In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy discusses the findings of a recent global survey by Edelman, revealing that 45% of young people, particularly from Gen Z (aged 18-34), tend to ignore medical advice from professionals in favor of insights shared by friends and social media influencers. The survey highlights a significant trend where 38% of respondents reject doctors' recommendations, influenced by a growing movement of "crunchy teens" who prioritize wellness and often share questionable health theories online. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of teaching children to seek deeper understanding and critical thinking rather than settling for surface-level answers. The conversation serves as a reminder to navigate the complexities of health information in today's digital age.

In the wake of Jimmy Kimmel and other inconsiderate responses to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Dr. Kathy unpacks why we need to celebrate and encourage politenenss and manners. She considers this through a growing movement in culture for kids to be more authentic than kind, which she references through a recent article co-host Wayne Stender stumbled across this week. It's part of the cultural mood away from civility to self-centeredness, and Dr. Kathy notes that parents have the primary role in reforming culture and civilization by teaching manners at home.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the impact of well-designed homework on student learning. She discusses recent research that shows that upper-grade students can gain approximately five extra months of progress in subjects like math and English through effectively structured homework. In contrast, primary school students benefit less, gaining around three months of additional educational value. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of engaging homework to avoid boredom and frustration, encouraging parents to consider discussing their children's assignments with teachers if they find them unengaging. Tune in to learn more about how homework can effectively reinforce skills and enhance learning when designed thoughtfully.