FamilyLife Today® Stop Chasing Grades and Likes: Raising Kids Who Feel Loved - Dr. Kathy Koch
Mar 5, 2026
Dr. Kathy Koch, founder of Celebrate Kids and author on parenting and child development, shares practical, faith-centered ways to reconnect with your children. She discusses how screens harm conversation, the five core needs like security and belonging, and simple habits to help kids feel known, loved, and brave. Short, concrete strategies for improving relationships and building purpose are highlighted.
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Ask Permission Before Giving Feedback
- Do ask your child for permission before giving feedback to avoid immediate rejection.
- Kathy Koch recommends asking "Would you be open to my observation?" then offering specific correction and three conversation prompts to try tomorrow.
Poor Conversation Skills Fuel Loneliness
- Kids often lack conversation skills because they don't know their own interests, making social interaction feel risky.
- Kathy links texting culture and lack of face-to-face practice to shallow relational skills and emotional intimacy deficits.
Give Kids Three Conversation Prompts
- Do teach kids concrete conversation prompts to improve relationships.
- Kathy suggests practical phrases like "Tell me more" and "How did that make you feel?" as three easy tools to use in the lunchroom or youth group.
