Celebrate Kids Podcast with Dr. Kathy Koch
Weekly encouragement from a multitude of speakers, led by Dr. Kathy Koch. All topics covered are helpful not only to kids and their parents, but also to single adults, married couples, teachers, social workers, pastors, and many more. We hope you can be encouraged through these messages, send it to a friend so they can join you in joy and growth!
Introducing Childlike Faith with Ella. A New Podcast.
Dr. Kathy will return in 2023 with all new episodes of the Celebrate Kids Podcast. Until then, we wanted to introduce a whole new podcast. Childlike Faith with Ella will feature 10-year-old Ella as she interviews well known people about spiritual issues and how as adults they are able to keep their childlike faith. In this episode, you will hear a sample of Ella’s interview with Dr. Kathy Koch. For the full episode, listen on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. We hope you’ll subscribe and listen to the first four episodes she has broadcast so far, and continue to follow Ella as she explores the faith we hold.
138. Grateful For Prayer
In today’s episode, Dr. Kathy talks about how she is grateful for prayer and shares prayers that she thinks will bless the listeners. What are you grateful for? What are your values and priorities, and do these things show up in your prayers? She goes over the prayer acronym PART, which starts with us praising God for who he is and ends with us thanking him for what he does. Dr. Kathy also explains that the other letters of the acronym involve admitting your sin and making your requests known to God.
137. Grateful For Family
In this episode, Dr. Kathy shares two things in her family that she is grateful for. She mentions some of the family memories she is ever grateful for and advises families to create memories they would look back to. Who are you grateful for today? What would you do as an adult to cause children around you to be even more grateful to you? Are you doing anything strategic to help your kids be grateful for the family?
136. Passion, Purpose and People Rooted in Wisdom
In this second part of a special two-part series, listen in to hear about valuable resources for your children. And, Dr. Kathy is excited to tell you about their programs you and your older teens may want to attend. Dr. Hamby attributes his success to the Word of God. He started memorizing verses and then God started to bring literature into his life that had the Word embedded in them. But modern companies were not interested in publishing outdated books. What naturally followed? Publishing the literature, of course! Dr. Hamby says that if Jesus was a great storyteller, why shouldn’t we be? Dr. Hamby and Dr. Kathy discuss the importance of wisdom. What role does wisdom play in your life? Once described as navigating through life skillfully, wisdom will, “make your life better than anything you can dream possible,” says Dr. Hamby.
135. Being Fully Surrendered to God: The Role of Correction
Dr. Kathy welcomes Dr. Mark Hamby, the founder of Lamplighter Ministries, to the podcast. Its mission is to make ready a people prepared for the Lord by developing Christ-like character one story at a time. You’ll learn a lot about surrendering to God in this first episode of a two-part series. Dr. Hamby has led an interesting life. God took a 22-year-old non-reader with low character and transformed him into a book publisher, keynote speaker, and Bible teacher with a love for character and good literature. Imagine what He can do with you! “You need to be surrendered to whatever God is trying to teach you,” Dr. Hamby says as he thinks back on his life. Dr. Kathy and Dr. Hamby continue to discuss what it takes to be fully surrendered to God and how submitting to correction is crucial. Ephesians 5:21 says to, “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” How do you accept correction?
134. Generosity & Ministry Update
In this episode, Dr. Kathy is joined by John Hannigan. He is the Executive Director of Celebrate Kids, and they talk about the major developments and progress in Celebrate Kids and some of the recent engagements of Dr. Kathy. John speaks about a new ministry called – Ignite The Family. Ignite The Family equips multi-generational families to adopt a biblical worldview. It is important to note that God ordained the family before he ordained the church, so we must pay attention to it, learning from the older people who have lived life well and supporting the younger ones. In addition, John also mentions Five for the Future, which are five things that the ministry is working on for the future. Although there is a lot to do and a lot is going on at Celebrate Kids, it is essential to be part of it by your praying and giving.
133. Generosity #5: How Are Generosity and Gratitude Related
In this episode, Dr. Kathy mentions how generosity and gratitude are related. Gratitude is the distinguishing mark of mature Christians as they tend to be grateful. Mature Christians live a Christlike life and are grateful for God’s effect in their lives, and they understand that God is the source. To train your kids to be mature Christians, you need to emphasize gratitude as a character quality.
132. Generosity #4: How Does Generosity Affect Character?
Generosity is a beautiful quality, and it changes you. Children become more generous as you expose them to role models and examples, and Jesus is our model of generosity. Generosity is about giving more than might be expected of what we have, and it’s not restricted to wealthy or well-to-do people. We can give our money, resources, time, talent, ideas, inputs, and even ourselves. The question is, are you modeling generosity for your kids or those around you?
131. Generosity #3: What Do Generous People Understand?
Generous people more than might be expected of what they have, since they know the importance of changing a life and they are present and really see people. Generous people trust people, and they dream big dreams. Dr. Kathy emphasizes that we can all do something with what we have and mentions that everyone can be generous. She importantly mentioned that if you want your kids to be generous with who they are and what they have, you need to train them to be present with the people around them.
130. Generosity #2: What Do Generous People Believe?
This week, Dr. Kathy helps listeners understand that generosity is not about giving because you have a lot but thinking about blessing others with what you have. It is essential to understand that generous people are not focused on themselves but think more about blessing others with their skills, resources, and experiences. Dr. Kathy also points out the ripple effect of generosity, how others who were generous to her in the past taught her and inspired her to be more generous to others.
129. Generosity #1: What Is It And Why Are We Talking About It
In this episode, Dr. Kathy talks about generosity as a character quality. We have been called to be like Christ, and Christ is the perfect example of generosity, and God is pleased if we are generous. A generous person gives more of something that is usual or expected, and generous people share their time, talent, experiences, and lessons learned.
128. Resiliency #10: Wrap Up
Dr. Kathy wraps this series on resilience with the tenth episode on resilience and touches on some of the vital points of the series. Resilience is a choice and can become part of our character. Resilience is about being able to come back readily from disappointment. It is important to know that kids watch and learn from your consistency in character and replicate them. Allowing our kids to struggle helps them learn from little mistakes and the consequences of their choice. Allowing them to struggle and ultimately succeed will enable them to learn the “I can do it” optimistic attitude. It’s important to let your kids know they become strong when they overcome and learn to deal with struggles and challenges.
127. Resiliency #9: What Can Help Children Not Give Up On God
When kids don’t give up and are willing to ask for help, they can become who God intended for them to be. Dr. Kathy touches on spiritual resiliency, which is the most important type of resiliency. It is essential for kids to learn that even if God does not answer immediately, they should not give up on him, thinking God does not love them. To help you or your kids become spiritually resilient, you and your kids need to help know how magnificent God is and that his love is boundless.
126. Resiliency #8: Core Needs and Resiliency
Security, identity, belonging and purpose, and competence are essential. Dr. Kathy notes that purpose is discovered as you live life. When kids believe that God created them for a purpose, they will be willing to live life more fully and help them put their weaknesses into scope. If children are secure, know their identity, have a sense of belonging, and know their purpose, they will want to be competent and resilient and quickly bounce back from the challenges.
125. Resiliency #7: Conversations Are Necessary
Parents need to be available to their kids to have meaningful conversations. As parents, we must characterize resilience and be role models for our kids when it comes to resilience. As a parent, you must feel your kids’ pain and acknowledge their real frustration before you try to help. It is vital for parents to know that as they try to help, they must try not to hijack the conversation and make it about them. To get kids to feel safe and keep the conversation going, we must encourage them to keep talking and to tell us more.
124. Resiliency #6: You Just Made A Mistake
The words we use matters. Saying something like “you just made a mistake” affects us and those around us. Children can make mistakes because we could not provide information or didn’t show up with a particular character quality. There are so many reasons children make mistakes, and how they define them is critically important.
123. Resiliency #5: Struggles Increase Optimism
In this episode, Dr. Kathy talks about how we may be imperfect people, but responding to your kids in ways that allow them to learn from their imperfections is essential. Optimism is a crucial attribute of resilient people, so raising your kids to be hopeful, optimistic, and sure is vital. If you want your kids to have a resilient spirit about who they are and what they can do, you need to help them to be optimistic.
122. Resiliency #4: Parents Are The Key
Dr. Kathy says parents are the key as they need to be resilient for their kids to see and imitate. If your kids don’t see you handle defeat well, they will be afraid to try in your presence. Your kids must know that you are not scared to make mistakes or learn new things and see how you handle situations when you seem overwhelmed. You have to show them that you are resilient – you do not panic, you recognize that you do know everything immediately, and see how you are willing to learn. It is not appropriate to bubble-wrap ourselves so we can teach this to our children. Dr. Kathy emphasized that your children must learn to struggle, and you have to let them struggle to learn to go through the process. As a parent, you model victory, hard work, asking for help, and calmness in difficult situations that feel the grief of disappointment and don’t dwell on it.
121. Resiliency #3: Be Careful of “Get Over It” and “You Can Do It”
Resiliency allows for growth and for dreams to be met. It will enable us to dream and successfully fulfill our dreams. The idea of helping our kids recover is so that they will grow. We must understand that growth and progress happen when we can take risks. Dr.Kathy emphasizes that we want to be seen in the moment of pain, so before you say to anyone, “just get over it,” or “you can do it,” it is essential to feel and acknowledge their pain. It is important to do this because if you don’t feel the pain of others before you try to solve the problem, they will feel like the problem.
120. Resiliency #2: Benefits of Resiliency
In this episode, Dr. Kathy talks about resiliency’s core or main advantage. There is a God-given responsibility to be resilient and raise resilient kids. Resiliency is a choice that becomes a learned ability and part of our character. Some of the advantages of resiliency are that it leads to growth. If you recognize that you have not grown much lately, it could be because you are not resilient. It also leads to hope and prevents a victim mentality. When we are resilient, we are also teachable. Resilient people want to try again until they succeed. They are also willing to listen to ideas and see different perspectives. Putting all of these together leads to confidence.
119. Resiliency #1: Resiliency Defined
In the first of a new series on the topic of “Resiliency,” Dr. Kathy discusses what resiliency is and why it is valuable. Bubble-wrapping our children doesn’t allow for resiliency. It is essential to consider what happens to our children if we don’t allow them to take risks. It is vital to strike a balance between helping and getting in the way, and also, knowing the difference between your kids allows you to understand how best to help them. It is important that we benefit from the struggles in life and our character matures as our faith develops.
118. Character Qualities: Rooted in Our Beliefs
In this final episode on “Character Qualities,” Dr. Kathy talks about how we need to change our beliefs to make progress with good character qualities. Knowing what is behind the bahavior and what is foundational is important. As a parent, invite your kids to explain things to you so that you can better understand them. The teaching of character requires the teaching of the belief that must be in place for the character qualities to shine out. This may also require an understanding of the immature character that is in the way of establishing good character qualities.
117. Character Qualities: Teaching Character Qualities
In this episode, Dr. Kathy talks about how it is crucial to speak to your kids about their character choices and not just whether something is good or bad. One of the ways to teach character is imitation. Jesus encouraged His disciples to imitate Him just like He imitated His father. Be intentional. If you teach something, you have to expect it; if you expect it, you have to inspect it. Change requires taking off and putting on. As we teach kids character, we teach them who to be and what could stand in the way of who they could be.
116. Character Qualities: Use The Picture-Smart Bible for a Biblical Worldview
Dr. Kathy mentions that we must make the word the foundation of all our choices, decisions, actions, attitudes, and characters. Though there are many models of character, the word is still the best option for character modeling. Dr. Kathy also mentions the Picture Smart Bible by Dan Peters as a bible that is picture smart. It’s an excellent bible for devotional, homeschool families, and any family and helps you engage scriptures in a new way. It contains every book of the bible summarized in a one-page picture description of the book’s central theme, an overview of the bible, and why each book is in the bible.
115. Character Qualities: Christ’s Character Can Be Our Model
In this episode, Dr. Kathy talks about Jesus as a character model. You should be looking more and more like the God of the Bible and His son Jesus as you see to develop your character. The longer you have worked with Him, the more you know Him. You need to put off your old self and put on the likeness of God in righteousness and true holiness. If parents become and behave like Jesus consistently, it makes it easy for kids who look up to them to become like Jesus.
114: Character Qualities – Shouldn’t I Prioritize Obedience?
In this episode, Dr. Kathy talks about why it’s vital to prioritize character over obedience. It’s essential to pay attention to the heart and character of a child. If we stress obedience and rule-following, it could lead kids to be obedient only when someone is watching or if there is no penalty. Obedience follows or is acheived when character is the goal as it starts with the heart.
113. Character Qualities: Benefits of Mature Character
In this episode, Dr. Kathy talks about the benefits of mature character. Isaiah 66:2 mentions the three qualities God desires in whom he looks for. The qualities are humility, being contrite in spirit, and one who trembles at God’s word—character matters, and having something to achieve matters. Character is always our choice, and prioritizing it is our responsibility. When we have a healthy character and a righteous character age, we are trusted and can discern who is trusting, resulting in peace. Most parents are looking forward to the day when their kids will be appropriately independent, but this can only be possible if you teach, train, and coach character qualities.
112. Character Qualities: Specific Examples Character Age
In this episode, Dr. Kathy gives specific examples of character age to help you determine what you should be looking at now and whether your kids are ready for certain privileges. For example, a person in your home could get a ten for patience. In contrast, you get a five because they seem to respond more patiently than you do in different situations automatically. We should not just think about grading each character quality but how complete and how much of other character qualities kids use. In Dr. Kathy’s book Five to Thrive, she writes about discernment for security and belonging. A child who knows how to behave in new situations has a more mature character age, and discernment. How good is a child at determining who is having a bad day and who is outrightly “bad”? Becoming more mature in our character age is a process that takes time, instruction, modeling, correction, affirmation, and learning. Kids with immature character age always need guidance in new situations and can’t determine what is appropriate based on past experiences.
111. Character Qualities: Character Age Fully Explained
It is essential to know that children may be of certain chronological age but may have lower character age with respect to some qualities. If kids have a high character age, they will be able to function better with others. If you want to work on your character qualities, it will take some time and intentionality to learn to use the particular qualities you are after. We can age up and mature up if we are intentional about learning the character qualities we are after. Character development is a process, and it’s not automatic. In
some instances, technology can impact character qualities, making us believe that we are the center of our own universe and believing other tech lies. Technology can cause us to be dissatisfied because of the ease of use such that when we come across difficulties, we become quickly discouraged. To help kids, we must prioritize the character qualities we want them to have before using technology. Technology can also make children entitled since they feel they always have access to it. So families need to think about the qualities they value and work on them. The greater the character’s age, the greater the likelihood you can give your children freedom and responsibilities.
110. Character Qualities: Character Age
This episode talks about how parents raise children based on chronological age, which may not be the right thing to do since children grow differently. For example, some children have passed certain chronological ages, but their character may seem like kids below that age. So using chronological age may not be wise as it is essential to consider each child’s unique circumstances. Dr. Kathy mentions that children may be of the right chronological age for specific opportunities or privileges, but their character may demonstrate otherwise. Dr. Kathy also mentions the idea of not just considering chronological age but also considering character age when making decisions involving raising our kids.
Submit your questions and share your feedback: debbie@celebratekids.com
109. Character: Choose Qualities Based on Technology’s Lies
In this episode, Dr. Kathy Koch talks about how technology has robbed our children of character. There are many character qualities but it’s important to decide what matters to you and your family based on your mission, purposes and values, and the uniqueness of your kids. Dr. Kathy also goes on to mention that you could also choose character qualities based on how technology has changed your kids. Technology makes our kids believe in certain lies like they are the center of their own universe and this makes them develop other negative character qualities. You are not a bad parent if your kids have developed bad character qualities. What is important is that you prioritize what you want to see by making a list of what negative characteristics they exhibit and teaching them the opposite of that.
108. Character: Choose and Develop Qualities
Dr. Kathy starts out by mentioning what she spoke about two weeks ago about ministry, what was been done, and what is going to be done. She also mentioned starting out a series on character development last week. Last week Dr. Kathy talked about what character is all about, how it is developed and why it is important. Dr. Kathy also mentioned the importance of focusing on the things that matter and for her, those things are the things of the Lord. Character counts and it’s in our mind and soul and character marks us. Character comes from a Greek and Latin origin that refers to a stamping and engraving tool that sharpens and engraves. Character is your distinctive mark. Dr. Kathy talks about heading off to Alaska, how that would be the fiftieth state she is visiting and how character matters and it’s our reputation everywhere we go. Character shows up as we interact with people, and ideas and they are brick to brick foundations for a quality of life.
This episode answers the question of how we develop character. In one of her books (Five to Thrive) she characterizes character qualities according to the five core needs, we must meet and these include the need for security, identity, belonging, purpose, and competence. Each of these core needs could be associated with different character qualities. It is important for an adult, parent, or teacher to choose the qualities to emphasize. Character is practical so it’s important to decide your expectations for your life and kids and how important character qualities are. It’s important to know what you intentionally want to pass on to your kids using role-modeling and communication. Dr. Kathy reads a list of some character qualities most of which are from her books, like attention, compassion, caring, courage, generosity, sensitivity, thankful, thoughtful, wise, etc.
To prioritize character the first thing you have to do is to choose the qualities you want to model. What are your values and purposes? What is your mission in life? What do you want to mark or characterize your character? It’s important to answer these questions to decide which qualities to embrace and the goal should be to get you and your kids to a place where you could use those qualities without thought and effort.
Character qualities are intertwined and character qualities drive other character qualities. For example respect for others motivate compassion and loyalty drives service. Dr. Kathy also mentions that if you are punctual it means you are respectful, dependable, and responsible so character qualities are intertwined. To help kids imbibe character qualities we talk about it, we model it and we teach with direct language the character qualities we want to our kids to develop. It’s is your instruction that adds to your motivation and that allows your kids to consistently display the character qualities you want your kids to imbibe.
Being a Christ-follower is also another motivation to get your character right. So the steps involve choosing the character qualities, getting motivated, watching for modeling, getting some direct instruction, and developing success by the consistency of choosing the character we are prioritizing over and over again. As we choose and prioritize character qualities we come better at it and it’s comfortable for us and marks us as part of who we are. Reteaching may happen from time to time with kids to help me enforce consistency as learning character is not all that different from learning other things. Kids learn by doing so it’s best to start with choosing the quality, to keep making the same choice and it soon becomes a part of who they are and how they are known. We learn character by expecting it, talking about it, modeling it, teaching it, and giving kids practice with it.
Technology has robbed most kids of their character as with the use of technology kids can isolate, become self-centered, and become prideful. Dr. Cathy mentions that this episode is not to make you feel bad that your kids do not have righteous character as it’s a general problem because of the media we are watching, the songs we listen to, the games we play, the sites we visit and the people we follow are not always a perfect example of good character qualities. Dr. Cathy ends by saying teaching character matters because children matter, today causes tomorrow and childhood causes adulthood. It’s important to get the character right by modeling, teaching proper character, helping kids choose the right character attributes, and helping them do it over and over again so as to be who God wants them to be.
Come back next week to know more about how technology influences the character qualities we should focus on.
107. Character: The Foundation of Our Decisions, Choices, Attitudes and Actions
Dr Kathy talks about taking a break from podcasting to attend to a few things and says she is fully back. She talks about character as a topic that she would be going over for a few weeks and what makes it important. She mentioned some of her books and how they contain an appendix of character qualities in them. She mentioned how her parents and grandparents stood out as examples of good character for her to follow. It is important to make your kids understand that who they are matters as much as what they do.
Kids should also understand that others are watching what they do. She mentions that it is important to also look out for how the character of our children can be improved. It’s also important to know that character can be improved and to know how we can teach the qualities. Sin and negative qualities easily come to kids but the character must be taught as it doesn’t come easily. Issues about character are easy to discuss with your kids if they are brought up by others.
Character is of Greek and Latin origin and it refers to stamping and engraving tools that sharpen, cut or engrave to create a distinctive mark. Character is a distinctive mark that is engraved into us and what we are known for. Dr Kathy mentioned that kids don’t have to fake it to make it as we want a mark that characterizes them. Everything we are causes everything we do and this is a unique belief at Celebrate kids. Everything we are (our character) shows forth in our doing. We don’t want our kids to get into character but to have character and use character. Character forms the foundation of all of our decisions, choices, attitudes and actions and it is not just about having virtues or good qualities. Our goal must be to use our good character to affect and influence others positively and cultures. When we think about character we always think about individual qualities but it is more important to think about character as a brick by the brick foundation for a quality fulfilling life. Dr Kathy closes the podcast by saying your character needs to be wide, tall, deep and well-built that way negative influences will not affect it.
Episode 52: How Do We Reteach?
In the last two episodes, Dr. Kathy shared reasons children make mistakes. In today’s, she shares how to help them. After some basic, important ideas, she talks about the importance of their environment and how to make adjustments. Then she details the three ways we’ve been designed to remember things because sometimes children understand things, but can’t remember them long enough to do well on quizzes, tests, and more. She closes the podcast with two very specific examples of how using the 8 smarts can enhance children’s understanding.
Episode 51: Why Kids Make Mistakes (Part 2)
This week, Dr. Kathy explains why kids make mistakes in the conclusion of the two-part series! Mistakes are being made for different reasons than you might think. Have a listen and learn some of the things you might be able to work on with your kids.
Episode 50: Why Kids Make Mistakes (Part 1)
This week, Dr. Kathy explains why kids make mistakes in an exciting two-part episode! Mistakes are being made for different reasons than you might think. Have a listen and learn some of the things you might be able to work on with your kids.
Episode 49: Tech Addiction: What to Do About It
As Dr. Kathy shared in the last episode, being addicted to technology’s effects on our hearts and minds is very real. There’s great news – there are practical things we can do to positively affect us and our children. In this jam-packed episode, learn 14 ideas you can successfully implement!
Episode 48: Tech Addiction: What Causes It
It’s difficult to use less technology because addiction is real. But, we’re not addicted to the tech itself, but to what happens in our mind and heart because of the tech we’re using. Dr. Kathy will explain the lies that change us and how it’s hard to change our character and habits because of the power of our technology. This one-episode summary is easy to digest and will get you ready for the next episode about solutions.
Episode 47: The Master Method: Teach Like Jesus Did (Part 3)
Jesus Christ was a brilliant teacher. Obviously, He didn’t come to earth to demonstrate effective teaching methods, but while He was here fulfilling His purpose, He did. We’d be foolish to not learn from Him. He was the best! Parents and teachers can communicate and teach better when we use His methods. In this third episode of a short series, Dr. Kathy shares more about Jesus’ teaching effectiveness. These truths will help you relate to Him in new ways.
Episode 46: The Master Method: Teach Like Jesus Did (Part 2)
Jesus Christ was a brilliant teacher. Obviously, He didn’t come to earth to demonstrate effective teaching methods, but while He was here fulfilling His purpose, He did. We’d be foolish to not learn from Him. He was the best! Parents and teachers can communicate and teach better when we use His methods. In this second episode of a short series, Dr. Kathy shares four things that contributed to Jesus’ teaching effectiveness. Will we be able to do them, too?
Episode 45: The Master Method: Teach Like Jesus Did (Part 1)
Jesus Christ was a brilliant teacher. Obviously, He didn’t come to earth to demonstrate effective teaching methods, but while He was here fulfilling His purpose, He did. We’d be foolish to not learn from Him. He was the best! Parents and teachers can communicate and teach better when we use His methods. In this first episode in the series, Dr. Kathy explains that Jesus’ positive interactions with children, as recorded in the Gospels, were based on His beliefs about children. Our beliefs matter, too!
Episode 44: Let’s Help Children Grow Like Jesus Did
In Luke 2:52 we learn that Jesus grew in four areas during his childhood. Dr. Kathy suggests that we can help our children grow in the same four areas – and we can grow in the same ways, too! You’ll be encouraged as you consider setting goals for your children that line up with the goals Jesus had for Himself.
Epiosode 43: Stepmoms: Helpful Advice
Laura Petherbridge returns to the podcast so we can understand more about smartmoms and how we can perhaps help them. She encourages stepmoms to understand they’re not alone in their struggles.
Episode 42: Stepmoms: Understanding Them and Their Challenges
Dr. Kathy invites the Smart Stepmom, Laura Petherbridge, to join her to help us understand stepmoms. She shares three important things we must understand if we’re going to support them well. There are things that make their lives very challenging. If we know these things, we can help our friends and be a safe sounding board.
Episode 41: 8 Great Smarts for Homeschoolers (with Tina Hollenbeck)
Dr. Kathy is excited to invite Tina Hollenbeck to the podcast to discuss the new book she wrote for Celebrate Kids, 8 Great Smarts for Homeschoolers. They talk about how the smarts can help homeschool parents meet the needs of their children. The hundreds of practical ideas in the book will be very helpful!
Episode 40: 8 Great Smarts: An Overview
As many parents and teachers are beginning another school year or thinking about it beginning soon, it’s a perfect time for Dr. Kathy to quickly review the 8 different ways all children are smart. You’ll learn how to encourage them with this information and how to help them learn with their strengths.
Episode 39: Pray #3: Pray for Parents, Teachers, and Children
In this third episode about prayer, Dr. Kathy recommends how we can pray for teachers, parents, and students of all ages. You’ll be inspired! The Scripture she shares at the end may become one of your favorites.
Episode 38: Pray #2: Praying with Scripture
In this second episode about prayer, Dr. Kathy talks about the importance of making sure our prayers and our children’s prayers are realistic. If children ask God to change things that can’t change, they could give up on God when nothing happens. We must prevent that. She also shares examples of how to use Scripture for prompting prayers.
Episode 37: Pray #1: What is Prayer?
Prayer matters. Dr. Kathy begins by sharing what we need to believe about God in order to pray. She then shares about how and why we can view prayer as a conversation with God.
Episode 36: Being Unhurried and Parenting for Obedience (with Durenda Wilson)
In this episode, Dr. Kathy talks again with Durenda Wilson. They begin by talking about the benefits of being unhurried. Then Durenda shares wonderful, practical ideas about raising children who accomplish chores well. There are so many advantages to involving them at a young age! Dr. Kathy and Durenda also talk about the advantages of playing outside and homeschooling.
Episode 35: Why and How to Raise Lifelong Learners (with Durenda Wilson)
Dr. Kathy talks with Durenda Wilson about why and how to raise children who are lifelong learners. They talk about the role of curiosity. Her answer about what happens to children who aren’t lifelong learners is profound! Also, learn about how and why to talk with your children. We also talk about structure, boundaries, and stability that allows for flexibility and obedience. We also talk about chores and teaching children a work ethic. Wow! This is a packed-full episode!
Episode 34: Play with Children: Benefits for the Mind (Part 2)
Dr. Kathy wraps up the four-part series about play with this episode about how the mind can be affected. Last week she explained how play can awaken and strengthen all 8 smarts. This time she uses the 12 genius qualities to explain that the mind is enhanced when we keep these qualities in mind when playing. Let’s play with our children because it’s fun and because there are many benefits.
Episode 33: Play with Children: Benefits for the Mind (Part 1)
Dr. Kathy shared how play benefits the heart in the past two episodes. Today she begins talking about how play positively affects the mind. She makes suggestions for how to play well with all 8 smarts that she teaches about in her book, 8 Great Smarts. All the smarts can be awakened and strengthened simply by playing. These ideas will help you be so creative!
Episode 32: Play with Children: Benefits for the Heart (Part 2)
Dr. Kathy continues talking about the benefits of play, especially when parents and children play together. Hearts are strengthened. Children can learn how and why to be resilient. Many character qualities can be strengthened when we enjoy each other and have fun through play.
Episode 31: Play with Children: Benefits for the Heart (Part 1)
Our children have had an unusual childhood the past year so let’s prioritize play this summer. It will be so good for them! There are numerous benefits especially when we play with our children. Dr. Kathy’s insights will encourage you to play, play, and play!
Episode 30: Encourage Your Children Part 2
Dr. Kathy shares five more ways we can encourage children this summer. In last week’s episode, she shared the first five ways. You’ll want to listen to that one if you haven’t. In this episode, she shares important ideas about children’s strengths and challenges. She talks about celebrating real victories, introducing children to overcomers, and the value of play. These easy-to-use ideas will encourage your children and you!
Episode 29: Encourage Your Children Part 1
Dr. Kathy shares five ways we can encourage children this summer. The ideas are practical and can change the culture of your home from one of negative discouragement to one of positive encouragement. You’ll appreciate the specific reason to not look for perfection, why to ask your children if they’re satisfied with how they did before you share your opinion, and more. These easy-to-use ideas will encourage your children and you!
Episode 28: Affirm Character and Ability
Think about your successes. Most likely, they’re due to your ability, talents, and skills along with your choice to use character qualities like teachability, effort, and perseverance. Therefore, make sure to affirm both in children. When they do well, let them know it’s because of how they’re smart, other abilities, and their choices to use their character. You will empower them to be successful even when things are hard.
Episode 27: Our God is an Awesome God!
In the last episode, Dr. Kathy spoke about how important the words are that we use to describe ourselves and others. The same thing is true when we think of God. When we describe Him as He is described in the Bible, we expect Him to behave in those ways. This changes our approach, expectations, and optimism. Dr. Kathy shares about “Our God is an Awesome God” and a meaningful illustration from her niece.
Episode 26: Words Can Hurt Us
This nursery rhyme isn’t true: “Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will never hurt me.” Words do hurt and maybe the ones we think or say about ourselves hurt us the most. We don’t always have to say negative things that are true. And we can sometimes describe action or feelings without using “I identity” statements. Learn why and how!
Episode 25: Technology #10: You Can Do This! Suggestions that Work!
In this last episode in our technology series, Dr. Kathy reviews one practical idea for each of the technology lies and then shares several ideas that are helpful for parents who want to help their children use technology less and use it well.
Episode 24: Technology #9: Lie 5 Information is All That Matters So I Don’t Need Teachers
In this podcast, you’ll learn about technology lie #5 – information is all I need so I don’t need teachers. Dr. Kathy explains how this lie influences young people’s behavior, why they may believe the lie, and how we can help them in light of this. If you know teens not digging deep for truth and quickly satisfied with superficial answers, this lie may be why. We can do something about it!
Episode 23: Technology #8: Lie 4 – I Am My Own Authority
Some uses of technology are great and some technology is great. Others can mess with children’s minds and hearts which is so sad. They believe lies and are influenced by them. Dr. Kathy teaches about lie #4 in this episode – I am my own authority. You won’t be surprised by what causes young people to believe this. You’ll also learn which of their concerning behaviors are connected to this lie and what to do about it. As always, her practical ideas will encourage you.
Episode 22: Technology #7: Lie 3- I Must Have Choices
After Dr. Kathy reviews the first two technology lies, she teaches about lie #3 – I must have choices. Because of the way technology is designed and used, using it a lot changes our beliefs, actions, and attitudes. She explains how this lie influences young people’s behavior, why they may believe the lie, and how we can help them in light of this. You will understand your children’s behavior so much better after listening!
Episode 21: Technology #6: Influencing Children Through Discipleship: Beware Technology!
Dr. Kathy and her guest, Leslie Nunnery, discuss discipling children and shepherding their hearts so relationships between parents and their children are strengthened. Leslie’s definition of discipleship is so important. You must hear it! Also, her view of moms will inspire you! We want parents to encourage, equip, protect, and teach children. If we’re not careful, technology gets in the way. Prayer matters!
Leslie Nunnery is the co-founder of Teach Them Diligently Convention, along with her husband David, and the mother of four children who range in age from 14-21. God has given her a strong burden to minister to Christian families to help support, encourage and equip them to disciple their children, protect their marriages, and serve God in the ways He has planned for them. She is an advocate of home education with a strong focus on discipleship which is evidenced in her writings and the events her family produces. Leslie is the author of a discipleship-focused parenting book called Teach Them Diligently, Raising Children of Promise and Heart School, a 15-lesson class in which Leslie helps families learn to disciple their children through home education. She is also heavily involved in mission endeavors through Worldwide Tentmakers, for which her husband serves as president and Teach Them Diligently supports.
Episode 20: Technology #5 Let’s Teach Kids About Money ft. Jim DeGaetano
Jim DeGaetano is a best-selling author dedicated to teaching financial literacy to people of all ages. He published two books in 2020: The Fruitful Retirement, an interactive retirement guide, and Amazon bestseller Larry The Bunny Saves His Money, a first of its kind children’s book created to teach children at a young age the value of saving.
When he’s not writing, DeGaetano is the President and Founder of Diamond Wealth Advisors, a registered investment advisory firm that provides emotional and financial clarity for clients during their transition into and during retirement.
Jim is a Certified Financial Planner® and Certified Public Accountant. He is a member of the Financial Planning Association, the Financial Services Institute, and the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs.
Jim graduated from Shippensburg University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Widener University with a Master of Business Administration degree. He holds Series 7, 63 with LPL Financial and 66 security licenses, plus state life and health insurance licenses.
Episode 19: Technology #4: Lie 2 – I Deserve To Be Happy All the Time
Technology is a blessing is many ways and yet it can cause us and especially young people to believe lies that negatively influence our beliefs and behavior. In this podcast, Dr. Kathy explains the second lie she addresses in her book, “Screens and Teens” – I deserve to be happy all the time. You’ll benefit from learning what causes it, what it causes, and what we can do that helps.
Episode 18: Technology #3: Lie 1 – I Am the Center Of My Own Universe
Dr. Kathy thoroughly explains the first technology lie she addresses in her book, “Screens and Teens.” Do you know people who believe “I am the center of my own universe”? She explains why young people might believe this, what it causes, and what we can do to help children and all people see it as a lie. You’ll love her truths and ideas!
Episode 17: Technology #2: Parents Must Be the Parents!
Dr. Kathy and her guest, Suzanne Phillips, discuss potential challenges that occur because children and teens have access to so much technology. They discuss its effects on relationships in particular – vulnerability, confrontation, interested in what everyone else is doing, and more. They also promote two upcoming Celebrate Kids conferences in St. Louis March 4-6, the Ignite Women’s Conference and the Celebrate Kids Homeschool conference. We’d love to have you join us!
Suzanne will be launching The Beacon Life: Life Navigation for Life Transformation in March. You can find her at The Beacon Life on fb and Instagram.
Suzanne and her husband Lane lead their company Envision Life Academy, helping high school students and their parents envision and navigate their future through career/college planning. To find out more go to www.envisionlifeacademy.com or follow on fb and Instagram.
Episode 16: Technology #1: It Affects the Mind and Heart
Dr. Kathy begins a series of episodes about technology by explaining how technology use influences brain development and how it can also change our character, which is rooted in our hearts. She explains that younger people have relationship-based beliefs and this is why we must especially pay attention to who they are listening to and following. She also includes a brief look at why children (and all of us!) may be addicted to technology.
Episode 15: Successful Communication: Parents and Kids Talking and Listening
Having meaningful conversations with children keeps us connected. They’ll feel known, we get to share valuable insights with them, and they get answers to important questions. But, only if we listen and they talk enough to share what’s going on. Learn 10 easy-to-apply ideas to make this more likely.
Episode 14: Challenging Conversations: Parents and Children Can Have Them!
Dr. Kathy and Jason Jimenez, the founder of Stand Strong Ministries, talk about why we must be willing to have challenging conversations with our children. We can make changes to our beliefs and behaviors to do this better with our children. We must!
Episode 13: Challenging Conversations: Find Out How to Have Them
Dr. Kathy and Jason Jimenez, the founder of Stand Strong Ministries, talk about why we must be willing to have challenging conversations and how to do this well. Find out how advocators are different from people who are aggressive in conversations and those who avoid them altogether. And, you’ll love the three questions to use when conversations come to a close.
Episode 12: Supportive Friendships- Let’s Be Like Mary and Elizabeth
When Mary found out she was chosen to be the mother of the long-awaited Savior, Jesus Christ, she was, of course, shocked. At the same time, her cousin Elizabeth was shocked to conceive a child with her husband, Zechariah, even though they were both “advanced in age.” The timing allowed Elizabeth and Mary to support and encourage each other. Let’s do this, too! Let’s reach out when we need someone and let’s be the someone who someone else needs.
Episode 11: The Greener-Grass-Syndrome
Dr. Kathy suggests that if we’re not careful, the greener-grass-syndrome will ruin Christmas for us. She recommends keeping comparisons to previous years to a minimum so we’re not robbed of contentment, joy, and peace. She shares the dangers of “if-then thinking” and encourages us to be fully present to this year’s celebration.
Episode 10: Think! Helping Kids Know How #2
Dr. Kathy continues talking about teaching children how to think by sharing the third and fourth parts of her model. In last week’s episode, she suggested we teach children what to think about and why to think about those things. Today, she explains that we can teach children what to think with and what sources to use. Her use of Psalm 23 as an example will help and inspire you. As always, her ideas are practical and can result in greater attention, confidence, participation, comprehension, and memory.
Episode 9: Think! Helping Kids Know How #1
We can help children focus their thinking so they can increase learning and decrease frustration. They’ll think well and be successful! This is relevant for adults, too, because learning should be our goal when we listen to sermons and more. Dr. Kathy shares the first two parts of her four-part thinking model that you can use yourself and teach to children. You might especially love her framing idea. All her ideas are practical and can result in greater attention, confidence, participation, comprehension, and memory.
Episode 8: Study! Helping Kids Know How #3
In the past two episodes, Dr. Kathy shared 8 categories of study strategies and encourages parents and teachers to teach strategies from each. We can’t just tell children to study! In this episode, she shares 10 things to do that help children learn the strategies well. Be encouraged! There’s much we can teach children!
Episode 7: Study! Helping Kids Know How #2
We can’t just tell children to study. Dr. Kathy believes we must teach them how. She’s organized study strategies into 8 categories and she explains five of the categories in this episode. For example, children can learn to record information, comprehend it, remember it, use it, and regulate their learning. She explains how to use index cards to help in many ways. She also explains how writing out a “fact sheet” helps in many ways. There’s much we can teach children!
7.Episode 6: Study! Helping Kids Know How #1
Dr. Kathy believes we need to teach children how to study and not just tell them to study. She’s organized study strategies into 8 categories and she explains three of the categories in this episode. For example, children can learn to motivate themselves with positive self-talk and setting goals. Second, they can learn to manage their materials, time, and environment. The third category she discusses is about locating information. You will like her post-it-note ideas. There’s much we can teach children!
Episode 5: Love and Cherish Children (with Michelle Nietert)
Dr. Kathy and Michelle Nietert talk about differences between love and cherish and how important the two are as God relates to our children. Scripture, stories, and experiences that allow children to practice God’s presence make a difference. So does talking with children about how we see God work in them.
Episode 4: God’s Love Protects (with Michelle Nietert)
Dr. Kathy and Michelle Nietert talk about the power of God’s love to protect all of us, but especially middle school girls, from depression and anxiety. God-confidence and connecting with healthy adults are essential! Michelle’s expertise about mental health will encourage you.
Michelle Nietert, M.A., Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor has been providing therapeutic interventions to children and their families in counseling offices for over 20 years. As a previous educator, public school crisis counselor, and youth and children’s minister, she interacts regularly with parents and students at public school assemblies, PTA meetings, local churches, and is the mental health consultant for a local private Christian school. Michelle also provides training for school counselors, teachers, and homeschool parents. A recognized expert in Solution Focused Therapy, she is the clinical director and owner of a large counseling center in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Michelle’s writing can be found on the MOPS blog, in Lifeway’s Parenting Magazine and she is the Mental Health columnist for Just Between Us Magazine. She also joins her audiences in the parenting trenches as a happily married mom of two-school aged children. To discover her Counselor Thoughts blog and podcast providing Solutions for Life, please visit www.MichelleNietert.com
Episode 3: Homeschooling Successfully (with Connie Albers)
Dr. Kathy and Connie Albers talk about homeschooling today. We cannot let frustrations and confusion overwhelm us. The purpose of homeschooling is important enough that parents must keep going! Listen for their discussion about why homeschooling is a wise choice. Rely on God. He will help you!
Episode 2: Parenting Beyond the Rules (with Connie Albers)
Dr. Kathy and Connie Albers have a dynamic conversation about keeping the heart of our teenagers by lifting our rules when they demonstrate they’re capable to live well without them. This is a key to maturity!
For over 30 years, Connie Albers has been teaching people of all ages how to discover and use their natural strengths and gifts to succeed in virtually any situation. She is a popular speaker whose insights and humor and practical strategies have encouraged and motivated educators, parents, businesspeople, and students to focus on strengths to achieve success. With a goal for bringing out the best in others, Connie has brought hope and life to countless families, but she remains humbled by the way God uses her message to make such a difference.
Connie is an educator, leader, movement shaper, and speaker, and more recently an author of a new book “Parenting Beyond the Rules: Raising Teens with Confidence and Joy.” Her goal is to offer hope and help to parents and educators of the over 63 million teens who need guidance and unconditional love not just another set of rules. The teen years are indeed among the most challenging for parents, but they can be the most rewarding season of the parenting journey. Every child is a masterpiece in the making, and mom and dad get to help their child become the person he or she is created to be by painting a picture of possibilities for the future.
Episode 1: Encouragement Changes People!
Dr. Kathy announces that the “Celebrate Kids Podcast with Dr. Kathy” is being renamed to “Encouraged with Celebrate Kids.” When we encourage people, we give them courage to do what’s right. It’s one of our goals at Celebrate Kids so the name fits us well. Kathy shares ways we can encourage each other.
The Celebrate Kids Podcast with Dr. Kathy
Fresh ideas and solutions to help adults understand children and their needs so they can relate well and connect more deeply are what Dr. Kathy will share on the Celebrate Kids Podcast. Our concern for this generation and our belief that the family, education, and faith matter greatly compels us to offer solutions to strengthen adult-child relationships and connections. Adults will have more hope and be able to persevere during challenging situations. Children’s identity and positive beliefs about their lives and their futures will be strengthened. We are looking forward to helping adults meet children’s needs!
Episode 53: The First Year in Review
Dr. Kathy enjoys reviewing some of the important content from the first year in this anniversary episode. She talks about the four roles parents must play out, healthy communication and how to communicate so children believe you, how to talk with our children about their school day, the five core needs, and more.
Episode 52: How Do Children Best Remember? (Refresh)
All children (and adults) can remember with three different modalities. When children know which are strengths, they’re empowered to be successful. Auditory children remember best what they hear, especially the things they hear themselves say. Visual children remember best what they see. Kinesthetic children remember best what they do.
Episode 51: How Do Children Best Concentrate? (Refresh)
There are many things that affect children’s ability to concentrate. (These are true for adults, too.) Identifying these environmental preferences and helping your children use them improve their motivation. Learn about preferences for time of day, temperature, lighting, sound, being with people, movement, food and drink, informal/formal, and messy/neat. When children know how they best concentrate, they can be empowered to be successful!
Episode 50: Changing Behavior Without Punishments & Rewards
Dr. Kathy reviews some ideas related to logical and natural consequences (rewards and punishments) and then shares many new ideas. For instance, there are times when offering natural positive consequences (rewards) backfires. This is important to understand! She also teaches about the value of using both positive and negative consequences, making them personal, and how to withdraw the use of consequences well so children’s excellence continues.
Episode 49: Rewards and Punishments
When we use natural and logical positive and negative consequences rather than rewards and punishments children more quickly learn to be responsible for their choices and behavior. Dr. Kathy’s examples will help you understand the differences and how to use consequences well. She also explains when using a bribe may help and how to use bribes effectively. And she covers the role of surprises as she contrasts them with bribes. There’s lots of content in this episode!
Episode 48: Five Things to Do as School Begins
During this strange school season, there are five things we can do to help our children’s attitudes. We must do these! We can make plans to talk about and teach these things directly and we can use teachable moments. Can you predict what Dr. Kathy wants us to talk with our kids about?
Episode 47: Families are Threatened: Lack of Training
James Werner, the founder of Generation Equipped Ministries, joins Dr. Kathy for a second episode to share five ways parents can train children for truth. Children need to know truth so parents must teach it. We can! These ideas will work for you.
James Werner has a passion for equipping the next generation with a Biblical worldview. He is the founder of Generation Equipped Ministries, a speaker, and the Director of Christian Apologetics and Worldview Training. He loves teaching and training young people to use their energy and talents to serve the Lord and proclaim the good news of the gospel. His mission is to inspire and equip Christians to proclaim and be able to defend the truth of Christianity.
James has a diverse background in business, pastoring and teaching which gives him some unique leadership insights and perspectives. In addition to his work as a Christian apologist, he has functioned as an associate pastor in Southern California for over 20 years, teaching and preaching the Bible.
If you would like to know more about James and his ministry, or you would like to have him speak at your event, go to http://www.generationequipped.org.
Episode 46: Families are Threatened: Apathy
Children need to know truth so parents must teach it. Parents must fight the apathy that can set into any busy family and prioritize raising their children to want and know truth. James Werner, the founder of Generation Equipped Ministries, joins Dr. Kathy to share five principles that combat apathy.
Featured Podcast: Piano Parent Podcast 204
Listen to Dr. Kathy speak on the 8 Great Smarts with Shelly Davis from the Piano Parent Podcast:
“The first time I heard Dr. Kathy Koch, I was driving my car in Tyler, Texas on my lunch break in the early 2000’s. She was on a mid-day radio program speaking about the variety of ways God has fashioned our brains to receive and retain information.
From that first encounter, I have become a huge fan of Dr. Kathy. I have read several of her books, listened to her talks out on YouTube, and now follow her podcast. Since the early days of my own podcast, one of my hopes was to one day bring Dr. Kathy on my show so you could hear her inspiring message. ” -Shelly Davis
For more from Shelly and the piano parent podcast, visit https://www.pianoparentpodcast.com
Episode 45: Special Needs Parenting (ft. Sarah Brooks)
Dr. Kathy continues her series of episodes about our core needs by interviewing her friend, Sarah Brooks, about her desire to develop her competence even though she’s a busy wife and mom. You’ll be encouraged to do what you can in the season of life you’re in. Sarah wisely cautions us about several things that can make it less likely that we’ll develop our talents for God’s glory. We need to be careful! Have you recognized the gifts God has given you?
About Sarah Brooks: Do you know children with special needs? You know they’d be encouraged to read a children’s book about them, right? Can you picture yourself reading a book to them that they can truly relate to? Yes! Then please consider supporting my friend’s Kickstarter campaign. Sarah Brooks has written a beautiful book with perfectly precious illustrations. She needs our help to get it published. You can watch the video on the campaign page to learn more and learn about her rewards for your generosity.
Episode 44: Are You Developing Your Talents?
Dr. Kathy continues her series of episodes about our core needs by interviewing her friend, Sarah Brooks, about her desire to develop her competence even though she’s a busy wife and mom. You’ll be encouraged to do what you can in the season of life you’re in. Sarah wisely cautions us about several things that can make it less likely that we’ll develop our talents for God’s glory. We need to be careful! Have you recognized the gifts God has given you?
Episode 43: Making Wise Decisions
We all have a need to be competent – to be able to do what we were created to do. It is based on our character and ability to make wise decisions. Dr. Kathy explains elements children can think about when making decisions. Adults can use them, too! And, of course, connecting well with God and relying on Him enhances our competence. He wants us to do things well!
Episode 42: Am I “Good Enough?”
Dr. Kathy shares about our fifth core need, competence, in this episode. She reviews that our ability to do things well is based on the quality of our security, identity, belonging, and purpose. She explains how important it is that we not expect to be perfect, the best, or judge our competence based on how others do. You’ll benefit from her explanations of how these connections affect academics and school.
Episode 41: Made for Something Great
Dr. Kathy talks with Arlene Pellicane about helping children discover and enjoy their purpose. Volunteering helps; use of technology can hurt. We answer the question every parents needs to know how to answer: How long should children take piano lessons or play soccer?
Episode 40: Hope, Optimism, and Character
How do you want your children to answer the purpose question: Why am I alive? Their answers matter because their purpose influences so much, including whether they’ll strive for competence. Learn how character, obedience, love, and service can help children meet their need for purpose. Dr. Kathy’s comments about encouraging your children to serve with their smarts are sure to inspire you!
Episode 39: Created On Purpose, With Purpose
Knowing why we’re alive can keep us alive! Dr. Kathy explains that how we meet our need for security, identity, and belonging influences what we think our purpose is. And that influences our decisions, commitments, and priorities. Perhaps the most important purpose is to glorify God. What does that mean? To help you understand, Kathy shares a personal story from her days as a professor.
Episode 38: Connecting Through Technology – It’s Not Always Negative!
Dr. Kathy talks with Arlene Pellicane about positive uses of technology. Connecting to good and trustworthy people is positive! Let’s learn how to purposefully parent so there are more positive effects than negative, even when it comes to connecting with family and friends.
Episode 37: Friendship Skills Can Be And Should Be Learned
God created us for connection. He meets our belonging need and wants us to have healthy relationships with people, too. We can connect through our talents and by serving, sharing, teaching, helping, and loving each other well. Following the 42 one-another verses in the New Testament, such as love one-another, honor one-another, and pray for one-another, enhance our friendships. So does learning the four categories of friendship skills Dr. Kathy mentions.
Episode 36: Our Belonging is Set and Settled in Jesus Christ!
We belong to God when we believe, by faith, in the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, on our behalf. We join God’s family! Dr. Kathy uses Psalm 23 to demonstrate how we can connect with Jesus. You’ll be refreshed with new understandings of how He relates to us as you see the verbs that describe Jesus’ actions in this Psalm. She also explains how our use of the spiritual disciplines of prayer, worship, study, serving, rest, Sabbath, and more help us know we belong.
Episode 35: Using Humor in the Family Well – Free Medicine!
Sally Baucke, a Christian comedian, joins Dr. Kathy on this episode of the podcast. She presents an ideal example of the value of knowing who we are – our identity. It increases our security, enriches our belonging, and increases our confidence in our purpose and our competence. Using humor appropriately enhances family life.
It’s like medicine to the soul – and it’s free!
Episode 34: Creative and Academic Strengths – Living with the Tension
Dr. Kathy’s guest, Sally Baucke, is a Christian comedian and nurse who was equally gifted as a child in leadership and creativity. She did well in academic courses and in music and theater. Her dad valued the academics more and cautioned her to not laugh too much for fear that people wouldn’t think she was smart. It took Sally many years to figure out how to live in the balance of both strengths. She and Dr. Kathy share how important it is to know your children and to value all parts of themselves. Helping them believe that God is a good Creator is key.
Episode 33: Tell Me About Yourself – What Would You Say?
Do you struggle to know what to say when someone says, “Tell me about yourself.”? This may be because you’re insecure or your identity is incomplete. Kathy’s identity categories will stimulate your thinking. You’ll also see how your answers reflect your security and can strengthen belonging.
Episode 32: God Changes Who We Are!
Because our identity, who we think we are, controls our behavior, it’s essential that we know who we are. How we define ourselves shows up in all of our attitudes and actions. Knowing God and that He created us on purpose, changes us and our beliefs about ourselves. Dr. Kathy will share a personal example, Scripture that changed her, and an essay from a friend that puts God’s gifts in us in perspective with the rest of who we are.
Episode 31: We Can Stop the Screaming – Our Kids Should Be Secure
Would you love to understand why you might scream at your children when you don’t intend to? Dr. Kathy interviews her friend, Sue Heimer, to talk about why moms scream at their children and what we can do to stop. When we know our triggers, it’s easier to make changes. Moms are now empowered to formulate a plan, make changes, and be victorious. Being exhausted, overwhelmed, and stressed are common triggers. We can manage our anger and model how to do it for our impressionable children.
Episode 30: Why are Trust and Security Hard for Me?
In great times and challenging times, security is essential. Being trusted and being surrounded by trustworthy people allows us to discover our identity, connect with healthy people to meet our need for belonging, and fulfill our purpose based on our competence. We can learn to trust God, ourselves, and others!
Episode 29: What to Do When Security is Shaken
Has insecurity been easy lately? That’s understandable. Especially during challenging times, our behavior can be obvious who and what we trust. What are we most upset about? What makes us angry? What do we talk about? What do we do? This all matters greatly because the first core need God designed us with is security. It’s defined by the question, “Who can I trust?” If we try to place our security in things, we can crash and burn when those things fail us. Rather, we need to learn to trust in God, trustworthy people, and ourselves.
Episode 28: Problems? Meeting Your Core Needs Helps!
Is change challenging for you? Do you make progress and then take two steps back? Maybe this is relevant for your children. It may be because of how the core needs of security, identity, belonging, purpose, and competence influence each other. This can be especially damaging when we ask “What can I trust?” as the security question rather than “Who can I trust?” Dr. Kathy Koch will help you understand what to do so changes stick.
Episode 27: How God Meets Our Core Needs
Are you struggling? Lonely? Confused? Without purpose? You’re not alone. We have five needs that must be met: security, identity, belonging, purpose, and competence. Family, friends, and experiences can help you meet your five needs. Most importantly, God meets our needs. He created them in us so we would be drawn to Him. When we find all of God and trust Christ for our salvation, our needs are forever met. Dr. Kathy Koch shares relevant Scripture and talks about things we can do to establish our relationship with God so our needs are met.
Episode 26: What Core Needs Do We Need Met?
God creates us with five core needs that must be met: security (Who can I trust?), identity (Who am I?), belonging (Who wants me?), purpose (Why am I alive?), and competence (What do I do well?). Family and friends can meet these needs for us. Experiences can also be used to meet these needs. Dr. Kathy mentions unhealthy ways we can try to meet the needs and other issues that can cause problems for us, including asking the wrong questions. (God meets these needs authentically and permanently. Dr. Kathy will address this in the next episode.)
Episode 25: Love Ourselves Well
Loving ourselves well matters because we matter. We need to know ourselves and live with integrity, develop Christlike character, and allow others to help us love ourselves. Kathy’s personal illustration may inspire you. She also gives a shout-out to busy moms and dads who love well by serving.
Episode 24: Love’s Feelings, Thoughts, and Actions
Love is a commitment that results in certain feelings, thoughts, and actions. This is why when we love God, it changes our actions and we may sin less. Therefore, perhaps we should talk with our children more about loving God and not just knowing about Him and knowing Him. Dr. Kathy mentions some feelings and thoughts associated with love before showing how to teach children about love using contrasts from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. You’ll appreciate the practical ideas!
Episode 23: Spontaneity is a Secret Weapon
If you like to plan, as Dr. Kathy does, it’s probably hard to be spontaneous. Yet, spontaneity may be one of the best ways to let children know we see them, understand them, and want to honor them. As she shares a story from her teaching days, you’ll also hear golden nuggets to remember as you interact with and teach children. Listen for her statement about children’s enthusiasm. Doing what she suggests can change everything!
Episode 22: What Shape Are You In?
Dr. Kathy explains that her second ministry, Ignite the Family, is hosting a national mom’s conference March 6-7 in Peoria, IL. She is happy to have her co-founder, Suzanne Phillips, as her guest on the podcast. They discuss that we’re always being shaped so we need to pay attention. What shapes us and our kids?
Episode 21: How Do Children Best Remember?
All children (and adults) can remember with three different modalities. When children know which are strengths, they’re empowered to be successful. Auditory children remember best what they hear, especially the things they hear themselves say. Visual children remember best what they see. Kinesthetic children remember best what they do.
Episode 20: Resiliency: What Discourages It and What Encourages It
Learn what resiliency is and how creativity and problem solving skills are essential for children to develop an ability to independently figure out how to do things. Learn what discourages it, such as critical spirits, helicopter parents, and not letting children own the consequences for their mistakes. Dr. Kathy is joined by Nancy Matheis, the Celebrate Kids Project Manager, for this important discussion.
Episode 19: Resiliency: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why It’s Valuable
Learn what resiliency is, what it isn’t, and why it’s valuable. Resilient children grow and aren’t defined by their struggles. They’ll have a positive character, optimistic thoughts, and healthy perspectives about themselves, others, and God. Their relationships will be more positive. Dr. Kathy is joined by Nancy Matheis, the Celebrate Kids Project Manager, for this important discussion.
Episode 18: What to Say Yes To
Dr. Kathy explains how her second ministry, Ignite the Family, came to be and is happy to have her co-founder, Suzanne Phillips, as her guest on the podcast. They share how we can raise children who know what to say “yes” to. You’ll find Suzanne’s use of “life and death” as a decision-making strategy very valuable.
Episode 17: What Do You Want?
Over the past several weeks, as people tried to figure out what to buy you for Christmas, you were probably asked “What do you want?” many times. What if Jesus asked you that question as he did to some of His followers? How would you answer? What if the question was, “What do you want to give Him?” Answering these questions may be more valuable than any New Year’s resolutions you will set.
Episode 15: Peace at Christmas Through Compassion
Peace is on my mind because Jesus was called the “Prince of Peace” when His birth was predicted, as recorded in Isaiah 9:6. It would be wonderful if we could live at peace during this hectic season. Yet, kids will be excited, sleep-deprived, and on a sugar high. Let’s respond with compassion!
Episode 14: Holiday Grief and Traditions #2
Jill Savage, Dr. Kathy’s coauthor on No More Perfect Kids, joins her to discuss changing holiday traditions because families change. They also discuss the need to be flexible and intentional in the moment so we reduce regrets as we look back.
Episode 13: Holiday Expectations and Disappointments
Jill Savage, Dr. Kathy’s coauthor of No More Perfect Kids, joins her to discuss how to handle disappointments that occur during family gatherings like Thanksgiving and how to set healthy expectations so future gatherings go better. They also discuss how perfectionism gets in the way of healthy relationships.
Episode 12: Cultivate Gratitude
We and our children can be regularly grateful and not circumstantially thankful. Entitlement isn’t healthy, but it’s common so we have to work against it. If we plan for it, our children can learn to be grateful. They will want to be grateful. It will be who they are and not just what they do. And, there’s a bonus. Listen to learn what attribute accompanies gratitude.
Episode 11: Choosing Battles and Praying
Dr. Kathy interviews longtime friends, Judy and Sandra. Speaking from many years of marriage, parenting, and grandparenting experience, they answer questions submitted by listeners about choosing your battles with your children and what to prioritize. They also talk about whether grandparents should talk with their grown children when they see things they’re concerned about and the role and the blessing of prayer.
Episode 10: Suicide Prevention #3
Dr. Kathy shares numerous understandings that can result in confidence, contentment, joy, and blessing and decreased stress, anxiety, isolation, and suicidal tendencies. We can do what we can do! Let this soak in.
Episode 9: Suicide Prevention #2
In this second episode about preventing suicide, Dr. Kathy shares things parents and others can be aware of and do to help children cope with any depression, stress, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies they have. This includes the role of play, school assessment, authority, antidepressants, planning for the future, and abortion. (The CDC recently published new research explaining that the suicide rate for children aged 10 through 14 nearly tripled from 2007 to 2017, while the suicide rate among older teenagers increased by 76 percent between 2007 and 2017.)
Episode 8: Suicide Prevention #1
The CDC recently published new research explaining that the suicide rate for children aged 10 through 14 nearly tripled from 2007 to 2017, while the suicide rate among older teenagers increased by 76 percent between 2007 and 2017. This is tragic!
In this episode, Dr. Kathy shares things parents and others can be aware of and do to help children cope with any depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies they have. This includes having real conversations, technology, resiliency, and loneliness.
Episode 7: Communication – Feel Kids’ Feelings and Hear Their Lies
Dr. Kathy shares the value of feeling children’s feelings and using strong emotional vocabulary when listening and talking. She also stresses that parents must listen for lies, unrealistic statements, and negative and hurtful language to offer correction.
Episode 6: Listen to Understand and Talk to Be Understood
Dr. Kathy shares several things parents can do to improve communication with their children. Doing them consistently will encourage children and improve both listening and talking. Learn how to help children answer questions without feeling interrogated. Do more than imagine understanding your children and helping them understand you. You can do this!
Episode 5: Marriage and Siblings Love
Dr. Kathy interviews longtime friends, Judy and Sandra. Speaking from many years of marriage, parenting, and grandparenting experience, they answer questions submitted by listeners about why marriage matters to children and how to have a healthy marriage, including the role of forgiveness and how to forgive. They also discuss what they did when their children were younger that established healthy relationships among them and their adult children today.
Episode 4: How do Children Best Concentrate?
There are many things that affect children’s ability to concentrate. (These are true for adults, too.) Identifying these environmental preferences and helping your children use them to improve their motivation. Learn about preferences for time of day, temperature, lighting, sound, being with people, movement, food and drink, informal/formal, and messy/neat. When children know how they best concentrate, they can be empowered to be successful!
Episode 3: Questions/Answers: Smarts, Strengths, and Self-Worth
Learn six ways of determining which of the 8 multiple intelligences are strengths for your children. Dr. Kathy also shares how we can help children believe they have strengths in general. And, learn how we can help children believe in their worth. This question-and-answer episode is hosted by Nancy Matheis, the Celebrate Kids Project Manager.
Episode 2: Four Parent Roles That Increase Children’s Motivation
Parents need to be teachers, coaches, cheerleaders, and referees to motivate kids well. Dr. Kathy explains what’s involved in each role, how they’re different, and how and why to take on each one successfully. Each role is essential!
Episode 1: How to Talk with Your Kids About School
Children learn what parents value by the types of questions we ask them. Therefore, Dr. Kathy recommends 8 important categories to ask about and many creative ideas for how to ask. Her ideas work for all ages and for homeschool families, too, and will help children actually answer your questions with more than a grunt, “okay,” and “fine.” You’ll love her ideas for “go-fish piles” and dice.
Welcome to the Celebrate Kids Podcast with Dr. Kathy!
Encouraged with Celebrate Kids
Weekly encouragement from a multitude of speakers, led by Dr. Kathy Koch. All topics covered are helpful not only to kids and their parents, but also to single adults, married couples, teachers, social workers, pastors, and many more. We hope you can be encouraged through these messages, send it to a friend so they can join you in joy and growth!
Episode 52: How Do We Reteach?
In the last two episodes, Dr. Kathy shared reasons children make mistakes. In today’s, she shares how to help them. After some basic, important ideas, she talks about the importance of their environment and how to make adjustments. Then she details the three ways we’ve been designed to remember things because sometimes children understand things, but can’t remember them long enough to do well on quizzes, tests, and more. She closes the podcast with two very specific examples of how using the 8 smarts can enhance children’s understanding.
Episode 51: Why Kids Make Mistakes (Part 2)
This week, Dr. Kathy explains why kids make mistakes in the conclusion of the two-part series! Mistakes are being made for different reasons than you might think. Have a listen and learn some of the things you might be able to work on with your kids.
Episode 50: Why Kids Make Mistakes (Part 1)
This week, Dr. Kathy explains why kids make mistakes in an exciting two-part episode! Mistakes are being made for different reasons than you might think. Have a listen and learn some of the things you might be able to work on with your kids.
Episode 49: Tech Addiction: What to Do About It
As Dr. Kathy shared in the last episode, being addicted to technology’s effects on our hearts and minds is very real. There’s great news – there are practical things we can do to positively affect us and our children. In this jam-packed episode, learn 14 ideas you can successfully implement!
Episode 48: Tech Addiction: What Causes It
It’s difficult to use less technology because addiction is real. But, we’re not addicted to the tech itself, but to what happens in our mind and heart because of the tech we’re using. Dr. Kathy will explain the lies that change us and how it’s hard to change our character and habits because of the power of our technology. This one-episode summary is easy to digest and will get you ready for the next episode about solutions.
Episode 47: The Master Method: Teach Like Jesus Did (Part 3)
Jesus Christ was a brilliant teacher. Obviously, He didn’t come to earth to demonstrate effective teaching methods, but while He was here fulfilling His purpose, He did. We’d be foolish to not learn from Him. He was the best! Parents and teachers can communicate and teach better when we use His methods. In this third episode of a short series, Dr. Kathy shares more about Jesus’ teaching effectiveness. These truths will help you relate to Him in new ways.
Episode 46: The Master Method: Teach Like Jesus Did (Part 2)
Jesus Christ was a brilliant teacher. Obviously, He didn’t come to earth to demonstrate effective teaching methods, but while He was here fulfilling His purpose, He did. We’d be foolish to not learn from Him. He was the best! Parents and teachers can communicate and teach better when we use His methods. In this second episode of a short series, Dr. Kathy shares four things that contributed to Jesus’ teaching effectiveness. Will we be able to do them, too?
Episode 45: The Master Method: Teach Like Jesus Did (Part 1)
Jesus Christ was a brilliant teacher. Obviously, He didn’t come to earth to demonstrate effective teaching methods, but while He was here fulfilling His purpose, He did. We’d be foolish to not learn from Him. He was the best! Parents and teachers can communicate and teach better when we use His methods. In this first episode in the series, Dr. Kathy explains that Jesus’ positive interactions with children, as recorded in the Gospels, were based on His beliefs about children. Our beliefs matter, too!
Episode 44: Let’s Help Children Grow Like Jesus Did
In Luke 2:52 we learn that Jesus grew in four areas during his childhood. Dr. Kathy suggests that we can help our children grow in the same four areas – and we can grow in the same ways, too! You’ll be encouraged as you consider setting goals for your children that line up with the goals Jesus had for Himself.
Epiosode 43: Stepmoms: Helpful Advice
Laura Petherbridge returns to the podcast so we can understand more about smartmoms and how we can perhaps help them. She encourages stepmoms to understand they’re not alone in their struggles.
Episode 42: Stepmoms: Understanding Them and Their Challenges
Dr. Kathy invites the Smart Stepmom, Laura Petherbridge, to join her to help us understand stepmoms. She shares three important things we must understand if we’re going to support them well. There are things that make their lives very challenging. If we know these things, we can help our friends and be a safe sounding board.
Episode 41: 8 Great Smarts for Homeschoolers (with Tina Hollenbeck)
Dr. Kathy is excited to invite Tina Hollenbeck to the podcast to discuss the new book she wrote for Celebrate Kids, 8 Great Smarts for Homeschoolers. They talk about how the smarts can help homeschool parents meet the needs of their children. The hundreds of practical ideas in the book will be very helpful!
Episode 40: 8 Great Smarts: An Overview
As many parents and teachers are beginning another school year or thinking about it beginning soon, it’s a perfect time for Dr. Kathy to quickly review the 8 different ways all children are smart. You’ll learn how to encourage them with this information and how to help them learn with their strengths.
Episode 39: Pray #3: Pray for Parents, Teachers, and Children
In this third episode about prayer, Dr. Kathy recommends how we can pray for teachers, parents, and students of all ages. You’ll be inspired! The Scripture she shares at the end may become one of your favorites.
Episode 38: Pray #2: Praying with Scripture
In this second episode about prayer, Dr. Kathy talks about the importance of making sure our prayers and our children’s prayers are realistic. If children ask God to change things that can’t change, they could give up on God when nothing happens. We must prevent that. She also shares examples of how to use Scripture for prompting prayers.
Episode 37: Pray #1: What is Prayer?
Prayer matters. Dr. Kathy begins by sharing what we need to believe about God in order to pray. She then shares about how and why we can view prayer as a conversation with God.
Episode 36: Being Unhurried and Parenting for Obedience (with Durenda Wilson)
In this episode, Dr. Kathy talks again with Durenda Wilson. They begin by talking about the benefits of being unhurried. Then Durenda shares wonderful, practical ideas about raising children who accomplish chores well. There are so many advantages to involving them at a young age! Dr. Kathy and Durenda also talk about the advantages of playing outside and homeschooling.
Episode 35: Why and How to Raise Lifelong Learners (with Durenda Wilson)
Dr. Kathy talks with Durenda Wilson about why and how to raise children who are lifelong learners. They talk about the role of curiosity. Her answer about what happens to children who aren’t lifelong learners is profound! Also, learn about how and why to talk with your children. We also talk about structure, boundaries, and stability that allows for flexibility and obedience. We also talk about chores and teaching children a work ethic. Wow! This is a packed-full episode!
Episode 34: Play with Children: Benefits for the Mind (Part 2)
Dr. Kathy wraps up the four-part series about play with this episode about how the mind can be affected. Last week she explained how play can awaken and strengthen all 8 smarts. This time she uses the 12 genius qualities to explain that the mind is enhanced when we keep these qualities in mind when playing. Let’s play with our children because it’s fun and because there are many benefits.
Episode 33: Play with Children: Benefits for the Mind (Part 1)
Dr. Kathy shared how play benefits the heart in the past two episodes. Today she begins talking about how play positively affects the mind. She makes suggestions for how to play well with all 8 smarts that she teaches about in her book, 8 Great Smarts. All the smarts can be awakened and strengthened simply by playing. These ideas will help you be so creative!
Episode 32: Play with Children: Benefits for the Heart (Part 2)
Dr. Kathy continues talking about the benefits of play, especially when parents and children play together. Hearts are strengthened. Children can learn how and why to be resilient. Many character qualities can be strengthened when we enjoy each other and have fun through play.
Episode 31: Play with Children: Benefits for the Heart (Part 1)
Our children have had an unusual childhood the past year so let’s prioritize play this summer. It will be so good for them! There are numerous benefits especially when we play with our children. Dr. Kathy’s insights will encourage you to play, play, and play!
Episode 30: Encourage Your Children Part 2
Dr. Kathy shares five more ways we can encourage children this summer. In last week’s episode, she shared the first five ways. You’ll want to listen to that one if you haven’t. In this episode, she shares important ideas about children’s strengths and challenges. She talks about celebrating real victories, introducing children to overcomers, and the value of play. These easy-to-use ideas will encourage your children and you!
Episode 29: Encourage Your Children Part 1
Dr. Kathy shares five ways we can encourage children this summer. The ideas are practical and can change the culture of your home from one of negative discouragement to one of positive encouragement. You’ll appreciate the specific reason to not look for perfection, why to ask your children if they’re satisfied with how they did before you share your opinion, and more. These easy-to-use ideas will encourage your children and you!
Episode 28: Affirm Character and Ability
Think about your successes. Most likely, they’re due to your ability, talents, and skills along with your choice to use character qualities like teachability, effort, and perseverance. Therefore, make sure to affirm both in children. When they do well, let them know it’s because of how they’re smart, other abilities, and their choices to use their character. You will empower them to be successful even when things are hard.
Episode 27: Our God is an Awesome God!
In the last episode, Dr. Kathy spoke about how important the words are that we use to describe ourselves and others. The same thing is true when we think of God. When we describe Him as He is described in the Bible, we expect Him to behave in those ways. This changes our approach, expectations, and optimism. Dr. Kathy shares about “Our God is an Awesome God” and a meaningful illustration from her niece.
Episode 26: Words Can Hurt Us
This nursery rhyme isn’t true: “Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will never hurt me.” Words do hurt and maybe the ones we think or say about ourselves hurt us the most. We don’t always have to say negative things that are true. And we can sometimes describe action or feelings without using “I identity” statements. Learn why and how!
Episode 25: Technology #10: You Can Do This! Suggestions that Work!
In this last episode in our technology series, Dr. Kathy reviews one practical idea for each of the technology lies and then shares several ideas that are helpful for parents who want to help their children use technology less and use it well.
Episode 24: Technology #9: Lie 5 Information is All That Matters So I Don’t Need Teachers
In this podcast, you’ll learn about technology lie #5 – information is all I need so I don’t need teachers. Dr. Kathy explains how this lie influences young people’s behavior, why they may believe the lie, and how we can help them in light of this. If you know teens not digging deep for truth and quickly satisfied with superficial answers, this lie may be why. We can do something about it!
Episode 23: Technology #8: Lie 4 – I Am My Own Authority
Some uses of technology are great and some technology is great. Others can mess with children’s minds and hearts which is so sad. They believe lies and are influenced by them. Dr. Kathy teaches about lie #4 in this episode – I am my own authority. You won’t be surprised by what causes young people to believe this. You’ll also learn which of their concerning behaviors are connected to this lie and what to do about it. As always, her practical ideas will encourage you.
Episode 22: Technology #7: Lie 3- I Must Have Choices
After Dr. Kathy reviews the first two technology lies, she teaches about lie #3 – I must have choices. Because of the way technology is designed and used, using it a lot changes our beliefs, actions, and attitudes. She explains how this lie influences young people’s behavior, why they may believe the lie, and how we can help them in light of this. You will understand your children’s behavior so much better after listening!
Episode 21: Technology #6: Influencing Children Through Discipleship: Beware Technology!
Dr. Kathy and her guest, Leslie Nunnery, discuss discipling children and shepherding their hearts so relationships between parents and their children are strengthened. Leslie’s definition of discipleship is so important. You must hear it! Also, her view of moms will inspire you! We want parents to encourage, equip, protect, and teach children. If we’re not careful, technology gets in the way. Prayer matters!
Leslie Nunnery is the co-founder of Teach Them Diligently Convention, along with her husband David, and the mother of four children who range in age from 14-21. God has given her a strong burden to minister to Christian families to help support, encourage and equip them to disciple their children, protect their marriages, and serve God in the ways He has planned for them. She is an advocate of home education with a strong focus on discipleship which is evidenced in her writings and the events her family produces. Leslie is the author of a discipleship-focused parenting book called Teach Them Diligently, Raising Children of Promise and Heart School, a 15-lesson class in which Leslie helps families learn to disciple their children through home education. She is also heavily involved in mission endeavors through Worldwide Tentmakers, for which her husband serves as president and Teach Them Diligently supports.
Episode 20: Technology #5 Let’s Teach Kids About Money ft. Jim DeGaetano
Jim DeGaetano is a best-selling author dedicated to teaching financial literacy to people of all ages. He published two books in 2020: The Fruitful Retirement, an interactive retirement guide, and Amazon bestseller Larry The Bunny Saves His Money, a first of its kind children’s book created to teach children at a young age the value of saving.
When he’s not writing, DeGaetano is the President and Founder of Diamond Wealth Advisors, a registered investment advisory firm that provides emotional and financial clarity for clients during their transition into and during retirement.
Jim is a Certified Financial Planner® and Certified Public Accountant. He is a member of the Financial Planning Association, the Financial Services Institute, and the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs.
Jim graduated from Shippensburg University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Widener University with a Master of Business Administration degree. He holds Series 7, 63 with LPL Financial and 66 security licenses, plus state life and health insurance licenses.
Episode 19: Technology #4: Lie 2 – I Deserve To Be Happy All the Time
Technology is a blessing is many ways and yet it can cause us and especially young people to believe lies that negatively influence our beliefs and behavior. In this podcast, Dr. Kathy explains the second lie she addresses in her book, “Screens and Teens” – I deserve to be happy all the time. You’ll benefit from learning what causes it, what it causes, and what we can do that helps.
Episode 18: Technology #3: Lie 1 – I Am the Center Of My Own Universe
Dr. Kathy thoroughly explains the first technology lie she addresses in her book, “Screens and Teens.” Do you know people who believe “I am the center of my own universe”? She explains why young people might believe this, what it causes, and what we can do to help children and all people see it as a lie. You’ll love her truths and ideas!
Episode 17: Technology #2: Parents Must Be the Parents!
Dr. Kathy and her guest, Suzanne Phillips, discuss potential challenges that occur because children and teens have access to so much technology. They discuss its effects on relationships in particular – vulnerability, confrontation, interested in what everyone else is doing, and more. They also promote two upcoming Celebrate Kids conferences in St. Louis March 4-6, the Ignite Women’s Conference and the Celebrate Kids Homeschool conference. We’d love to have you join us!
Suzanne will be launching The Beacon Life: Life Navigation for Life Transformation in March. You can find her at The Beacon Life on fb and Instagram.
Suzanne and her husband Lane lead their company Envision Life Academy, helping high school students and their parents envision and navigate their future through career/college planning. To find out more go to www.envisionlifeacademy.com or follow on fb and Instagram.
Episode 16: Technology #1: It Affects the Mind and Heart
Dr. Kathy begins a series of episodes about technology by explaining how technology use influences brain development and how it can also change our character, which is rooted in our hearts. She explains that younger people have relationship-based beliefs and this is why we must especially pay attention to who they are listening to and following. She also includes a brief look at why children (and all of us!) may be addicted to technology.
Episode 15: Successful Communication: Parents and Kids Talking and Listening
Having meaningful conversations with children keeps us connected. They’ll feel known, we get to share valuable insights with them, and they get answers to important questions. But, only if we listen and they talk enough to share what’s going on. Learn 10 easy-to-apply ideas to make this more likely.
Episode 14: Challenging Conversations: Parents and Children Can Have Them!
Dr. Kathy and Jason Jimenez, the founder of Stand Strong Ministries, talk about why we must be willing to have challenging conversations with our children. We can make changes to our beliefs and behaviors to do this better with our children. We must!
Episode 13: Challenging Conversations: Find Out How to Have Them
Dr. Kathy and Jason Jimenez, the founder of Stand Strong Ministries, talk about why we must be willing to have challenging conversations and how to do this well. Find out how advocators are different from people who are aggressive in conversations and those who avoid them altogether. And, you’ll love the three questions to use when conversations come to a close.
Episode 12: Supportive Friendships- Let’s Be Like Mary and Elizabeth
When Mary found out she was chosen to be the mother of the long-awaited Savior, Jesus Christ, she was, of course, shocked. At the same time, her cousin Elizabeth was shocked to conceive a child with her husband, Zechariah, even though they were both “advanced in age.” The timing allowed Elizabeth and Mary to support and encourage each other. Let’s do this, too! Let’s reach out when we need someone and let’s be the someone who someone else needs.
Episode 11: The Greener-Grass-Syndrome
Dr. Kathy suggests that if we’re not careful, the greener-grass-syndrome will ruin Christmas for us. She recommends keeping comparisons to previous years to a minimum so we’re not robbed of contentment, joy, and peace. She shares the dangers of “if-then thinking” and encourages us to be fully present to this year’s celebration.
Episode 10: Think! Helping Kids Know How #2
Dr. Kathy continues talking about teaching children how to think by sharing the third and fourth parts of her model. In last week’s episode, she suggested we teach children what to think about and why to think about those things. Today, she explains that we can teach children what to think with and what sources to use. Her use of Psalm 23 as an example will help and inspire you. As always, her ideas are practical and can result in greater attention, confidence, participation, comprehension, and memory.
Episode 9: Think! Helping Kids Know How #1
We can help children focus their thinking so they can increase learning and decrease frustration. They’ll think well and be successful! This is relevant for adults, too, because learning should be our goal when we listen to sermons and more. Dr. Kathy shares the first two parts of her four-part thinking model that you can use yourself and teach to children. You might especially love her framing idea. All her ideas are practical and can result in greater attention, confidence, participation, comprehension, and memory.
Episode 8: Study! Helping Kids Know How #3
In the past two episodes, Dr. Kathy shared 8 categories of study strategies and encourages parents and teachers to teach strategies from each. We can’t just tell children to study! In this episode, she shares 10 things to do that help children learn the strategies well. Be encouraged! There’s much we can teach children!
Episode 7: Study! Helping Kids Know How #2
We can’t just tell children to study. Dr. Kathy believes we must teach them how. She’s organized study strategies into 8 categories and she explains five of the categories in this episode. For example, children can learn to record information, comprehend it, remember it, use it, and regulate their learning. She explains how to use index cards to help in many ways. She also explains how writing out a “fact sheet” helps in many ways. There’s much we can teach children!
7.Episode 6: Study! Helping Kids Know How #1
Dr. Kathy believes we need to teach children how to study and not just tell them to study. She’s organized study strategies into 8 categories and she explains three of the categories in this episode. For example, children can learn to motivate themselves with positive self-talk and setting goals. Second, they can learn to manage their materials, time, and environment. The third category she discusses is about locating information. You will like her post-it-note ideas. There’s much we can teach children!
Episode 5: Love and Cherish Children (with Michelle Nietert)
Dr. Kathy and Michelle Nietert talk about differences between love and cherish and how important the two are as God relates to our children. Scripture, stories, and experiences that allow children to practice God’s presence make a difference. So does talking with children about how we see God work in them.
Episode 4: God’s Love Protects (with Michelle Nietert)
Dr. Kathy and Michelle Nietert talk about the power of God’s love to protect all of us, but especially middle school girls, from depression and anxiety. God-confidence and connecting with healthy adults are essential! Michelle’s expertise about mental health will encourage you.
Michelle Nietert, M.A., Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor has been providing therapeutic interventions to children and their families in counseling offices for over 20 years. As a previous educator, public school crisis counselor, and youth and children’s minister, she interacts regularly with parents and students at public school assemblies, PTA meetings, local churches, and is the mental health consultant for a local private Christian school. Michelle also provides training for school counselors, teachers, and homeschool parents. A recognized expert in Solution Focused Therapy, she is the clinical director and owner of a large counseling center in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Michelle’s writing can be found on the MOPS blog, in Lifeway’s Parenting Magazine and she is the Mental Health columnist for Just Between Us Magazine. She also joins her audiences in the parenting trenches as a happily married mom of two-school aged children. To discover her Counselor Thoughts blog and podcast providing Solutions for Life, please visit www.MichelleNietert.com
Episode 3: Homeschooling Successfully (with Connie Albers)
Dr. Kathy and Connie Albers talk about homeschooling today. We cannot let frustrations and confusion overwhelm us. The purpose of homeschooling is important enough that parents must keep going! Listen for their discussion about why homeschooling is a wise choice. Rely on God. He will help you!
Episode 2: Parenting Beyond the Rules (with Connie Albers)
Dr. Kathy and Connie Albers have a dynamic conversation about keeping the heart of our teenagers by lifting our rules when they demonstrate they’re capable to live well without them. This is a key to maturity!
For over 30 years, Connie Albers has been teaching people of all ages how to discover and use their natural strengths and gifts to succeed in virtually any situation. She is a popular speaker whose insights and humor and practical strategies have encouraged and motivated educators, parents, businesspeople, and students to focus on strengths to achieve success. With a goal for bringing out the best in others, Connie has brought hope and life to countless families, but she remains humbled by the way God uses her message to make such a difference.
Connie is an educator, leader, movement shaper, and speaker, and more recently an author of a new book “Parenting Beyond the Rules: Raising Teens with Confidence and Joy.” Her goal is to offer hope and help to parents and educators of the over 63 million teens who need guidance and unconditional love not just another set of rules. The teen years are indeed among the most challenging for parents, but they can be the most rewarding season of the parenting journey. Every child is a masterpiece in the making, and mom and dad get to help their child become the person he or she is created to be by painting a picture of possibilities for the future.
Episode 1: Encouragement Changes People!
Dr. Kathy announces that the “Celebrate Kids Podcast with Dr. Kathy” is being renamed to “Encouraged with Celebrate Kids.” When we encourage people, we give them courage to do what’s right. It’s one of our goals at Celebrate Kids so the name fits us well. Kathy shares ways we can encourage each other.
The Celebrate Kids Podcast with Dr. Kathy
Fresh ideas and solutions to help adults understand children and their needs so they can relate well and connect more deeply are what Dr. Kathy will share on the Celebrate Kids Podcast. Our concern for this generation and our belief that the family, education, and faith matter greatly compels us to offer solutions to strengthen adult-child relationships and connections. Adults will have more hope and be able to persevere during challenging situations. Children’s identity and positive beliefs about their lives and their futures will be strengthened. We are looking forward to helping adults meet children’s needs!
Episode 53: The First Year in Review
Dr. Kathy enjoys reviewing some of the important content from the first year in this anniversary episode. She talks about the four roles parents must play out, healthy communication and how to communicate so children believe you, how to talk with our children about their school day, the five core needs, and more.
Episode 52: How Do Children Best Remember? (Refresh)
All children (and adults) can remember with three different modalities. When children know which are strengths, they’re empowered to be successful. Auditory children remember best what they hear, especially the things they hear themselves say. Visual children remember best what they see. Kinesthetic children remember best what they do.
Episode 51: How Do Children Best Concentrate? (Refresh)
There are many things that affect children’s ability to concentrate. (These are true for adults, too.) Identifying these environmental preferences and helping your children use them improve their motivation. Learn about preferences for time of day, temperature, lighting, sound, being with people, movement, food and drink, informal/formal, and messy/neat. When children know how they best concentrate, they can be empowered to be successful!
Episode 50: Changing Behavior Without Punishments & Rewards
Dr. Kathy reviews some ideas related to logical and natural consequences (rewards and punishments) and then shares many new ideas. For instance, there are times when offering natural positive consequences (rewards) backfires. This is important to understand! She also teaches about the value of using both positive and negative consequences, making them personal, and how to withdraw the use of consequences well so children’s excellence continues.
Episode 49: Rewards and Punishments
When we use natural and logical positive and negative consequences rather than rewards and punishments children more quickly learn to be responsible for their choices and behavior. Dr. Kathy’s examples will help you understand the differences and how to use consequences well. She also explains when using a bribe may help and how to use bribes effectively. And she covers the role of surprises as she contrasts them with bribes. There’s lots of content in this episode!
Episode 48: Five Things to Do as School Begins
During this strange school season, there are five things we can do to help our children’s attitudes. We must do these! We can make plans to talk about and teach these things directly and we can use teachable moments. Can you predict what Dr. Kathy wants us to talk with our kids about?
Episode 47: Families are Threatened: Lack of Training
James Werner, the founder of Generation Equipped Ministries, joins Dr. Kathy for a second episode to share five ways parents can train children for truth. Children need to know truth so parents must teach it. We can! These ideas will work for you.
James Werner has a passion for equipping the next generation with a Biblical worldview. He is the founder of Generation Equipped Ministries, a speaker, and the Director of Christian Apologetics and Worldview Training. He loves teaching and training young people to use their energy and talents to serve the Lord and proclaim the good news of the gospel. His mission is to inspire and equip Christians to proclaim and be able to defend the truth of Christianity.
James has a diverse background in business, pastoring and teaching which gives him some unique leadership insights and perspectives. In addition to his work as a Christian apologist, he has functioned as an associate pastor in Southern California for over 20 years, teaching and preaching the Bible.
If you would like to know more about James and his ministry, or you would like to have him speak at your event, go to http://www.generationequipped.org.
Episode 46: Families are Threatened: Apathy
Children need to know truth so parents must teach it. Parents must fight the apathy that can set into any busy family and prioritize raising their children to want and know truth. James Werner, the founder of Generation Equipped Ministries, joins Dr. Kathy to share five principles that combat apathy.
Featured Podcast: Piano Parent Podcast 204
Listen to Dr. Kathy speak on the 8 Great Smarts with Shelly Davis from the Piano Parent Podcast:
“The first time I heard Dr. Kathy Koch, I was driving my car in Tyler, Texas on my lunch break in the early 2000’s. She was on a mid-day radio program speaking about the variety of ways God has fashioned our brains to receive and retain information.
From that first encounter, I have become a huge fan of Dr. Kathy. I have read several of her books, listened to her talks out on YouTube, and now follow her podcast. Since the early days of my own podcast, one of my hopes was to one day bring Dr. Kathy on my show so you could hear her inspiring message. ” -Shelly Davis
For more from Shelly and the piano parent podcast, visit https://www.pianoparentpodcast.com
Episode 45: Special Needs Parenting (ft. Sarah Brooks)
Dr. Kathy continues her series of episodes about our core needs by interviewing her friend, Sarah Brooks, about her desire to develop her competence even though she’s a busy wife and mom. You’ll be encouraged to do what you can in the season of life you’re in. Sarah wisely cautions us about several things that can make it less likely that we’ll develop our talents for God’s glory. We need to be careful! Have you recognized the gifts God has given you?
About Sarah Brooks: Do you know children with special needs? You know they’d be encouraged to read a children’s book about them, right? Can you picture yourself reading a book to them that they can truly relate to? Yes! Then please consider supporting my friend’s Kickstarter campaign. Sarah Brooks has written a beautiful book with perfectly precious illustrations. She needs our help to get it published. You can watch the video on the campaign page to learn more and learn about her rewards for your generosity.
Episode 44: Are You Developing Your Talents?
Dr. Kathy continues her series of episodes about our core needs by interviewing her friend, Sarah Brooks, about her desire to develop her competence even though she’s a busy wife and mom. You’ll be encouraged to do what you can in the season of life you’re in. Sarah wisely cautions us about several things that can make it less likely that we’ll develop our talents for God’s glory. We need to be careful! Have you recognized the gifts God has given you?
Episode 43: Making Wise Decisions
We all have a need to be competent – to be able to do what we were created to do. It is based on our character and ability to make wise decisions. Dr. Kathy explains elements children can think about when making decisions. Adults can use them, too! And, of course, connecting well with God and relying on Him enhances our competence. He wants us to do things well!
Episode 42: Am I “Good Enough?”
Dr. Kathy shares about our fifth core need, competence, in this episode. She reviews that our ability to do things well is based on the quality of our security, identity, belonging, and purpose. She explains how important it is that we not expect to be perfect, the best, or judge our competence based on how others do. You’ll benefit from her explanations of how these connections affect academics and school.
Episode 41: Made for Something Great
Dr. Kathy talks with Arlene Pellicane about helping children discover and enjoy their purpose. Volunteering helps; use of technology can hurt. We answer the question every parents needs to know how to answer: How long should children take piano lessons or play soccer?
Episode 40: Hope, Optimism, and Character
How do you want your children to answer the purpose question: Why am I alive? Their answers matter because their purpose influences so much, including whether they’ll strive for competence. Learn how character, obedience, love, and service can help children meet their need for purpose. Dr. Kathy’s comments about encouraging your children to serve with their smarts are sure to inspire you!
Episode 39: Created On Purpose, With Purpose
Knowing why we’re alive can keep us alive! Dr. Kathy explains that how we meet our need for security, identity, and belonging influences what we think our purpose is. And that influences our decisions, commitments, and priorities. Perhaps the most important purpose is to glorify God. What does that mean? To help you understand, Kathy shares a personal story from her days as a professor.
Episode 38: Connecting Through Technology – It’s Not Always Negative!
Dr. Kathy talks with Arlene Pellicane about positive uses of technology. Connecting to good and trustworthy people is positive! Let’s learn how to purposefully parent so there are more positive effects than negative, even when it comes to connecting with family and friends.
Episode 37: Friendship Skills Can Be And Should Be Learned
God created us for connection. He meets our belonging need and wants us to have healthy relationships with people, too. We can connect through our talents and by serving, sharing, teaching, helping, and loving each other well. Following the 42 one-another verses in the New Testament, such as love one-another, honor one-another, and pray for one-another, enhance our friendships. So does learning the four categories of friendship skills Dr. Kathy mentions.
Episode 36: Our Belonging is Set and Settled in Jesus Christ!
We belong to God when we believe, by faith, in the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, on our behalf. We join God’s family! Dr. Kathy uses Psalm 23 to demonstrate how we can connect with Jesus. You’ll be refreshed with new understandings of how He relates to us as you see the verbs that describe Jesus’ actions in this Psalm. She also explains how our use of the spiritual disciplines of prayer, worship, study, serving, rest, Sabbath, and more help us know we belong.
Episode 35: Using Humor in the Family Well – Free Medicine!
Sally Baucke, a Christian comedian, joins Dr. Kathy on this episode of the podcast. She presents an ideal example of the value of knowing who we are – our identity. It increases our security, enriches our belonging, and increases our confidence in our purpose and our competence. Using humor appropriately enhances family life.
It’s like medicine to the soul – and it’s free!
Episode 34: Creative and Academic Strengths – Living with the Tension
Dr. Kathy’s guest, Sally Baucke, is a Christian comedian and nurse who was equally gifted as a child in leadership and creativity. She did well in academic courses and in music and theater. Her dad valued the academics more and cautioned her to not laugh too much for fear that people wouldn’t think she was smart. It took Sally many years to figure out how to live in the balance of both strengths. She and Dr. Kathy share how important it is to know your children and to value all parts of themselves. Helping them believe that God is a good Creator is key.
Episode 33: Tell Me About Yourself – What Would You Say?
Do you struggle to know what to say when someone says, “Tell me about yourself.”? This may be because you’re insecure or your identity is incomplete. Kathy’s identity categories will stimulate your thinking. You’ll also see how your answers reflect your security and can strengthen belonging.
Episode 32: God Changes Who We Are!
Because our identity, who we think we are, controls our behavior, it’s essential that we know who we are. How we define ourselves shows up in all of our attitudes and actions. Knowing God and that He created us on purpose, changes us and our beliefs about ourselves. Dr. Kathy will share a personal example, Scripture that changed her, and an essay from a friend that puts God’s gifts in us in perspective with the rest of who we are.
Episode 31: We Can Stop the Screaming – Our Kids Should Be Secure
Would you love to understand why you might scream at your children when you don’t intend to? Dr. Kathy interviews her friend, Sue Heimer, to talk about why moms scream at their children and what we can do to stop. When we know our triggers, it’s easier to make changes. Moms are now empowered to formulate a plan, make changes, and be victorious. Being exhausted, overwhelmed, and stressed are common triggers. We can manage our anger and model how to do it for our impressionable children.
Episode 30: Why are Trust and Security Hard for Me?
In great times and challenging times, security is essential. Being trusted and being surrounded by trustworthy people allows us to discover our identity, connect with healthy people to meet our need for belonging, and fulfill our purpose based on our competence. We can learn to trust God, ourselves, and others!
Episode 29: What to Do When Security is Shaken
Has insecurity been easy lately? That’s understandable. Especially during challenging times, our behavior can be obvious who and what we trust. What are we most upset about? What makes us angry? What do we talk about? What do we do? This all matters greatly because the first core need God designed us with is security. It’s defined by the question, “Who can I trust?” If we try to place our security in things, we can crash and burn when those things fail us. Rather, we need to learn to trust in God, trustworthy people, and ourselves.
Episode 28: Problems? Meeting Your Core Needs Helps!
Is change challenging for you? Do you make progress and then take two steps back? Maybe this is relevant for your children. It may be because of how the core needs of security, identity, belonging, purpose, and competence influence each other. This can be especially damaging when we ask “What can I trust?” as the security question rather than “Who can I trust?” Dr. Kathy Koch will help you understand what to do so changes stick.
Episode 27: How God Meets Our Core Needs
Are you struggling? Lonely? Confused? Without purpose? You’re not alone. We have five needs that must be met: security, identity, belonging, purpose, and competence. Family, friends, and experiences can help you meet your five needs. Most importantly, God meets our needs. He created them in us so we would be drawn to Him. When we find all of God and trust Christ for our salvation, our needs are forever met. Dr. Kathy Koch shares relevant Scripture and talks about things we can do to establish our relationship with God so our needs are met.
Episode 26: What Core Needs Do We Need Met?
God creates us with five core needs that must be met: security (Who can I trust?), identity (Who am I?), belonging (Who wants me?), purpose (Why am I alive?), and competence (What do I do well?). Family and friends can meet these needs for us. Experiences can also be used to meet these needs. Dr. Kathy mentions unhealthy ways we can try to meet the needs and other issues that can cause problems for us, including asking the wrong questions. (God meets these needs authentically and permanently. Dr. Kathy will address this in the next episode.)
Episode 25: Love Ourselves Well
Loving ourselves well matters because we matter. We need to know ourselves and live with integrity, develop Christlike character, and allow others to help us love ourselves. Kathy’s personal illustration may inspire you. She also gives a shout-out to busy moms and dads who love well by serving.
Episode 24: Love’s Feelings, Thoughts, and Actions
Love is a commitment that results in certain feelings, thoughts, and actions. This is why when we love God, it changes our actions and we may sin less. Therefore, perhaps we should talk with our children more about loving God and not just knowing about Him and knowing Him. Dr. Kathy mentions some feelings and thoughts associated with love before showing how to teach children about love using contrasts from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. You’ll appreciate the practical ideas!
Episode 23: Spontaneity is a Secret Weapon
If you like to plan, as Dr. Kathy does, it’s probably hard to be spontaneous. Yet, spontaneity may be one of the best ways to let children know we see them, understand them, and want to honor them. As she shares a story from her teaching days, you’ll also hear golden nuggets to remember as you interact with and teach children. Listen for her statement about children’s enthusiasm. Doing what she suggests can change everything!
Episode 22: What Shape Are You In?
Dr. Kathy explains that her second ministry, Ignite the Family, is hosting a national mom’s conference March 6-7 in Peoria, IL. She is happy to have her co-founder, Suzanne Phillips, as her guest on the podcast. They discuss that we’re always being shaped so we need to pay attention. What shapes us and our kids?
Episode 21: How Do Children Best Remember?
All children (and adults) can remember with three different modalities. When children know which are strengths, they’re empowered to be successful. Auditory children remember best what they hear, especially the things they hear themselves say. Visual children remember best what they see. Kinesthetic children remember best what they do.
Episode 20: Resiliency: What Discourages It and What Encourages It
Learn what resiliency is and how creativity and problem solving skills are essential for children to develop an ability to independently figure out how to do things. Learn what discourages it, such as critical spirits, helicopter parents, and not letting children own the consequences for their mistakes. Dr. Kathy is joined by Nancy Matheis, the Celebrate Kids Project Manager, for this important discussion.
Episode 19: Resiliency: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why It’s Valuable
Learn what resiliency is, what it isn’t, and why it’s valuable. Resilient children grow and aren’t defined by their struggles. They’ll have a positive character, optimistic thoughts, and healthy perspectives about themselves, others, and God. Their relationships will be more positive. Dr. Kathy is joined by Nancy Matheis, the Celebrate Kids Project Manager, for this important discussion.
Episode 18: What to Say Yes To
Dr. Kathy explains how her second ministry, Ignite the Family, came to be and is happy to have her co-founder, Suzanne Phillips, as her guest on the podcast. They share how we can raise children who know what to say “yes” to. You’ll find Suzanne’s use of “life and death” as a decision-making strategy very valuable.
Episode 17: What Do You Want?
Over the past several weeks, as people tried to figure out what to buy you for Christmas, you were probably asked “What do you want?” many times. What if Jesus asked you that question as he did to some of His followers? How would you answer? What if the question was, “What do you want to give Him?” Answering these questions may be more valuable than any New Year’s resolutions you will set.
Episode 15: Peace at Christmas Through Compassion
Peace is on my mind because Jesus was called the “Prince of Peace” when His birth was predicted, as recorded in Isaiah 9:6. It would be wonderful if we could live at peace during this hectic season. Yet, kids will be excited, sleep-deprived, and on a sugar high. Let’s respond with compassion!
Episode 14: Holiday Grief and Traditions #2
Jill Savage, Dr. Kathy’s coauthor on No More Perfect Kids, joins her to discuss changing holiday traditions because families change. They also discuss the need to be flexible and intentional in the moment so we reduce regrets as we look back.
Episode 13: Holiday Expectations and Disappointments
Jill Savage, Dr. Kathy’s coauthor of No More Perfect Kids, joins her to discuss how to handle disappointments that occur during family gatherings like Thanksgiving and how to set healthy expectations so future gatherings go better. They also discuss how perfectionism gets in the way of healthy relationships.
Episode 12: Cultivate Gratitude
We and our children can be regularly grateful and not circumstantially thankful. Entitlement isn’t healthy, but it’s common so we have to work against it. If we plan for it, our children can learn to be grateful. They will want to be grateful. It will be who they are and not just what they do. And, there’s a bonus. Listen to learn what attribute accompanies gratitude.
Episode 11: Choosing Battles and Praying
Dr. Kathy interviews longtime friends, Judy and Sandra. Speaking from many years of marriage, parenting, and grandparenting experience, they answer questions submitted by listeners about choosing your battles with your children and what to prioritize. They also talk about whether grandparents should talk with their grown children when they see things they’re concerned about and the role and the blessing of prayer.
Episode 10: Suicide Prevention #3
Dr. Kathy shares numerous understandings that can result in confidence, contentment, joy, and blessing and decreased stress, anxiety, isolation, and suicidal tendencies. We can do what we can do! Let this soak in.
Episode 9: Suicide Prevention #2
In this second episode about preventing suicide, Dr. Kathy shares things parents and others can be aware of and do to help children cope with any depression, stress, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies they have. This includes the role of play, school assessment, authority, antidepressants, planning for the future, and abortion. (The CDC recently published new research explaining that the suicide rate for children aged 10 through 14 nearly tripled from 2007 to 2017, while the suicide rate among older teenagers increased by 76 percent between 2007 and 2017.)
Episode 8: Suicide Prevention #1
The CDC recently published new research explaining that the suicide rate for children aged 10 through 14 nearly tripled from 2007 to 2017, while the suicide rate among older teenagers increased by 76 percent between 2007 and 2017. This is tragic!
In this episode, Dr. Kathy shares things parents and others can be aware of and do to help children cope with any depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies they have. This includes having real conversations, technology, resiliency, and loneliness.
Episode 7: Communication – Feel Kids’ Feelings and Hear Their Lies
Dr. Kathy shares the value of feeling children’s feelings and using strong emotional vocabulary when listening and talking. She also stresses that parents must listen for lies, unrealistic statements, and negative and hurtful language to offer correction.
Episode 6: Listen to Understand and Talk to Be Understood
Dr. Kathy shares several things parents can do to improve communication with their children. Doing them consistently will encourage children and improve both listening and talking. Learn how to help children answer questions without feeling interrogated. Do more than imagine understanding your children and helping them understand you. You can do this!
Episode 5: Marriage and Siblings Love
Dr. Kathy interviews longtime friends, Judy and Sandra. Speaking from many years of marriage, parenting, and grandparenting experience, they answer questions submitted by listeners about why marriage matters to children and how to have a healthy marriage, including the role of forgiveness and how to forgive. They also discuss what they did when their children were younger that established healthy relationships among them and their adult children today.
Episode 4: How do Children Best Concentrate?
There are many things that affect children’s ability to concentrate. (These are true for adults, too.) Identifying these environmental preferences and helping your children use them to improve their motivation. Learn about preferences for time of day, temperature, lighting, sound, being with people, movement, food and drink, informal/formal, and messy/neat. When children know how they best concentrate, they can be empowered to be successful!
Episode 3: Questions/Answers: Smarts, Strengths, and Self-Worth
Learn six ways of determining which of the 8 multiple intelligences are strengths for your children. Dr. Kathy also shares how we can help children believe they have strengths in general. And, learn how we can help children believe in their worth. This question-and-answer episode is hosted by Nancy Matheis, the Celebrate Kids Project Manager.
Episode 2: Four Parent Roles That Increase Children’s Motivation
Parents need to be teachers, coaches, cheerleaders, and referees to motivate kids well. Dr. Kathy explains what’s involved in each role, how they’re different, and how and why to take on each one successfully. Each role is essential!
Episode 1: How to Talk with Your Kids About School
Children learn what parents value by the types of questions we ask them. Therefore, Dr. Kathy recommends 8 important categories to ask about and many creative ideas for how to ask. Her ideas work for all ages and for homeschool families, too, and will help children actually answer your questions with more than a grunt, “okay,” and “fine.” You’ll love her ideas for “go-fish piles” and dice.
Welcome to the Celebrate Kids Podcast with Dr. Kathy!
Milliennials And Their Relationships
If you’ve been confused by today’s young people, you’re not alone. They can make choices that surprise us. That’s what their observable behavior is, you know. It all starts with choice. A choice to believe this or that. To do this or that. To feel this or that. To say this or that.
Because of the culture, Millennials, those born after 1982, value relationships and experiences.