In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the pressing concerns surrounding children's mental health and the role of social media and technology. She opens with a heartfelt acknowledgment that many parents may owe their children an apology for introducing them to smartphones and social media without fully understanding the consequences. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the need for parents to reconsider their decisions and take proactive steps to protect their children's...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the emotional challenges surrounding children’s reluctance to grow up and embrace independence, particularly in the context of getting their driver's license. She discusses how parents may fear losing their connection with their children as they transition into adulthood and highlights the increasing trend of young people delaying this rite of passage. With statistics indicating a significant decline in the number of...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the dynamics between younger generations, particularly late millennials and Gen Z, and their desire for guidance from older leaders. Through a discussion sparked by insights from a group of late millennial professionals, Dr. Kathy highlights the importance of understanding generational differences and how current leaders can effectively mentor aspiring young adults. The conversation focuses on the traits these younger...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the complexities of social media's impact on children. Addressing the growing concerns among parents, she emphasizes that simply removing kids from social media may not be enough to foster positive development. Instead, Dr. Kathy advocates for a proactive approach that involves teaching children about the challenges they face in the digital landscape. The episode highlights recent legal actions against major social media...

On the Celebrate Kids Podcast today Dr. Kathy unpacks how bullying can and does impact kids. She gives good reason to know that it's happening and how to engage it when it happens. She shares that we need to continue to tell kids who they are, and build their identity in Christ in special ways.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the critical importance of reading in a world where technology often makes it feel obsolete. She emphasizes that reading helps us understand the larger narrative of life, particularly for children who may become lost in the fast-paced cultural moment. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly capable of generating fluent prose, Dr. Kathy warns that this could reduce the urgency for kids to develop their own writing...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, host Dr. Kathy explores the challenging topic of death and how to discuss it with children. Drawing from personal experience, she emphasizes the importance of preparing kids for the realities of life, including its inevitable end. The conversation is inspired by the documentary "Obit," where reporter Margalit Fox highlights that obituaries focus more on life than death. Dr. Kathy encourages listeners to consider writing their own obituaries while...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the impact of natural disasters on children's mental health, particularly in light of recent tragedies. She discusses new research from Florida International University that reveals how watching news coverage of disasters can increase anxiety in children and trigger brain responses linked to post-traumatic stress symptoms. Dr. Kathy provides valuable insights for parents on how to navigate conversations about these events,...

Dr. Kathy delves into how teens are gauged today compared to previous generations. Despite positive trends in high school graduation rates and declining teen behaviors like smoking and drug use, there is a concerning rise in mental health issues among adolescents. The traditional measures of teen well-being may no longer align with the reality of modern teenage life. The episode questions whether emphasizing mental health over other markers of success is the right approach.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy Cooke delves into the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's academic performance. She discusses new research highlighting that the core difficulties facing students today—particularly in their ability to think, remember, and problem-solve—are closely linked to the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of looking beyond surface-level explanations, urging educators and...

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of gratitude, particularly in the context of parenting and character development in children. The discussion highlights how a single act of gratitude can significantly improve mental wellness, increasing happiness by 10% and reducing depressive symptoms by 35%. We delve into the importance of fostering gratitude in our kids, suggesting that this primary character quality enhances their personal growth and positively influences the broader...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, we delve into the challenges of guiding children in a world saturated with digital distractions. The conversation highlights the importance of providing alternatives to screen time, such as family walks, reading together, and engaging with educational content. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the need for perspective in navigating the vast information available online, noting how schools are responding by limiting cell phone usage to foster focus. The...

In this episode, Dr. Kathy addresses the growing concerns of parents about their children's mental health, specifically anxiety and depression. A new report reveals that 40% of U.S. parents are extremely or very worried about their children experiencing these issues. These concerns outweigh worries about physical dangers such as bullying, kidnapping, and drug/alcohol use. Dr. Kathy explores the role of fear in parenting and how it should guide our interactions with kids. Tune in to gain...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy discusses the complex issue of youth addiction, particularly focusing on vaping. She emphasizes the importance of approaching conversations about negative behaviors with care and a willingness to help, rather than simply criticizing. Dr. Kathy highlights that many young people will face addiction in their lives due to societal influences designed to create dependency on various substances and technologies. However, there is a glimmer of...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the pressing issues surrounding children's safety in schools amidst rising violence and crime. She discusses a recent poll by the National Parents Union, revealing that a significant majority of parents allow their children to take phones to school primarily for emergency communication, coordination of transportation, and mental health support. Dr. Kathy addresses the importance of understanding these concerns while...

In this episode, we explore the unrealistic expectations placed on children to be happy all the time in today's challenging culture. The discussion delves into how various aspects of modern life, from technology to school and diet, contribute to a constant push for happiness at the expense of acknowledging and processing negative emotions. We highlight the dangers of teaching children that only happiness is acceptable, which may prevent them from expressing their true feelings. Join us as we...

In this episode, we delve into new "Teen Accounts" launched by Instagram yesterday, and explore the complexities of parenting in the digital age, particularly concerning the influence of social media on young girls. The discussion highlights the pressures from platforms like Instagram, where unrealistic standards can lead to dissatisfaction and anxiety.  Dr. Kathy shares insights on Instagram's recent initiative to launch accounts specifically for teenage users, which include built-in...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy and her guest discuss the idea of preparing children for the dangers of the world by putting them in potentially risky situations. They explore the concept of building resiliency and teaching children to overcome challenges. The episode also touches on the importance of effort, teachability, and trust in a child's growth and development. Tune in to learn more about preparing kids for life's uncertainties.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the benefits of handwriting and its impact on brain activity. She discusses a study conducted by researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, which suggests that handwriting can improve brain function. Dr. Kathy encourages parents to embrace the "inconvenient" aspects of parenting and engage in activities that promote active communication and brain stimulation. Tune in to learn more about the connection...

New research from the Barna Group reports that moms with friends are happier, satisfied, and find fulfillment in marriage and raising kids. If we know that moms do better with friends, what does that mean for kids? Are kids better off when their parents have friends they go deep with? Dr. Kathy responds and gives insight on the importance of building friendship.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores a new approach to helping children deal with anxiety through Childhood Independence Therapy. Traditionally, cognitive behavioral therapy has been used to guide children through anxiety, but this innovative method focuses on promoting independence in children. By encouraging kids to try new activities on their own with parental permission, this therapy aims to help them combat fears, reduce anxiety, gain confidence, and become...

In this episode, Dr. Kathy discusses the importance of helping children understand the value of their identities and beliefs in a world that often challenges them. She emphasizes the need for kids to know the "why" behind their choices, whether it's being a Christian, participating in band, engaging in drama, or being part of a sports team. Dr. Kathy also addresses a concerning trend revealed by a recent survey showing that a third of Jewish teens have stopped wearing symbols of their faith...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the challenges parents face when their children show little motivation to learn. She discusses the emotional impact on families when kids fail to recognize the value of education beyond monetary benefits. The conversation highlights a recent initiative in the Detroit Public Schools Community District, where high school students struggling with reading will receive cash gift cards as incentives for attending after-school...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy Koch discusses the importance of mental health in teenagers and young children. You're introduced a new screening test that can help detect early signs of mental health disorders and provide early intervention. Dr. Kathy then highlights the significance of early intervention and shares that around 50 percent of lifetime mental health conditions start at the age of 14. She  acknowledges that mental health is a concern for most parents...

Grandparents 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.