In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the complexities surrounding the topic of gender, particularly for children and teenagers. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and connecting with young people to help them navigate confusing messages about gender identity. Dr. Kathy discusses a recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics, which reveals that transgender teenagers who have undergone medical interventions, such as puberty blockers and hormone therapies, report high satisfaction with their care and experience low levels of regret. This conversation aims to equip parents with insights and conversation points to engage with their children thoughtfully, fostering understanding and reducing confusion about gender issues. Tune in as Dr. Kathy unpacks the findings of the Trans Youth Project and offers guidance on how to support kids in their journey of understanding gender.

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 the importance of real conversations with kids. The episode aims to provide hope and guidance for navigating the challenges children may face, underscoring that they can overcome adversity through the grace of Christ. Tune in for valuable strategies to support your child's emotional well-being.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, we explore the surprising benefits of dad jokes for children's development during challenging cultural moments. Dr. Kathy discusses the pressures parents face to equip their kids with the right tools for navigating today's world, often leading to overwhelming feelings of inadequacy. However, recent research by humor expert Mark High Knutson suggests that dad jokes, despite their potential to embarrass, can actually foster positive growth in children. The episode highlights the importance of humor and laughter in family dynamics, emphasizing that sometimes, a little light-heartedness is exactly what kids need. Join us as we delve into this fascinating topic with Dr. Kathy Cooke in our daily segment, Facing the Dark.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the pressing issue of teenage anxiety and its implications for parenting in today's world. Citing statistics that reveal anxiety is a common experience for teenagers, Dr. Kathy explores whether managing this anxiety is the most critical responsibility for parents. She references a conversation between Jonathan Haidt and Russell Moore, which delves into the factors contributing to childhood mental health crises, including the impact of social media, smartphones, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion highlights a shift in parenting approaches over the decades, likening child-rearing to a school project, and examines how this has redefined childhood itself. Dr. Kathy encourages listeners to consider the unique challenges facing today's youth and how parents can navigate these complexities. Join us for an insightful look into the realities of modern parenting and the importance of understanding the changing landscape of childhood.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, we delve into the evolving relationship between teens and technology, particularly focusing on location tracking. Recent studies reveal that a significant number of teens and young adults actually desire their parents to monitor their whereabouts using apps like Apple's Find My and Life 360. This marks a shift in mindset for Gen Z, who, according to the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, are the most anxious generation to date, influenced by the pervasive presence of social media and real-time news coverage of global events. With 87% of Gen Z respondents utilizing tracking technology, we explore the reasons behind this trend and discuss how the increased anxiety levels and closer bonds with parents are reshaping the dynamics of parental engagement in the digital age. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the implications of these findings for families navigating technology together.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the crucial role of reading aloud to children and its numerous benefits. She discusses research findings indicating that a significant portion of four-year-olds are not being read to regularly, highlighting the importance of early reading habits. Dr. Kathy emphasizes that reading to children as young as one to two and a half years old can greatly enhance their vocabulary, reading comprehension, and motivation to read. She also shares insights from a study showing that children exposed to at least five books daily enter kindergarten with an impressive 1.4 million words worth of exposure. Tune in for practical tips on how parents can cultivate reading habits that fit into their busy lives and promote a love for reading in their kids.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy discusses the importance of preparing children for an unpredictable and often dangerous world by fostering resilience rather than simply ensuring their safety. Drawing on insights from Susie Welch's article in the Wall Street Journal, Dr. Kathy highlights the challenges faced by today's youth, including the lingering effects of the COVID pandemic and other societal anxieties. She emphasizes the significance of teaching kids to overcome obstacles and the value of effort and teachability in their growth. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on how they can support their children in developing resilience through everyday challenges, whether in sports, academics, or daily tasks. Tune in for practical advice on nurturing a mindset that embraces learning from difficulties and trusting in the process of growth.

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.