THE CELEBRATE KIDS PODCAST

THE CELEBRATE KIDS PODCAST

Anxiety Framing is a Parental Call
Wayne Stender Wayne Stender

Anxiety Framing is a Parental Call

We create a strong support system for our youth through engaging, observing, and encouraging open dialogue. We don’t have to be experts to make a difference. It’s about being present, paying attention, and showing them they are not alone.

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Building Trust in a Tracking World
Wayne Stender Wayne Stender

Building Trust in a Tracking World

Trust is the thread that binds families together. It allows kids to grow into their unique selves, taking safe risks and finding strength in knowing they’re not alone. When trust and accountability go hand-in-hand, kids feel ready to face the world with confidence and resilience, knowing they have a family that believes in them and a God who is always with them.

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Values Shouldn't Compromise Truth in Learning Methods
Wayne Stender Wayne Stender

Values Shouldn't Compromise Truth in Learning Methods

Introducing tampons in boys’ restrooms could blur the lines of gender identity at a time when students are already wrestling with complex personal issues. Instead of focusing on learning, they may be distracted by identity concerns, which hinder the goal of education.

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Politics, Citizenship, and Identity Formation
Wayne Stender Wayne Stender

Politics, Citizenship, and Identity Formation

Our identity shapes everything we do—our values, relationships, actions, and place in the world. But more than anything, our identity is a journey. As we grow, learn, and experience life, our identity evolves, and so does our ability to connect with others meaningfully.

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Battling Kids’ Doubt with Them
Wayne Stender Wayne Stender

Battling Kids’ Doubt with Them

Create spaces for open dialogue, walk with young people through their questions, and remind them that God is big enough for all of their doubts. “It’s through these moments of uncertainty that their faith will become truly their own,” Dr. Kathy concludes. “And that’s the kind of faith that will carry them through life’s challenges.”

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Encourage Independent Play for Mental Health
Wayne Stender Wayne Stender

Encourage Independent Play for Mental Health

We don’t need to fill every moment of our kids’ days with structured activities. Making space for independent play allows children to learn more about who they are and their capabilities. And as they build confidence through play, they’ll develop resilience and spark the creativity that will serve them throughout their lives.

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Loneliness Impacts Health, Significantly
Wayne Stender Wayne Stender

Loneliness Impacts Health, Significantly

Loneliness is not just an emotional challenge—it’s a serious health concern. We need to address it in our families and communities, especially as technology continues to shape how we connect with one another. By fostering authentic relationships, building resilience, and helping young people find their identity in Christ, we can combat loneliness and create healthier, more connected lives for ourselves and the next generation.

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Helping Kids Overcome a Quitting Culture
Wayne Stender Wayne Stender

Helping Kids Overcome a Quitting Culture

Ultimately, a strong sense of identity and a focus on long-term goals will not only shape individual lives but also strengthen communities. By guiding young people to prioritize growth, purpose, and resilience, we create a generation that approaches life with hope and determination, equipped to live into their created purpose.

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The Hunger for Mentors in GenZ and Millennials
Wayne Stender Wayne Stender

The Hunger for Mentors in GenZ and Millennials

If we can lean into GenZ with grace, empathy, and a heart for mentorship, we’ll find that generational divides aren’t roadblocks—they’re opportunities for growth and mutual learning. And it all starts with identity: knowing who we are in Christ, standing firm in that, and inviting others—no matter their generation—into that same understanding.

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Guiding Kids Beyond the Draw of Social Media
Wayne Stender Wayne Stender

Guiding Kids Beyond the Draw of Social Media

Dr. Kathy’s approach to guiding children through social media highlights the importance of education, critical thinking, and emotional resilience. By teaching kids to engage thoughtfully with the digital world, parents can help them develop a healthy relationship with social media that promotes personal growth and well-being both online and offline.

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Bullying Undermines Children's Identity
Wayne Stender Wayne Stender

Bullying Undermines Children's Identity

As we navigate the challenges of bullying and its impact on identity, it is our collective responsibility as parents, educators, and community members to ensure that every child feels valued, respected, and empowered. Honest conversations that affirm their identities and address their concerns cultivate a more honoring and supportive environment. Embracing one's God-given purpose is not just a personal journey; it is a collective movement to celebrate God's unique crafting of every individual.

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We Can’t Leave Words to AI
Wayne Stender Wayne Stender

We Can’t Leave Words to AI

The language arts, specifically teaching reading, is far more than a solitary pastime; it is a powerful catalyst for shaping character and mindset. Modeling reading behaviors for younger generations instills values of curiosity, empathy, and critical thinking. Engaging with texts that promote positivity and moral integrity equips individuals with tools to navigate an ever-evolving world. Ultimately, fostering a culture of reading is not just about individual success; it is about nurturing well-rounded individuals who can illuminate the path for others, creating a brighter future for all.

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Talking to Kids About Death and Dying
Wayne Stender Wayne Stender

Talking to Kids About Death and Dying

Embracing discussions about death openly is essential for nurturing a healthy understanding of life and mortality. By engaging in these conversations, we help children develop a sense of purpose, foster meaningful relationships, and alleviate the fear surrounding death. Living well in the knowledge of our mortality allows us to lead more fulfilling lives, equipping us and our children to navigate existence with grace, acceptance, and joy. Reflecting on our life’s impact is not just about contemplating our end; it is about enriching our journey and ensuring that our legacy resonates with love, purpose, and authenticity.

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Helping Kids Build Resilient Identities Amid Disaster News
Wayne Stender Wayne Stender

Helping Kids Build Resilient Identities Amid Disaster News

In times of uncertainty and fear, hope becomes a critical foundation for children. Dr. Kathy encourages families to frame discussions about disasters with a perspective of hope. This doesn't mean minimizing the events' seriousness but rather highlighting how people come together to support, rebuild, and find meaning in the face of adversity.

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Gratitude Fosters Mental Wellness and Character
Wayne Stender Wayne Stender

Gratitude Fosters Mental Wellness and Character

Research continues to demonstrate the psychological benefits of gratitude, it becomes increasingly clear that cultivating this virtue is essential for individuals, families, and society as a whole. By prioritizing gratitude in parenting and personal development, we can combat the rising tide of mental health issues, instill essential virtues in the next generation, and ultimately create a more compassionate and resilient community.

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COVID's impact on learning and memory.
Wayne Stender Wayne Stender

COVID's impact on learning and memory.

Dr. Kathy highlights the importance of context in understanding cognitive challenges. The diverse needs of students from different backgrounds and regions underscore the limitations of standardized aptitude tests. The notion that all students should meet a uniform baseline of skills overlooks the unique aptitudes required in varying environments. This raises the question of whether our educational assessment methods are adequately aligned with the realities of contemporary society and the diverse experiences of learners.

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Talk to Your Kids About the Olympics Opening Ceremony
Wayne Stender Wayne Stender

Talk to Your Kids About the Olympics Opening Ceremony

The recent Paris Olympics have sparked controversy, particularly surrounding the opening ceremonies. The torchbearers, including Snoop Dogg and drag queen Nikki Doll, have raised questions about representation and cultural sensitivity. Additionally, a performance that appeared to mock the Last Supper has stirred emotions and discussions about religious imagery and respect.

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Google’s Gemini in Schools and the Need for Tech Literacy
Wayne Stender Wayne Stender

Google’s Gemini in Schools and the Need for Tech Literacy

The use of digital technologies has become increasingly prevalent, especially in education. With the rise of artificial intelligence and platforms like Google, students now have access to a wealth of information at their fingertips. However, there are concerns about the accuracy and bias of the information presented through these digital technologies.

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