Raising Confident Kids in a Culture of Comparison w/ Hosanna Wong
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On today’s episode…
How can we raise kids who are confident in their identity when the world constantly tells them they’re not enough? In this episode, author and spoken word artist Hosanna Wong joins Dr. Kelly Cagle to share practical ways parents can teach children what God says about them—before culture tells them otherwise. From speaking truth daily to celebrating each child's uniqueness, this conversation is packed with hope, wisdom, and tangible next steps.
Insights
Raising Confident Kids in a Culture of Comparison
Guest: Hosanna Wong
Host: Dr. Kelly Cagle | Parenting IQ Podcast
In a world where comparison, bullying, and insecurity run rampant, how can we raise confident, identity-rooted children? Spoken word artist and author Hosanna Wong joins Dr. Kelly Cagle to share her powerful journey of overcoming lies about identity—and how she’s now equipping children and families with the same truth that changed her life.
From Spoken Word to a Children's Book
Hosanna shares how her now-viral poem I Have a New Name was first written out of her own struggle with insecurity and identity. Years later, after watching children recite the words and memorize the nine names of God she declares, Hosanna knew she had to turn the message into a children’s book—What God Says About You.
“The enemy can’t change who we are—but he’ll try to make us doubt who we are.”
This new book gently and powerfully teaches kids that their true identity is not found in labels, likes, or lies—but in the Word of God. Each page of the book explores one of nine names God calls us, including “Masterpiece,” “Free,” “Loved,” and “Brand New.”
Identity Is a Weapon
Hosanna reminds parents that kids are being bombarded with messages every day—many of which attack their sense of worth. Rather than only shielding them from the world, we must saturate their minds with truth:
“Don’t just keep them from lies. Fill them with truth.”
The episode explores how learning who we are in Christ helps children and adults walk with confidence, stand firm against comparison, and extend kindness instead of seeking approval. Hosanna vulnerably shares how knowing her identity changed how she spoke to herself, her family, and others.
Speaking Life Over Our Kids
Dr. Kelly and Hosanna discuss the crucial role of parents in being the loudest voice in their children’s lives. Hosanna gives practical encouragement: speak life often, outname the lies, and infuse daily moments with reminders of truth—even if it feels unnatural at first.
“Thank you for being Eden today.”
“You’re amazing. You’re so kind to your friend.”
“You’re exactly what God wanted to make.”
These simple phrases, repeated daily, can become the inner soundtrack our kids carry with them through school, social media, and beyond.
Representation Matters
Hosanna’s children’s book is intentionally filled with diverse characters—varied in ability, appearance, and setting—so that every child can find themselves in its pages. Whether your child is into anime, football, or baking, the call is the same:
“Fall in love with the kids in your life. Get into their world. Then speak God’s truth over them there.”
About Hosanna Wong
Hosanna Wong is a spoken‑word artist, author, and a passionate advocate for children’s identity and worth. After writing her viral poem “I Have a New Name”, she realized how deeply young people were internalizing lies about who they were. She channeled that into the children’s book What God Says About You, which presents nine powerful truths from Scripture paired with diverse illustrations to remind every child that they are loved, chosen, and valued.
Based in the United States, Hosanna uniquely blends creative expression with biblical truth—helping both kids and adults rediscover their identity in Christ. You can connect with her on Instagram at @hosanna.wong and find her book available at major retailers.
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HEY THERE! I’M DR. CAGLE… DO YOU NEED HELP WITH CREATING GREAT HABITS???
Parenting is hard work. It requires tons of boundaries, daily consistency, so much awareness, as well as lots of patience, grace, wisdom, and filters. Combine that hefty list with all of life’s demands and others’ voice may become louder than yours in your child’s life, increasing their anxiety, fears, and doubts.
Healthy parenting is about seeing yourself as your child’s #1 teacher, saying the right words (or nothing at all) at the right time, and having the right tools to be intentional and impactful. Guessing your way through life, which is what most parents do, is a recipe for failure, but following the lead of someone who has two decades of research-based information and fully understands the demands of parenthood is a recipe for a full life— for you and your child.
With a PhD in education, I’m here to teach you how to use daily moments are learning opportunities so you raise confident and competent lifelong learners that thrive in an ever-changing world.
Additionally, I offer workshops and keynotes on various topics to parents, educators, students, and business leaders— because the need to understand, support, and empower learners is everywhere..
