Celebrate Kids Podcast with Dr. Kathy

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "26c66446-a078-4221-83fc-a943474a836f" data-testid= "conversation-turn-184" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> In this episode of Facing the Dark, Wayne Stender and Dr. Kathy Koch respond to a heartbreaking moment from American Idol, where a song written in memory of a young girl lost to suicide brings renewed attention to bullying, social media pressure, anxiety, and teen mental health. While the story is tender and sobering, the conversation moves carefully toward clarity rather than fear.
Dr. Kathy helps parents distinguish between being anxious, a normal human experience, and clinical anxiety, which often develops when kids don't have the relationships or support to process worry well. Not every anxious child is on a path toward depression, but every child needs guidance in learning how to name and work through hard emotions. Parents are encouraged to stay observant without catastrophizing and engaged without hovering.
The episode also addresses the reality that much of modern culture, especially social media, is designed to intensify comparison and emotional overload. Rather than blaming kids for struggling, parents are invited to come alongside them with truth, data, compassion, and hope, reminding them that what they're feeling is understandable and that they are not alone.
Rooted in Psalm 42, this conversation reframes anxiety as an invitation to connection rather than a diagnosis to fear. When kids are allowed to express worry without shame and are guided toward resilience, faith, and support, anxious moments don't have to become anxious identities. This episode offers parents reassurance and practical encouragement to be a steady, hopeful presence in an anxious age.

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "d9152fb2-8bc1-49be-bc28-1542c3b03a42" data-testid= "conversation-turn-182" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> What should parents do when public figures stir strong reactions, confusion, anger, fear, or frustration? In this episode of Facing the Dark, Wayne Stender and Dr. Kathy Koch explore a real world case from England where a teacher faced disciplinary action after showing political footage to older teens. Rather than taking a political stance, the conversation turns to a deeper parenting question: should teenagers be introduced to people and ideas that feel troubling or controversial?
Dr. Kathy explains why shielding kids from difficult figures doesn't build maturity, but guided exposure does. Together, they unpack how discernment is formed through conversation, curiosity, humility, and relationship, not avoidance. Parents are encouraged to acknowledge what their kids already see, name emotional reactions honestly, and walk with them through anxiety or confusion when it arises. The episode also highlights the importance of parents modeling learning, sharing the books and thinkers that shape their own views, and explaining how they evaluate what's worth listening to.
Grounded in Daniel 1, this conversation reminds families that God often forms wisdom not by isolation, but by engagement paired with conviction. When teens are given scaffolding instead of silence, they grow confident in their ability to think critically and live faithfully in a complex world.

*]: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= "a8c6b819-8960-4d58-8ae6-ad1a9c0e5c24" data-testid= "conversation-turn-180" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Puberty can feel overwhelming for kids and parents alike. In this episode of Facing the Dark, Wayne Stender and Dr. Kathy Koch explore new research on pubertal self efficacy and why confidence, not avoidance, is key to helping kids navigate this critical season. Drawing from findings in the Journal of Adolescence, they discuss how teens who understand what's happening in their bodies and emotions experience less anxiety and depression. Dr. Kathy explains self efficacy as the belief that "I can handle what's being asked of me," and shows parents how this confidence is built through contribution, clear instruction, patience, and ongoing conversation. Together, they unpack why puberty is such a significant identity shaping moment and why kids don't need mystery or silence, but guidance and reassurance. Grounded in Luke 2 and Jesus' own growth into maturity, this episode equips parents to replace fear with formation, helping kids experience puberty not as something to endure alone, but as a God designed process they are capable of walking through well.

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "5a0e6d5b-4e63-4e3b-ba94-8a696d5938d1" data-testid= "conversation-turn-178" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> As Valentine's Day approaches, emotions around friendship, belonging, and affection naturally rise, especially for kids. In this episode of Facing the Dark, Wayne Stender and Dr. Kathy Koch help parents use this season as a teaching moment, not just a holiday. Together, they unpack what true friendship really is and how it differs from casual relationships. They dive into why not everyone belongs in the same place in a child's heart. Dr. Kathy introduces a simple yet powerful framework for understanding friendship levels, helping kids learn healthy boundaries and trust over time. The conversation also explores why self respect is essential for meaningful relationships, why kids must know their own God-given worth before they can love others well. Rooted in Jesus' command to love our neighbor as ourselves, this episode equips parents to guide children through affection, disappointment, conflict, and connection with wisdom, clarity, and grace, shining a steady light through the emotional complexities that Valentine's season can bring.

*]: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= "04378a08-745d-40a3-94c5-615ea4461ad4" data-testid= "conversation-turn-176" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Are our kids actually becoming less capable thinkers, and if so, why does that matter? In this episode of Facing the Dark, Wayne Stender and Dr. Kathy Koch explore growing concerns about children's cognitive development, drawing on research from cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath. Together, they examine how increased screen use, especially in classrooms, may be reshaping how kids reason and learn. But this conversation goes deeper than test scores or IQ. Dr. Kathy reframes intellect as a muscle, one that fuels discernment, freedom, creativity, and wise decision making. They discuss why intelligence must be understood locally and relationally, not just nationally or digitally, and how parents can nurture thinking hearts by inviting kids into conversation, problem solving, boredom, and responsibility. Grounded in Solomon's prayer for a discerning heart, this episode reminds parents that raising intellectually capable kids isn't about academic pressure; it's about forming wise, free people who can love God with their minds and live faithfully in the world they're called to serve.