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.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the concept of gentle parenting and its rising popularity among parents seeking effective discipline strategies. Highlighting a recent New York Times article featuring Kelly Medina Enos, a mother struggling with her 18-month-old son's behavior, Dr. Kathy discusses how gentle parenting emphasizes empathy, respect, and understanding. She delves into the importance of guiding children rather than controlling them, addressing concerns about children's anxiety and self-esteem. Tune in for valuable insights on how to gently encourage better behavior and foster positive emotional development in children.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, we explore the critical topic of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their impact on children's development. Dr. Kathy sheds light on the alarming statistics that show approximately 80% of adolescents have encountered at least one ACE, with emotional abuse and household issues being the most prevalent. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing changes in children's behavior, such as shifts in sleep, eating, and emotional well-being. Dr. Kathy encourages parents to engage in meaningful conversations with their children to address these challenges and highlights the hope and resilience that can be found through faith. Tune in for insights on how to support kids facing difficult times and the power of grace in overcoming adversity.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the often-overlooked aspects of education in the 21st century, particularly the emphasis on assessing children's intelligence and learning. Drawing from insights by Isabel Howell, executive director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, Dr. Kathy highlights a critical disconnect between standardized assessments and the true foundations of healthy development—relationships. As she explores what children are truly tested on at home and in school, listeners are encouraged to reflect on the values instilled in their children and consider how fostering deeper relationships can lead to more meaningful growth. This episode aims to inspire courage, confidence, and a shift in focus from mere academic measures to nurturing the essential connections that matter most.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy discusses the importance of play in childhood and how it shapes children’s self-worth and resilience. Highlighting a recent statement by Senator Lincoln Fillmore, Dr. Kathy reflects on the nostalgic view of childhood, emphasizing the shift from unstructured play to a more programmed and supervised environment. Fillmore argues that this change is hindering children's development of crucial life skills such as perseverance and self-confidence. The episode dives into the balance between safety and the necessity of allowing children the freedom to explore, learn, and grow independently. Join us for valuable insights on fostering independence in children and the critical role of play in their development.

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 journey, even when it feels challenging. Tune in as Dr. Kathy provides insights and strategies for fostering a positive learning environment at home.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the importance of instilling consistent and automatic character in kids to prepare them for proper leadership roles. As the world witnesses a trend of young men gravitating toward authoritarian leaders, Dr. Kathy emphasizes the dangers of this mindset and the need for parents to guide their children toward understanding biblical leadership. She advocates for following the example of servant leaders, particularly Jesus, to foster a generation equipped to discern healthy leadership. The discussion also touches on a recent poll from the UK revealing concerning attitudes among young adults towards governance. Tune in for valuable insights on nurturing future leaders with integrity and discernment.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the value of summer camps for children and offers guidance on how to choose the right camp. As the seasons change and families look forward to summer, Dr. Kathy discusses the importance of summer experiences in fostering family connections and personal growth. She addresses common concerns parents may have about sending their kids to camp, helping listeners understand the benefits of these summer programs. Tune in for insights that will assist in making informed decisions about summer camps for your children.