Before the First Bell: Helping Kids Find Belonging at School

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids Podcast, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender explore why friendships matter so much as kids head back to school and how parents can help prepare them for the social challenges ahead. They discuss belonging and security while offering practical ways to teach kids how to introduce themselves, ask good questions, respect others, navigate disagreements, and step confidently into new relationships. Parents will be encouraged to see friendship skills not as something kids simply figure out, but as important tools we can intentionally teach and model.