the Five Core Needs
October 21, 2023 13:52 - 36 minutes - 33.9 MBIn this episode of Dr. Kathy Says, Dr. Kathy introduces the concept of the core needs and shares her frustration with a secular self-esteem curriculum that lacked the Gospel. She encourages listeners to listen to the previous episode in her short series on the core needs and expresses gratitude for those who have shared the podcast with others.
The Impact of Bedtime and Sleep Rhythms on Teenagers
October 20, 2023 11:51 - 14 minutes - 19.8 MBIn this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, the focus is on the importance of bedtime and sleep rhythms for teenage kids. Dr. Kathy discusses new research that highlights how lack of sleep can impact mental health and academic performance. She delves into the CDC report that reveals a high percentage of high school students not getting enough sleep during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the consequences it has on their overall well-being.
Kids Spend 25% of their day on Phones...Is it a Problem or a Paradigm Shift?
October 19, 2023 10:43 - 11 minutes - 16.6 MBDr. Kathy considers how new trends in kids digital media consumption is impacting more than just their day-to-day life. She answers a bigger question. Like shifts in society from the TV and the automobile changed life, the shift in technology use and consumption is changing character.
Does Movement Aid Learning for Tough Subjects Like Math?
October 18, 2023 09:23 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBDr. Kathy considers new research that introduces the idea of teaching mathematics through physical movement and activity, known as procedural fluency. There are benefits to this approach, including making numbers more relatable and engaging for students. But does this make sense to implement for kids, and is there a greater spiritual lesson we can pull from this data? Dr. Kathy considers this and more today.
Teaching Tech Wisdom in the Face of Constant Marketing to Kids
October 17, 2023 10:32 - 11 minutes - 19.6 MBIn this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy discusses the concerning issue of data mining in K-12 schools. She highlights a report from Common Sense Media that reveals how popular education tech tools are profiting from user data, including children's information. Dr. Kathy explores the implications of this data mining and its impact on privacy rights for kids and parents in the online realm.
The Impact of Poverty on Children and Understanding Kids' Most Important Needs
October 16, 2023 10:30 - 9 minutes - 17.3 MBDr. Kathy discusses the impact of poverty and broken family situations on children's well-being and success. She challenges the notion that poverty is the sole determining factor for children's struggles and suggests that other factors, such as the absence of a two-parent home, can also have a significant impact. She explores the idea that personal responsibility and a societal emphasis on the importance of marriage may be key in breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a better future for...