Celebrate Kids Podcast with Dr. Kathy

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "e76189e2-e803-4d11-8822-839000f282f6" data-testid= "conversation-turn-154" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> As states across the country move to restrict minors' access to social media, a deeper question emerges: Why does the government feel the need to step in at all? In this episode of Facing the Dark, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender explore the growing wave of age-gating laws, parental consent requirements, and outright bans, and what they reveal about childhood, conscience, and cultural formation. Together, they unpack the tension between external guardrails and internal virtue, the developmental realities kids face online, and why laws may slow harm but can't form wisdom. Drawing on research, real parenting scenarios, and a biblical framework, this conversation equips parents to move beyond fear or passivity and toward intentional formation, helping kids learn discernment, self-control, and identity at home, long before a constable ever has to step in. If you're navigating screens, laws, and the pressure of modern parenting, this episode will give you clarity, courage, and practical next steps.  

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-68c436b6-c164-832c-9422-c7a823071a31-2" data-testid= "conversation-turn-152" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Public language is getting louder, harsher, and more vulgar, and our kids are listening. In this episode of Facing the Dark, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender explore the rising use of profanity in politics and public life and ask a deeper question: What does the way we speak reveal about our character? Together, they unpack the difference between freedom and license, why breaking rules isn't the same as courage, and how words shape virtue, dignity, and trust. Drawing from Scripture, cultural thinkers, and real parenting conversations, this episode equips parents to teach kids how to express strong emotions without dehumanizing others—and how to form character in a culture that often rewards outrage over wisdom. If you've ever wondered how to help your kids speak with conviction and compassion, this conversation is for you.  

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "485c5b0e-364b-44fb-92bb-c8088ff4ea1d" data-testid= "conversation-turn-146" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Do kids really need to be taught to focus, or do they need permission to wonder first? In this Facing the Dark episode, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender explore new research showing that children learn even when they're not intentionally paying attention. Together, they unpack the difference between curiosity and concentration, why wonder is not a distraction but a doorway to learning, and how parents can teach focus without extinguishing imagination. Anchored in child development, the 8 Great Smarts, and the story of Gideon, this conversation equips parents to nurture both attentiveness and awe, so kids grow confident and spiritually curious in a world that often rushes them to perform.    

Why do parents think school is going great, while many kids feel disengaged and uninspired? In this Facing the Dark episode, Wayne Stender and Dr. Kathy Koch unpack research revealing the growing gap between how parents and students experience school. Together, they explore why learning often feels passive, why awe and wonder fade as kids get older, and how families can re-ignite curiosity by connecting schoolwork to real life. From dinner-table conversations to creative family rhythms, this episode equips parents to help kids move beyond grades and tests toward meaningful, integrated learning rooted in purpose, faith, and joy.

Technology is shaping our kids, often more than we realize. In this Facing the Dark episode, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender help parents move beyond fear or frustration toward clarity, compassion, and leadership. Drawing on research, Scripture, and real family experience, they explore how screens quietly train attitudes like entitlement, impatience, and self-centeredness, and how families can reclaim joy, peace, and connection through intentional, gradual change. This episode equips parents to lead tech conversations wisely, create family plans kids can buy into, and choose whom their household will truly serve. Consider Dr. Kathy's book on Technology: https://celebratekids.com/screensandteens Sign-up to get email or text updates from Dr. Kathy: https://celebratekids.com/podcasts