S4 E2: Meeting Your Child's Core Needs with Kathy Koch | Part 1

In part one of this two-part episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, Suzanne Phillips sits down with Dr. Kathy Koch, founder of Celebrate Kids, Inc., to explore the foundational concept of identity through the lens of core needs. Together, they tackle some of today’s most pressing challenges for parents and children, from understanding emotional identity to fostering security and resilience in the face of confusion. With insights drawn from her decades of work in educational psychology, Dr. Kathy shares actionable strategies to help parents build a strong identity foundation for their children—and themselves.

Episode Highlights

• Understanding the five core needs outlined in Dr. Kathy’s book, 5 to Thrive.

• How identity shapes the way children navigate difficult conversations about race, gender, and belonging.

• The impact of insecurity on children’s vulnerability to identity confusion.

• The dangers of emotionalism and how to develop resilience in children.

• Encouragement for parents facing their own identity crises in today’s challenging cultural climate.

• Practical strategies for building security and fostering belonging in your family..

Call-to-Action

• 📖 Discover Dr. Kathy’s Resources: Learn more about her books, podcasts, and tools at www.CelebrateKids.com.

• 🎙️ Tune into Dr. Kathy’s Podcasts: Celebrate Kids with Dr. Kathy

• 💡 Join the Conversation: Follow Suzanne and Dr. Kathy for updates and encouragement.

• Instagram: @suzannephillips_, @kathy_koch__

• Facebook: Beacon Parent

Featured Resource Section

• Dr. Kathy’s Book: 5 to Thrive

• Discover how to meet your child’s core needs to build security, identity, belonging, purpose, and competence. Get your copy → [Link]

• 💡 Join the Conversation: Follow Suzanne for updates, resources, and encouragement.

• Instagram: @suzannephillips_

• Facebook: Beacon Parent

Featured Resource Section

Charting Your Family’s Future

Explore Suzanne’s step-by-step course to create your family’s vision, mission, and values for purposeful parenting. Learn more.

Quotes or Scriptures Mentioned

• “Insecurity is the foundation of identity confusion. Building security is critical to raising confident, resilient children.” – Dr. Kathy Koch

• “We are made in God’s image, not for confusion but for clarity and purpose.”

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