In this episode of Celebrate Kids, host Wayne Stender introduces the newly released book, "Raising Gender Confident Kids," co-authored by Dr. Kathy and Dr. Jeff Myers. The discussion centers around the importance of understanding identity and security in children's lives, highlighting how confusion about identity can impact their core needs. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the significance of recognizing God as a good creator and the implications of Genesis 1:27, which states that humans are created in God's image, male and female. The conversation stresses the foundational role of security in faith and identity, encouraging listeners to embrace these truths for the well-being of their children. Pre-orders for the book are available at CelebrateKids.com.

In today's episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy considers a new report that unveils what happens to kids who use AI frequently. Exploring the findings of how trust shifts to technology, Dr. Kathy highlights insights from research she's done on why kids learn and retain knowledge and wisdom better when they're taught by an adult versus a screen. She gives important tips on how we can guide our kids well inside this cultural moment.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy discusses the complexities of grief and honoring loved ones, particularly through the lens of a listener's dilemma about naming her child after a deceased sister. The discussion with Dr. Kathy and host Wayne Stender emphasizes the importance of navigating emotional challenges without sugarcoating experiences. Dr. Kathy highlights the necessity of addressing feelings of confusion, sadness, and doubt, and reassures listeners that it's okay to struggle with these emotions. The episode also delves into the listener's relationship with her mother, who pressures her to honor her late sister by sharing memories and naming her child after her. Dr. Kathy offers insights on balancing personal choices with family expectations while fostering healthy discussions about loss and remembrance. Tune in for a compassionate exploration of dealing with grief and the pressures that come with it.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the impact of smartphone use on children's mental health, particularly those under the age of 13. Citing a significant study published in the Journal for Human Development and Capabilities, she discusses how early smartphone exposure is linked to suicidal thoughts, emotional regulation issues, and lower self-worth, especially in girls. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 2 million individuals across 163 countries, highlights the detrimental effects of social media, sleep disruptions, cyberbullying, and strained family relationships associated with early smartphone use. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of observing children's behaviors and interests to guide their development, advocating for mindful engagement and opportunities for discovery away from screens.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Wayne Stender introduces a meaningful interaction between Pope Leo and a group of 300 Ukrainian children at a summer camp in the Vatican. The Pope emphasized the importance of learning from childhood experiences and fostering mutual respect among peers. He encouraged the kids to recognize the similarities they share with others, promoting understanding and unity. Dr. Kathy unpacked these lessons, giving perspective on childhood experiences, promoting peace, and how to guide kids to make friends. Tune in to explore this inspiring dialogue and its implications for personal growth and connection with others. Plus, don’t miss our sponsor, Creating a Masterpiece, dedicated to nurturing children's love for art.

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of honesty in parenting, particularly when it comes to discussing difficult topics with children, such as illness and medical procedures. The hosts reflect on their experiences with their own kids in hospital settings, grappling with whether to shield them from painful truths or to prepare them for reality. They introduce insights from Dr. Kathy , highlighting the balance between protecting children's hearts and fostering resilience. The conversation also touches on the nature of white lies, referencing Alison Sweetgrant's essay from the New York Times, which discusses the spectrum of parental honesty, from harmless fabrications like Santa Claus to more significant truths. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of how honesty can shape our children's understanding and resilience.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the complexities of diagnosing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children. She discusses the challenges faced by scientists and psychologists in recognizing this condition, particularly due to children's limited communication skills and emotional awareness. Highlighting recent advancements, Dr. Kathy shares insights on an innovative AI system developed by researchers at the University of South Florida. This system analyzes physical data—such as head positioning, gaze, and facial expressions—to better understand and identify PTSD in children. Tune in to learn how these developments could transform the approach to mental health treatment for kids, making it more effective and accessible.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the evolving standards by which we gauge adolescent well-being. While statistics show that high school graduation rates are up, smoking rates are down, and youth drug use is declining, many teens report increasing struggles with mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Dr. Kathy discusses the disconnect between traditional measures of success and the contemporary realities of adolescent life, questioning whether the goalposts for teen success have shifted. She emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health alongside tangible achievements, urging listeners to consider how societal perceptions of youth may impact their well-being. Tune in for valuable insights on navigating the complexities of growing up in today's world.