What happens when a parent's identity becomes built around being needed? In this episode of Facing the Dark, Wayne and Dr. Kathy talk about the quiet crisis many parents face as children grow older and need them differently. They explore the difference between identity, purpose, and competence, why parenting must be rooted in Christ rather than control, and how parents can model a whole, healthy life for their children.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the challenges faced by today's children and the pressures they encounter in various environments, including school, church, and family life. She reflects on the shifts in children's behavior and performance over the years, sparked by a Reddit discussion among teachers about the noticeable changes they have observed since they began teaching. With insights on how to communicate positively and supportively with our kids, Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of understanding and guiding them through these complex cultural moments. Join us as we explore ways to encourage our children and cultivate resilience in the face of modern life's pressures.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy and Wayne Stender discuss the challenges parents face when trying to nurture their children's faith, especially when it seems like their efforts aren't yielding the desired results. They emphasize the importance of having meaningful conversations that go beyond faith discussions, engaging with kids on various topics that interest them. The episode features insights from Dr. Kathy, who highlights findings from George Barna's American Worldview Inventory Report. This report reveals that many adults are open to the idea of God under certain conditions, presenting both a troubling reality and a powerful opportunity for fostering faith in children. The conversation aims to equip parents with the understanding that having a trusted person in a child's life is crucial for building their faith. Tune in to explore how to guide children in their spiritual journey without overwhelming them.

The insights from this podcast reference Dr. Kathy's work Start with the Heart>>

As debates over gender identity and medical care for minors grow louder across the country, parents are left asking a deeper question than politics alone can't answer: how do we help our children know who they are? In this episode of Facing the Dark, Wayne and Dr. Kathy discuss identity formation and why parents must be the clearest, most trusted voices in their children's lives. This is a conversation about speaking truth with love and helping kids find their identity in Christ rather than confusion.

Some children seem easy to raise. They do not ask for much, and they rarely create conflict. But what if that "easy" child is not thriving at all? In this episode of Facing the Dark, Wayne and Dr. Kathy explore why quiet, low maintenance children are often overlooked, how unmet needs can hide behind calm behavior and what parents can do to make sure every child feels seen and deeply loved.

In a world that constantly pushes kids toward the next thing—next assignment, next achievement, next version of themselves—what if the most important habit we could teach them is to pause and look back?

In this episode of Facing the Dark, Wayne and Dr. Kathy explore the power of remembrance. Drawing from research, real-life parenting moments, and biblical truth, they unpack why reflection is one of the most overlooked tools for building identity, resilience, and faith in kids today.

You'll discover why today's kids rarely evaluate their own growth, how simple rhythms like "highlights and lowlights" can transform your family conversations, and how remembering what God has done prepares your child for the hard moments ahead.

If you've ever wondered how to help your kids grow deeper, not just faster, this episode will give you practical and meaningful ways to start.

When kids say school feels boring, parents can be tempted to panic, rescue, or simply push harder. In this episode of Facing the Dark, Wayne and Dr. Kathy explore why relevance matters so much in learning, why boredom can become dangerous when kids disconnect, and how parents can coach children to stay engaged even when school feels hard or uninteresting.

In this episode, we explore the challenges of parenting preteens and teens, focusing on the shift in dynamics as children enter their teenage years. Many young people express feelings of being scrutinized by their parents, questioning why they suddenly feel like they are under an interrogation just because they've turned 13. We discuss the importance of support and understanding in the parent-child relationship, emphasizing the need for open communication. The episode also touches on how parents can effectively support their kids during this transformative phase, even when it feels like their efforts are not being recognized. Join us as we navigate these complex emotions and work towards fostering a nurturing environment for our growing teens.