What Engages Kids: Honesty and Directness

We hear about racism all the time in our neighborhoods, on the news, and on social media. But what does it actually look like to talk about race with our families, especially with kids? How do we help everyone understand each other, instead of shutting down or getting scared?

W. Kamau Bell, a comedian and Emmy Award-winning host of CNN's United Shades of America, shares how race and identity have shaped his experiences, alongside the importance of understanding intersectionality across generations. Later in the episode, founder of A Kids Co. and author of A Kids Book About Racism Jelani Memory emphasizes that kids are ready for challenging, empowering, and important topics, and encourages parents and grownups to be honest when tackling those conversations.

Key takeaways for parents:

Kids can and do experience racism, regardless of their education about it. 

Start conversations about racism often to raise conscious kids, instead of ignoring the issue.

Practice proactive conversations, especially when organic opportunities to do so are fewer.

Invite different experiences and perspectives into your life, and approach them with curiosity to learn alongside your kids.

⏱️ Timestamps:

Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/1fd4535ac87f7447/0d3bc39a64b1a1de

Follow W. Kamau Bell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wkamaubell/

Follow Jelani Memory on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jelanimemory

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📌 Follow Elise Hu: https://www.instagram.com/elisewho

ABOUT THE SHOW

Raising Us | Parenting Podcast for Kids, Tweens, & Conscious Caregivers

Award-winning journalist Elise Hu (TED Talks Daily, Forever35) hosts Raising Us, a parenting podcast for grownups raising Big-Question Kids. From puberty and identity to tech and body image, each episode gives you tools to spark real conversations with the kids in your life.

Created by A Kids Co. (a family media company) the show blends expert-backed insights with real, lived experiences featuring trusted doctors, educators and purpose-driven public figures sharing age-appropriate advice so you don't have to wing the hard stuff.

Follow on:

YouTube: https://swap.fm/l/P8iCjNFnIWI7kTmU0vmk

Apple: https://swap.fm/l/kCnCRNdWkpuYYbyzyE77

Spotify: https://swap.fm/l/SOQe4gSHh3vVIwPGFDet

Or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

If you like parenting podcasts like Good Inside with Dr. Becky, The Longest Shortest Time, Raising Good Humans or Ask Lisa, this podcast is for you.

Topics Covered on Raising Us:

Parenting kids and tweens

Mental health for kids

Talking to kids about racism, identity, and inclusion

Screen time and social media

Puberty, anxiety, and big feelings

Building emotional intelligence in families

Conscious and values-driven parenting

Elise Hu parenting podcast

A Kids Co. podcast series

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