Celebrate Kids Podcast with Dr. Kathy

What if the best thing we can do for our kids today is to teach them to go to bed? That's something Dr. Kathy considers after a new study links teen mental health with bedtime rhythms and habits. References: https://www.k12dive.com/news/cdc-poor-sleep-during-covid-linked-difficulty-schoolwork/645323/ 

New research is showing that doubt is a cultural mood. There are many who have trust issues ranging from having faith in the medical community and politicians to building belief that Jesus is who He said He is and that he really loves us.  Dealing with doubts is one of the hardest things parents can encounter in guiding young people on their road of development. But Dr. Kathy explores how parents can step with strength into hard times.   References: https://barnagroup.activehosted.com/index.php?action=social&chash=3d863b367aa379f71c7afc0c9cdca41d.3642&s=270f57466ef0882baa7fc8805ec40528

New research highlights dads' cringe-inducing humor can actually make kids stronger. Dr. Kathy considers the research, and the corny jokes, and explains what it is about bad humor that can lift a family to new heights.   References: https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/dad-jokes-thats-way-eye-roll

A new study highlights how risk in childhood seems to prepare kids better to fight mental health concerns later in life. While the study is important, there are many kids who are simply risk averse. Is it good for parents to push kids into risky situations? Is there good in building our parenting practices on studies that speak to our deepest fears? Dr. Kathy discusses it all.   References: https://www.inc.com/bill-murphy-jr/want-to-raise-successful-kids-science-says-treat-them-like-this-but-most-parents-dont.html

Actor Seth Rogan explained the success he and his wife are having due to not raising children. While Rogan's perspective is just that, a perspective, his words sum up a cultural mood about having children. Namely, that having children inhibits some aspects of success and that children are here to make us feel good, bring about happiness, and provide a sense of accomplishment. Dr. Kathy explores some assumptions inside Rogan's perspective, and then explains how we can talk about having children in a healthy way with our own kids and the kids we work with.   References:  https://vermilioncountyfirst.com/2023/03/12/seth-rogen-says-not-having-kids-helped-him-succeed/

Addiction is a big deal. It is one of the chief issues kids and parents are fighting today because technology and drug companies are understanding the science and using it to manipulate us. It can be a dark place, but Dr. Kathy gives good insight on building muscles to handle addiction and approach the addiction recovery we all need from things like technology and social media to live a life with others that celebrates kids.

Last fall, a teacher in Minnesota applied for and won a grant for an accessible swing and merry-go-round. The grant fell $35,000 short of the amount the school needed, so she asked her combined fifth- and sixth-grade class to help raise the rest. What the students did was nothing short of remarkable. They raised over $300,000 in weeks and are nearly at $1 million today. While it's natural to celebrate that these kids fought for their unique abilities and friends to join them on the playground, society can highlight the push to get kids to overachieve. When that happens, there can be a natural challenge to kids whose physical abilities are inhibited from being seen or valued. Dr. Kathy speaks to how we can build value in our kids and how to truly celebrate kids, whether they support friends with special abilities or are the special abilities friends being supported.

In this Celebrate Kids Podcast re-air Dr. Kathy shares how mundane things like haircuts can turn to extraordinary encounters that help young people build a stronger sense of identity and purpose. 

According to psychologist Elaine Aron, who popularized the term “highly sensitive person,” roughly one in five children are highly sensitive. She notes that Highly sensitive kids have an entirely different approach to their environment, which is a strength. Some may feel pushed to change parenting habits to guide their kids to more sensitivity and ultimately to develop the super-power that Aron highlights. However, Dr. Kathy has a different take from the findings, and shares that on the Celebrate Kids podcast today.   Resources: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/04/parenting-experts-signs-your-kid-has-a-highly-sensitive-brain-why-neuroscientists-says-its-an-advantage.html

A recent Forbes article highlighted a survey that examined 36 surveys where researchers suggest growing up with sexual minority parents “may confer some advantages to children,” possibly because they are more “tolerant of diversity and more nurturing towards younger children” than heterosexual parents, adding that exploring gender and sexual identity “may actually enhance children's ability to succeed and thrive in a range of contexts.” Essentially the report tries to highlight that there are no noticable differences in kids in what they call sexual majority vs. sexual minority parent relationships. Dr. Kathy considers the point of surveys, how they guide our thinking, and what we should do with them. Then she gives insight on how we can live well in community with sexual minority parents.   References: https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2023/03/06/kids-raised-by-same-sex-parents-fare-same-as-or-better-than-kids-of-straight-couples-research-finds/?sh=583cdb9a7738   Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/CelebrateKidsInc

A recent article highlighted the value of looking back at the Andy Griffith show for wisdom in leadership. While the show is strong, Dr.Kathy considers if it is always wise to look back and long or society in the past.   Resources:  https://dailycitizen.focusonthefamily.com/the-andy-griffith-show-remains-a-masterclass-in-leadership-and-life/?sfcid=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=855206&refcd=855206&utm_source=RelevantResources

Dads are important for kids. That's something many have pointed out recently as society has pushed fathers further away from the family. But a new study shows that dads are necessary for building security for kids, and Dr. Kathy explains the finer points of the findings in today's Celebrate Kids podcast in our daily segment Facing the Dark. Resources: https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-children-need-nurturing-fathers-e7d84db8

Recently Walgreens announced they won't carry abortion pills even in states where abortion is legal. The move is a challenge to recent encouragement from the Biden administration to offer abortion pills by mail. These decisions are causing many to cry out for action on the company, as the company seeks clarification on the Biden administration's policy and its legal bearing in some states. With this debate, mothers and fathers can bear an identity cast on them from culture with little understanding of who to turn to and who will reinforce a healthy identity for them. Dr. Kathy responds to the Walgreens decision and gives insight to how the church can step up in this moment. She also gives insight in how identity is built and ways that we can support a Biblical view of identity. Resources: https://www.nationalreview.com/news/walgreens-refuses-to-distribute-abortion-pills/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=breaking&utm_campaign=newstrack&utm_term=30720365&sfcid=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=855206&refcd=855206&utm_source=RelevantResources https://wng.org/podcasts/tuesday-morning-news-march-7-2023-1678149512    

A recent article highlighted something we've been looking at with Celebrate Kids. We've been considering "the genius qualities," traits found in all great innovators in our culture. One of the primary traits is imagination.  Specifically, we looked at a recent article highlighting five key aspects of imagination we should build in kids. We don't agree with these themes, and thus give a perspective of imagination and how we can and should build it for kids.

A recent report from NPR highlights that teens who didn't spend time on social media felt better about themselves. While the report isn't anything new, the way NPR encouraged adults to handle teen dispair in tech is unsettling. NPR encouraged adults to help teens engage in social media for their happiness. While happiness is a gift from God, Dr. Kathy notes that it isn't a core need, and should be engaged carefully as we work to guide young people on to adulthood.

Do preborn babies have rights? A new UK law is chipping away at reproductive standards for Invitro-fertilization for parents. It lays the groundwork for IVF kids to find their parents before they turn 18.  Some across the pond are nervous that this move will shake the rights of those babies not yet born, and could logically unsettle some of the ideas traditionally held about the rights of embryos frozen in test tubes nationwide. Dr. Kathy unpacks some conventional wisdom on these topics, and then closes by giving parents some insight on how to talk about the birds, the bees, and IVF treatments.

China has a series of new laws set to roll out that push technology away from young people. The draconian measures are being done because citizens are addicted and non-productive. Dr. Kathy considers these measures and then explains how the opposite of technology addiction, what may be boredom, is actually a benefit to our lives.

Since the American withdraw in Afghanistan life for young women has been incredibly different. Many are finding education challenging if not non-existent. In response, many western universities are offering online training for young women in Afghanistan at no cost to the women. Dr. Kathy considers how a right view of education can embolden young people world-wide to pursue free and liberating education that can transform their families and cultures.

A UK Man bought a house for the first time at 86 years old. The move is shocking, as he becomes the most senior first-time home buyer. With this, Dr. Kathy considers the good life, as many in culture define home ownership as the good life. She also gives perspective on how families should view the home and what to value to guide students to reach maturity and feel connected to their families.

Churches, schools, and social clubs all use social media to build community with kids. Is that wise, especially noting that most parents don't trust technology for kids?  

The University of Connecticut's School of Law will host a symposium on March 24 around the question: Are parental rights always in the best interest of children? Dr. Kathy explores the push against parents' rights, how they attack the bond of the family, and the responsibility of the church. Link to story: https://www.themainewire.com/2023/02/uconn-law-event-asks-are-parental-rights-good-for-kids/

A new CDC report outlines that Teen Girls aren't doing well. The first official report of it's kind outlines the incredible violence, trauma, and depression most teen girls are facing. Dr. Kathy offers encouragement and hope amid the challenge.   CDC Report: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/p0213-yrbs.html News Report on Finding: https://dailycitizen.focusonthefamily.com/our-climate-concerns-should-center-on-the-climate-of-the-teen-mind/?sfcid=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=855206&refcd=855206&utm_source=RelevantResources

There is a rise in boomerang children. That's when a child launches at 18 to return a few years later to their parents' home. When that happens, the family can feel like a failure. But is it?  Dr. Kathy discusses how parents prepare kids for resiliency, but also the responsibility parents have to always be parents, and what it looks like for the church to support those who come upon hard times.

Vaping is on the rise. While many don't even consider the impact of vaping, those experiencing physical challenges are speaking out on the dangers. That said, there are surprising realities in states that have normalized marijuana use, especially marijuana use in vapes. Dr. Kathy shares some concerns about the physical realities of vaping, but more importantly shares how caregivers can have meaningful and supportive conversations with young people who might disagree with conventional wisdom.

A new study has a lot to say about protective parents. It's something Dr. Kathy has explored this year for her new book on resiliency.  https://neurosciencenews.com/overprotective-parents-child-longevity-22453/

Dr. Kathy unpacks recent statistics on reading, while also explaining how students learn to read and why it matters.

South Dakota recently passed a bill restricting care for minors with gender dysphoria. This bill redirects doctors away from so-called gender-affirming care. While it is notable to celebrate and encourage decision-makers to limit the harms and evil inside of current transgender treatment, there's also a place for the church to guide, comfort, and encourage families who are now left questioning what path they should take in treating gender dysphoria. Dr. Kathy gives guidance. 

Dr. Kathy responds to a viral video of a young girl shouting at the TV to affirm her father. After Kendrick Lemar won a handful of trophies his daughter noted that he spoke about their love and encouragement. It was a sweet moment that has since gone viral. Many are now touting Lemar as an exemplary parent, but we know that was simply a moment in time. Dr. Kathy gives us insight into the moment and some encouragement for parents they battle with expectations and public opinion.

A recent student walkout over a school's restrictions on commemorating Black History Month had us questioning how Christians should guide students to understand challenging aspects of our history. Where some call for reparations, others want to avoid challenging aspects of history altogether. This leaves children in awkward places, trying to honor their parents while wrestling with the hard realities of our nation's past. Dr. Kathy gives insight to how we should consider challenges in our past, what the role and importance of teaching history is for our students' identity development, and how and why we should commemorate things like Black History Month and face dark realities.

Tia Mowry announced her divorce months ago. The announcement was made by stating that she is finding happiness in putting herself first. The world is encouraging adults to have kids to make them happy and to hold tightly to unions that support kids if they feel fulfilled. In all this, kids are the ones who suffer. Dr. Kathy has good insight and encouragement for adults who hear this message regularly.

Parents worry. It's just kind of a thing that comes with having kids. But is fear a good thing? Does it propel parents forward, or cause them to freeze when their kids need them most? Dr. Kathy considers a new report on parents' fears and how many caretakers can approach fear with purpose.

Reports continue rolling in that Covid carried a significant cost to students in school. That said, new technology, specifically ChatGPT, an AI program that essentially can write term papers and summarize challenging books, is being used by some students to close the Covid gap in what they're missing. Dr. Kathy gives perspective on what technology can do, and if parents should push students to technology in school, or help them build muscles through overcoming obstacles to obtain resiliency and wisdom from their education experience. 

The issue of identity is fundamental to the human condition. It's the linchpin that Satan pulled with Eve, asking her and Adam if God really did say that they are who they are. This battle continues to wage and a new landscape is being cleared in public libraries where adults are providing books that encourage kids to question their gender and sexual norms. These challenges are providing more questions for young people than answers, and Dr. Kathy has some great insight on what parents and caretakers can do to curb the impact on our youth.   https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/65957f22-45da-431f-8090-83fae75e505a/episodes/8619abb4-de1b-4241-881e-76a9e2527b0a/the-daily-when-book-bans-came-to-small-town-new-jersey

Trends in social media have men presenting as women sharing excitement about being pregnant. This isn't a reality, but is something that stretches imaginations. Captivating ideas that gender is fluid drives young people to imagine new realities that aren't possible and actually troublesome.  Dr. Kathy responds, giving us some footing as we consider how to give courage and perspective to young people in a world fighting for their imaginations.

No matter who the parent is they've been faced with guiding their kids in public. Sometimes that's a simple conversation, but other times a child may act out or embarrass a caretaker in public. How should parents respond? Dr. Kathy is faced with this question after a public critique by a college football coach of a college football player went viral. The sports commentator said the interaction went too far on national television, but did it? Dr. Kathy gives some great insight on how parents should engage in discipline when in public.

New reports guide caretakers to realize that they are the chief reason kids avoid addiction to things like alcohol. That said, it makes sense that the same is true of other addictions, like pornography. But are we engaging those lesser-seen addictions with the same resolve as the public ones, knowing they can be more harmful often. Dr. Kathy discusses and gives tips on how to broach hard conversations on the Celebrate Kids Podcast today.

The battle for truth is real, and something that many parents whose children are questioning their gender are clinging on to. Governor Ron DeSantis has new laws set to take effect in Florida that support parents, and while some question the support of those laws others are looking to come alongside a community that is hurting as these battles continue. Dr. Kathy provides great encouragement for families, and gives us a picture of how these battles are ones our larger communities should engage and support those who are wounded in them. 

The world is trying to overcome poor reading comprehension. Following the pandemic, reading test scores have plummeted, and some nations are taking to new tactics to guide students in comprehension.  Dr. Kathy talks about parent pressure and offers tips on how to guide young people to read well and find enjoyment in reading.

The world is filled with tragedy, and many families they can't shield kids from the heartbreak of violence and death. In this, we can struggle to teach kids to mourn well. Dr. Kathy walks through a series of helpful tips to encourage parents and caretakers. Share your comments, questions, or topics you want to hear Dr. Kathy address by emailing us at ask@ignitethefamily.com.

A young girl saved her family's business with a simple social media post wishing for more customers for her mother. The young girl shouldered the weight of the family business, and today Dr. Kathy discusses how much parents should bring kids into the family stress.

A millennial recently turned to Reddit for guidance in responding to her father's love. The commenter said her parents noticed she was struggling recently and her father changed how he expresses his love to her so the commenter felt it.  It led us to ask how we recognize the ways our kids feel loved. Dr. Kathy explores this story and explains the 8 great smarts to us as we seek understanding to love our children and the children in our lives well.

New reports highlight that students aren't signing up for the trades in schools. This comes as America is experiencing a labor crisis in carpentry, electricians, and plumbers. Dr. Kathy discusses how these trends may come as parents highlight academia over simple interests and natural talents. She gives insight into how parents can better guide students in this arena.

A babershop recently teamed up with a non-profit to guide teens away from violence in the community. Dr. Kathy explains some reasons this could be impacting the local community and how parents and adults can guide teens in meaningful and important conversations.

The American Academy of Pediatrics issued new guidance in evaluating and treating kids who are overweight or obese. It's the first update in 15 years and comes under scrutiny because they are now calling some to provide weight loss drugs and surgery to help teenagers manage their weight.  Dr. Kathy is concerned about the new guidance and offers important insights for parents and those who care deeply for children.

The Supreme Court recently struck down a New York law that was the heart of several nationwide bills that limited firearms in public. With the rise in crime in some of those states related to firearms, legislators are turning to a new national move to provide more excellent guidance on firearms in public.  This is happening in response to an increase in firearm-related incidents nationwide. While it's natural to want to limit firearms to decrease conflicts, there's another reality in play here many don't know how to manage stress. Dr. Kathy explores that topic as the nation walks through dark times.

Federal Judge Joseph Goodwin couldn't find constitutional grounds to rule against West Virginia's Save Women's Sports Act. The bill defines male and female as a biological reality and organizes the state's athletic teams accordingly.  The decision is significant in the ongoing public debate on what transgender rights are and how they are carried out in sports. Dr. Kathy Koch highlights that while this is the topic for the conversation, the grounding of this is in identity, and society at large is struggling to find footing.

As we commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this week we were faced with a challenging question: Did Dr. King succeed? Society loves a good success story, but where do our kids learn the virtues to establish courageous faithfulness in challenging times? Is faithfulness more desirable than success? Dr. Kathy Koch talks this, and what virtues are essential for us to instill in the children we interact with, on today's Facing the Dark.  

The Biden administration is paving the way for abortion pills to be mailed into states that don't want them. This move is the latest in the pro-life battle after the Dobbs decision that unraveled Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey.  While this move is dark, there is light in finding courage for faithfulness in Scripture and through the wisdom of God's people. Dr. Kathy gives us insight, and are reminded of good words in tough times from Peter to the 1st century church as they lived out God's design in tough times.

A recent study from JAMA Pediatrics shows that social media checking behaviors in kids lead to heightened sensitivity to social rewards and punishments. The danger in this is students may be conditioned to respond greater to social pressures than ethical convictions. Dr. Kathy Koch responds to this dark finding by giving parents insight on how to mitigate these risks and to guide us to a greater sense of Scripture as the guiding light in cultural dark times. 

Public school student enrollment is dropping, but according to a new Axios study that drop is a pre-pandemic reality. Much of the response from leadership points to trends in birthrates and immigration policies, but Dr. Kathy thinks there's something deeper happening. 

American Girl Doll published a new book on body image for young girls. The book offers more questions than answers, guiding girls to reconsider their gender design and providing pathways for them to go deep into confusion. Dr. Kathy sheds light on this issue and helps parents think well about the challenges that are created in our society's push to gender dysphoria.