Celebrate Kids Podcast with Dr. Kathy Dr. Kathy Koch

Dr. Kathy  explores the challenging reality of teens whose understanding of identity doesn't align with societal norms. She delves into the struggles faced by transgender teens living in states with restrictive laws on gender-affirming care. The episode sheds light on the need for support and affirmation for teens navigating their identities amidst societal pressures.

Today on the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the topic of climate change and its impact on children's mental health. With the increasing concerns about extreme weather events and environmental changes, kids are facing a new kind of worry - climate change anxiety. Dr. Kathy sheds light on how this constant exposure to negative climate news can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety in children. 

Dr. Kathy delves into the complex questions of identity, purpose, and trust, particularly in the context of gender issues in today's culture today. She addresses the importance of security and identity as foundational to understanding ourselves and guiding our children. She highlights recent studies on gender-confused youth and de-transitioners, shedding light on evolving perspectives in this area. 

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses the issue of youth addiction in today's culture, focusing on the concerning rise of nicotine pouches among high schoolers. These pouches, popularized through social media influencers like Tucker Carlson and the Nelk Boys, are seen as a trendy and "safer" alternative to traditional tobacco products. Medical professionals warn about the addictive nature of these pouches, emphasizing the importance of addressing addiction habits early on to prevent long-term consequences.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into new research highlighting the importance of bedtime and sleep rhythms for teenage kids. With over 7,500 teens surveyed by the CDC during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was found that insufficient sleep negatively impacted mental health and academic performance. The episode challenges the idea that children need to constantly engage in numerous activities and emphasizes the critical role of quality sleep in overall well-being.

Dr. Kathy addresses the rising suicide rates among teens and the far-reaching impact of suicidal behaviors beyond just death. Highlighting statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, she emphasizes the collateral damage associated with suicide attempts, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. The episode sheds light on the importance of understanding and addressing the challenges adolescents face to combat these issues effectively.