Showing results for "Kathy Koch" in All Categories

Most parents misguidedly prioritize behavior. The why and how to instill character. Behavior modification does not guarantee good character qualities. Character influences decisions. It’s evidenced in our speech, actions, and attitudes. It’s about who we are and what we do. The world competes for the hearts of our kids—and we see its negative impact in their pride, laziness, and entitlement. As Christians, however, we want to see the character of Jesus Christ in our children.

If you feel like you're losing your teen to technology, you're not alone. Screen time is rapidly replacing family time, and for teens especially, it is hardwiring the way they connect with their world. In Screens and Teens, Dr. Kathy helps you make sense of all this and empowers you to respond.

Daily 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!

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the challenges of raising children in environments that may not be conducive to their exploration and creativity. She discusses the common phenomenon of a "crisis of place," where modern developments often prioritize functionality over spaces that encourage kids to learn, grow, and take risks. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of providing children with opportunities for exploration and resilience, even in settings that may seem restrictive. Tune in as she offers insights on how to navigate these challenges and foster a ...

In this episode, we explore the delicate balance of discussing difficult family histories with our children. Inspired by Jessica Goudeau's thought-provoking question from her piece in Time Magazine, we delve into the potential impact of sharing challenging stories on our kids. The conversation emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and honesty, especially for parents, as they navigate their own pasts and the lessons learned. We consider whether exposing children to the darker aspects of family history can help them understand resilience and growth, or if it risks overshadowing the positive...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the prevalent issue of anxiety in children and explores innovative methods to support them. Traditional cognitive behavioral therapy has been the go-to approach, but Dr. Kathy considers a new technique known as Childhood Independence Therapy, developed by the nonprofit Let Grow. This therapy focuses on fostering independence in children by encouraging them to take on new challenges on their own, with parental permission but without direct involvement. The discussion highlights the benefits of this approach, including reduced ...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy dives into the profound benefits of reading aloud to children. Citing research from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, she highlights that a significant portion of children are not read to regularly, which can impact their vocabulary, reading comprehension, and motivation later in life. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of starting reading habits early, with studies showing that children who are read to as young as one to two years old exhibit stronger language skills and literacy outcomes. She provides practical tips for parents ...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the concept of parenting beyond merely raising well-behaved children. She challenges the notion that the primary goal of parenting should be to produce obedient kids who do the right things at the right times. Instead, Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of encouraging children to be comfortable in their own skin and to embrace their true selves. Drawing on insights from Elizabeth Tenty's article in Motherly, the discussion highlights four key practices of parents with well-behaved kids: listening to their children, ...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, host Dr. Kathy addresses the concerning trends in student literacy and academic progress revealed by the National Assessment of Education Progress. With recent data highlighting that many children are struggling to read and learn effectively, Dr. Kathy explores the emotional impact this has on parents and students alike. She emphasizes the importance of parental engagement in education, especially when faced with discouraging statistics. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their roles and find ways to be involved in their children's learning ...

In this episode, we delve into the complexities surrounding children's gender identity and the significant impact of societal laws on LGBTQ youth. Dr. Kathy discusses alarming statistics indicating that 71% of LGBTQ-identifying kids report negative effects on their mental health due to these laws, with nearly half having contemplated suicide in the past year. The conversation highlights the growing number of high school students identifying as non-heterosexual and the limited research focused on parental experiences during these challenging times. We explore how parents often feel disconnected...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the important topic of building resiliency in children. As parents increasingly seek guidance on this subject, Dr. Kathy explores the concept of "panda parenting," a style that emerges from permissive parenting. This approach emphasizes a balance of warmth, support, and the encouragement of exploration and independence, allowing children to navigate challenges with minimal rules or boundaries. While some experts argue that this method can be detrimental, others believe it fosters self-confidence and resilience. Dr. Kathy ...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, we explore the significance of everyday moments spent with our children, particularly during car rides. Wayne reflects on a cherished experience with his family, emphasizing how these simple interactions can create lasting memories and foster connections. Dr. Kathy joins the discussion, highlighting the positive impact that mundane engagements have on children's identity and sense of purpose. Inspired by a Men's Health article by Ben Falcone, the episode delves into the joys and challenges of parenting, encouraging listeners to appreciate the ...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, we explore the value of raising sensitive children and the best pathways for parents to nurture their unique traits. Dr. Kathy discuss the various pressures from schools, churches, and cultural expectations that can cloud parenting decisions. They emphasize the importance of relying on the teachings of Jesus Christ as a guiding light in navigating these challenges. Dr. Kathy joins the conversation to highlight the characteristics of highly sensitive children, as identified by psychologist Elaine Arnon, including their keen awareness of subtle ...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, host Dr. Kathy addresses the challenges parents face when their children struggle with friendships or are influenced by negative peers. Drawing on the importance of self-awareness and shared experiences, Dr. Kathy emphasizes the need for parents to communicate their hopes and strengths for their children while teaching them discernment in choosing friends. The segment, titled "Facing the Dark," provides valuable insights to help guide kids toward positive friendships and community involvement. Additionally, Dr. Kathy touches on a recent event ...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the nuances between normal anxiety and chronic anxiety in young people. She highlights the alarming statistics surrounding depression among teens, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe environment for open conversations about mental health. Dr. Kathy encourages parents to foster courage in discussing these sensitive topics, reassuring them that while it may lead to uncovering troubling issues, engaging in these conversations is crucial for supporting their children's well-being. Tune in for valuable insights on ...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the challenges teens face in today's world, particularly the pressures of hyper-productivity and the quest for perfection. She emphasizes the importance of helping children build their identity in Christ rather than in their achievements. Dr. Kathy draws on research from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, highlighting the unique struggles of this generation as they navigate technology, societal expectations, and the impact of external influences. Tune in to explore how parents can guide their kids through these ...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, we explore the profound impact of natural disasters on children's education and emotional well-being. We are reairing an episode where we discussed the wildfires in Hawaii, which devastated schools and displaced over 3,000 students. Kids in California are experiencing something very similar today. Dr. Kathy provides valuable insights on how to support children during such tumultuous times, emphasizing the importance of understanding the complexities they face. The conversation highlights the need for compassion and guidance as families navigate ...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses a thought-provoking question from a recent online webinar regarding the role of K-12 public schools in teaching healthy identity formation. She explores the complexities of identity development, emphasizing the importance of incorporating spiritual and faith-based components. Dr. Kathy argues that while public schools may find it challenging to teach these concepts broadly, individual teachers have the potential to influence students positively. The discussion highlights the foundational beliefs of identity as created in the ...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, host Dr. Kathy Cook discusses the significant impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on adolescents, emphasizing that around 80% of children experience at least one ACE, with emotional abuse, household mental health issues, and physical abuse being the most prevalent. Dr. Kathy encourages parents to recognize drastic changes in their children's behavior, including sleep, eating, and overall joy, as potential signs of underlying struggles. She offers insights on how to approach these issues with compassion and understanding, highlighting ...

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, the host reflects on the challenges and inefficiencies of parenting, particularly when trying to nurture a child's potential. They discuss the importance of recognizing and encouraging a child's unique personality traits while acknowledging that parenting often involves navigating dark and inconvenient moments. The episode highlights a fascinating study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, which reveals that handwriting engages the entire brain, unlike typing. This insight serves as a reminder for parents to embrace less ...