In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the challenges young people, especially young women, face in today's culture regarding identity and the perception of heroes. In the segment "Face in the Dark," she discusses a thought-provoking quote from Carrie Gress of Newsweek, highlighting how feminism has altered traditional narratives around womanhood, suggesting that envy has shifted from being seen as a downfall to a badge of honor. Gress argues that the push for women to emulate men—both mentally and biologically—has led to a loss of what it truly means to be a woman. Dr. Kathy addresses these issues head-on, offering insights and guidance for parents on how to support and encourage their children in navigating these complex cultural dynamics. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that touches on the nuances of modern femininity and the importance of embracing authentic identities.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the concerning rise in mental health issues among young adults and teens, despite the availability of resources. She emphasizes recognizing and celebrating children's strengths, even during challenging times. Dr. Kathy discusses the recent CDC report indicating an increase in the percentage of children receiving therapy, highlighting a shift in how mental health is approached today. Listeners will gain valuable insights on how to guide their kids through difficult moments and understand the complexities behind the mental health crisis. Tune in for thought-provoking discussions and practical advice.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the complexities of anxiety and depression among young people. She highlights the distinction between normal anxiety related to specific events and the broader issue of anxiety disorders. With alarming statistics indicating that one in five teens face mental health struggles, Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of creating environments for open discussions about feelings and mental health challenges. She encourages parents to adopt a proactive mindset, fostering courage to engage with their children on these sensitive topics. Tune in for valuable insights on navigating the mental health landscape for today's youth.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the growing trend of parental surveillance through location-tracking apps. With around half of U.S. parents reportedly monitoring their adolescents, Dr. Kathy explores the implications of this behavior on the development of children. She discusses a recent study published in the Journal of Family Psychology, which reveals a discrepancy between parents' use of tracking apps and their children's awareness of being monitored. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of understanding our root fears around surveillance and how it can affect our children's resilience and independence. Tune in for insightful strategies on fostering healthy boundaries and building trust with our kids as they navigate their own paths.

In this episode, we dive into a controversial educational policy proposed by Minnesota's Governor Tim Walz and his wife, Gwen Walz. During a discussion on Katie Couric's podcast, Gwen Walz expressed her belief that providing tampons in boys' bathrooms is a necessary step to help students focus on learning, particularly in the context of addressing hunger and other barriers that hinder educational success. She argues that removing these obstacles is essential for closing the learning gap, especially when it comes to foundational skills like reading. Dr. Kathy reframes the purpose of learning and school for us from the Walz's perspective, and helps us think in a helpful manner as we guide and encourage kids. Join us as we explore this topic and unpack the implications for education and parenting in today's society, featuring insights from Dr. Kathy.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy discusses the rising trend of young people self-diagnosing mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions influenced by social media. Drawing from a recent article in Education Psychology's journal, she highlights the complex reasons behind this phenomenon and the systemic barriers that hinder access to proper support for children and adolescents. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding, reminding parents, grandparents, and teachers that they do not need to be experts to offer a safe space for children to express their concerns. Join us for valuable insights as we navigate these challenging times together.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the complexities of identity in the current political climate, particularly for Americans and Christians. She reflects on the rich tapestry of our identities formed through family, community, and personal interests, and how these may be challenged in uncertain times. The discussion delves into the struggles faced by children as they navigate their own identities amidst peer and societal pressures. Dr. Kathy also highlights the importance of civics education, referencing New Hampshire's requirement for high school students to pass a U.S. citizenship exam, and addresses the uneven results of this initiative. Tune in for valuable insights on understanding and parenting through these identity challenges.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, we explore the surprising findings of a new report that suggests overprotective parenting may actually decrease life expectancy for children. Dr. Kathy discusses the challenges faced by caregivers who want to protect their children's hearts, minds, and bodies while navigating the fine line between overprotection and fostering resilience. She shares insights on how children with resilient qualities engage with life differently and offers practical strategies for parents. The episode emphasizes the importance of balancing protection with opportunities for growth, and highlights the encouraging power of the gospel of Jesus during challenging parenting moments. Tune in for valuable perspectives on raising healthy, resilient children.