Raising Us: A Parenting Podcast

As we get deeper into the holiday season and winter holidays, many parents start to wonder — how do we keep holiday magic alive while helping our kids understand what’s real? Jacqueline Woolley, Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, studies how kids understand fantasy, reality, and belief itself. She joins us to explore and support curiosity, belief, and cultural traditions with grace by sharing her own stories and tactile advice to answering one of parents’ biggest questions around the holiday season — should we tell our kids about Santa? Key takeaways for parents: Allowing your kids to believe in a white lie does not make you a bad parent.Kids can and will still trust their parents, even after discovering the truth about Santa Claus.Take note of where you hear information, and whether it’s coming from a trusted source.Involve your older kids in creating the magic for their younger siblings or family members. Use the holidays as an opportunity to explore different cultural or religious traditions.⏱️ Timestamps:Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/c06eaff29157c7b6/a0a4264ebe521ffbFollow Jacqueline Woolley: https://www.instagram.com/jacquelinewoolleyNew episodes every Tuesday:YouTube: https://swap.fm/l/P8iCjNFnIWI7kTmU0vmkApple: https://swap.fm/l/kCnCRNdWkpuYYbyzyE77Spotify: https://swap.fm/l/SOQe4gSHh3vVIwPGFDetOr wherever you get your podcasts.🔗 START HERE📌 Get free weekly conversation kits: https://akidsco.com/pages/raising-us📌 Browse A Kids Co. books that pair with episodes: https://akidsco.com📌 Follow Elise Hu: https://www.instagram.com/elisewhoABOUT THE SHOWRaising Us | Parenting Podcast for Kids, Tweens, & Conscious CaregiversAward-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/P8iCjNFnIWI7kTmU0vmkApple: https://swap.fm/l/kCnCRNdWkpuYYbyzyE77Spotify: https://swap.fm/l/SOQe4gSHh3vVIwPGFDetOr 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 tweensMental health for kidsTalking to kids about racism, identity, and inclusionScreen time and social mediaPuberty, anxiety, and big feelingsBuilding emotional intelligence in familiesConscious and values-driven parentingElise Hu parenting podcastA Kids Co. podcast series Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this discussion, Jean Chatzky, a personal finance journalist and CEO of HerMoney, shares valuable insights on raising financially confident kids. She emphasizes that children notice financial differences early and offers tips to start money conversations young. Jean advocates for practical approaches like linking allowances to chores and using everyday moments, like grocery shopping, as teaching opportunities. She also encourages parents to model their emotions about money and to foster gratitude by comparing down, helping kids navigate a consumer-driven world.

When sharing life lessons with our kids, parents can often only hope that these lessons stick. Comedian, actor, and dad Roy Wood Jr. joins Elise Hu to talk about how humor, humility, and honesty has helped navigate parenting and giving his son the tools to thrive in a world without him. Roy shares the most impactful lessons he’s learned, the ones he hopes to teach, and what makes life lessons truly meaningful for families. Key takeaways for parents: Every action you take is an opportunity to learn — kids can and do absorb by observation.Share relatable stories that are relevant to what your kids are going through.Notice who you surround yourself with, and what they contribute to your wellbeing.Give your kid the tools they need to succeed and thrive in a life without you.Be open and ready to accept feedback about your parenting from your kid.⏱️ Timestamps:Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/96f8a3f86cbf7897/816b3c7ffa59c4dcFollow Roy Wood Jr. on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roywoodjr/New episodes every Tuesday:YouTube: https://swap.fm/l/P8iCjNFnIWI7kTmU0vmkApple: https://swap.fm/l/kCnCRNdWkpuYYbyzyE77Spotify: https://swap.fm/l/SOQe4gSHh3vVIwPGFDetOr wherever you get your podcasts.🔗 START HERE📌 Get free weekly conversation kits: https://akidsco.com/pages/raising-us📌 Browse A Kids Co. books that pair with episodes: https://akidsco.com📌 Follow Elise Hu: https://www.instagram.com/elisewhoABOUT THE SHOWRaising Us | Parenting Podcast for Kids, Tweens, & Conscious CaregiversAward-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/P8iCjNFnIWI7kTmU0vmkApple: https://swap.fm/l/kCnCRNdWkpuYYbyzyE77Spotify: https://swap.fm/l/SOQe4gSHh3vVIwPGFDetOr 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 tweensMental health for kidsTalking to kids about racism, identity, and inclusionScreen time and social mediaPuberty, anxiety, and big feelingsBuilding emotional intelligence in familiesConscious and values-driven parentingElise Hu parenting podcastA Kids Co. podcast series Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Open conversations about gender and identity are more pervasive than ever. Policies impacting gender identity and transgender youth dominate the headlines and ballots. How can parents really guide our kids through big questions about who they are and who others are, with openness instead of fear?Jeanette Jennings, president and cofounder of the Trans Kids Purple Rainbow Foundation — and mom to trans activist Jazz Jennings — shares how her family learned to listen, adapt, and lead with love as Jazz discovered her identity. Later, developmental and clinical psychologist Dr. Diane Ehrensaft helps parents understand what gender is (and isn’t), why it matters, and how to start these conversations at home. Key takeaways for parents:Every child has a gender story. As parents, it’s our job to listen to their story.Talk openly about gender to build empathy and confidence for everyone.Establish as a family what support and allyship looks like for you.Expand our own understandings of sex, gender, gender expression, and sexuality to have conversations about it. Being tolerant is not the same as being welcome.⏱️ Timestamps:Follow Jeanette Jennings on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanette_jennings_Follow Dr. Diane Ehrensaft on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucsfchildrens/New episodes every Tuesday:YouTube: https://swap.fm/l/P8iCjNFnIWI7kTmU0vmkApple: https://swap.fm/l/kCnCRNdWkpuYYbyzyE77Spotify: https://swap.fm/l/SOQe4gSHh3vVIwPGFDetOr wherever you get your podcasts.🔗 START HERE📌 Get free weekly conversation kits: https://akidsco.com/pages/raising-us📌 Browse A Kids Co. books that pair with episodes: https://akidsco.com📌 Follow Elise Hu: https://www.instagram.com/elisewhoABOUT THE SHOWRaising Us | Parenting Podcast for Kids, Tweens, & Conscious CaregiversAward-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/P8iCjNFnIWI7kTmU0vmkApple: https://swap.fm/l/kCnCRNdWkpuYYbyzyE77Spotify: https://swap.fm/l/SOQe4gSHh3vVIwPGFDetOr 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 tweensMental health for kidsTalking to kids about racism, identity, and inclusionScreen time and social mediaPuberty, anxiety, and big feelingsBuilding emotional intelligence in familiesConscious and values-driven parentingElise Hu parenting podcastA Kids Co. podcast series Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sharon McMahon, an award-winning educator and civics communicator, shares insights on raising engaged citizens. She emphasizes that democracy is a daily practice, not just about voting. Discussing the importance of early civic education, she provides parents with tools to teach kids about local government and respectful dialogue across political differences. Sharon also highlights practical ways for children to participate in their communities, such as writing to officials and attending government meetings. It's all about fostering informed, compassionate future leaders!

Sibling relationships can be some of the most loving — and challenging — connections kids can experience. Sue Dominus, award winning New York Times journalist and author of The Family Dynamic: A Journey into the Mystery of Sibling Success, joins Elise Hu to explore how parents can best support multiple kids. Dominus shares tangible advice to creating safe and supportive homes by listening to our kids, intentionally creating space for them as individuals, and encouraging passions without pressure.Key takeaways for parents:Help one sibling to have a ripple effect of helping all siblings. See and make space for your kids as the individuals they are, rather than siblings.Encourage your kid’s interests and hobbies by enjoying the hobby with them, rather than insisting on their improvement or ambition.Prioritize one-on-one time with each of your kids, to better understand who they are.Address toxic or cruel behavior between siblings seriously: family therapy is always an option.⏱️ Timestamps:Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: [LINK]Follow Susan Dominus on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suedominus/New episodes every Tuesday:YouTube: https://swap.fm/l/P8iCjNFnIWI7kTmU0vmkApple: https://swap.fm/l/kCnCRNdWkpuYYbyzyE77Spotify: https://swap.fm/l/SOQe4gSHh3vVIwPGFDetOr wherever you get your podcasts.🔗 START HERE📌 Get free weekly conversation kits: https://akidsco.com/pages/raising-us📌 Browse A Kids Co. books that pair with episodes: https://akidsco.com📌 Follow Elise Hu: https://www.instagram.com/elisewhoABOUT THE SHOWRaising Us | Parenting Podcast for Kids, Tweens, & Conscious CaregiversAward-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/P8iCjNFnIWI7kTmU0vmkApple: https://swap.fm/l/kCnCRNdWkpuYYbyzyE77Spotify: https://swap.fm/l/SOQe4gSHh3vVIwPGFDetOr 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 tweensMental health for kidsTalking to kids about racism, identity, and inclusionScreen time and social mediaPuberty, anxiety, and big feelingsBuilding emotional intelligence in familiesConscious and values-driven parentingElise Hu parenting podcastA Kids Co. podcast series Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

W. Kamau Bell, a comedian and Emmy Award winner known for his work on race and social justice, talks about his personal experiences with racism and the importance of open conversations with children. Jelani Memory, founder of A Kids Co. and author of A Kids Book About Racism, emphasizes that kids are ready to engage with tough topics. They explore practical advice for parents, including the need for proactive discussions about race, fostering empathy, and encouraging diverse experiences to help children understand and navigate these complex issues.

Immigration is in the news, in our communities, and sometimes in our own families. But how do we explain it to kids without scaring them? Elise Hu talks with comedian and writer Negin Farsad about what her daughter has noticed, and what Negin chooses to share. Children’s author Duncan Tonatiuh joins to share how his book Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote helps kids understand the dangers and resilience behind migration stories. From undocumented families to family separation headlines, this conversation shows parents how to talk about immigration as part of our shared story, while giving children hope, safety, and practical ways to understand their world.Key takeaways for parents:Show the kids in your life that immigration is part of America’s shared story.When tough headlines come up, acknowledge them and offer age-appropriate context instead of avoiding the subject.Use books and stories to build empathy, showing both the risks and the resilience in migration journeys.Talk about civic values like rights, community, and responsibility.Balance safety with normalcy: give kids tools like memorizing a phone number while still letting them enjoy the fun of childhood.⏱️ Timestamps:Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/ed0fd48c366bfcc5/f9e9fe86fd9c42cfFollow Negin Farsad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neginfarsadFollow Duncan Tonatiuh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duncan.tonatiuh/New episodes every Tuesday:YouTube: https://swap.fm/l/P8iCjNFnIWI7kTmU0vmkApple: https://swap.fm/l/kCnCRNdWkpuYYbyzyE77Spotify: https://swap.fm/l/SOQe4gSHh3vVIwPGFDetOr wherever you get your podcasts.🔗 START HERE📌 Get free weekly conversation kits: https://akidsco.com/pages/raising-us📌 Browse A Kids Co. books that pair with episodes: https://akidsco.com📌 Follow Elise Hu: https://www.instagram.com/elisewhoABOUT THE SHOWRaising Us | Parenting Podcast for Kids, Tweens, & Conscious CaregiversAward-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/P8iCjNFnIWI7kTmU0vmkApple: https://swap.fm/l/kCnCRNdWkpuYYbyzyE77Spotify: https://swap.fm/l/SOQe4gSHh3vVIwPGFDetOr 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 tweensMental health for kidsTalking to kids about racism, identity, and inclusionScreen time and social mediaPuberty, anxiety, and big feelingsBuilding emotional intelligence in familiesConscious and values-driven parentingElise Hu parenting podcastA Kids Co. podcast series Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bestselling author Jason Reynolds and Dr. Emily Knox, a censorship expert, dive into the urgent topic of banned books. Jason shares his personal experiences with bans and how they affect kids' access to diverse stories. He emphasizes the importance of reading together to spark curiosity and discussion. Dr. Knox sheds light on the cultural impact of censorship and the topics most often targeted, urging families to engage with difficult knowledge. They provide practical steps for parents to champion access to literature in schools and homes.

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere — from ChatGPT to TikTok algorithms, AI is transforming childhood, parenting, and everything about how we live today.Creator and co-host of podcast Life With Machines Baratunde Thurston chats with Elise Hu about the ways we can help kids and ourselves navigate this new technology with curiosity and care. Learn how kids are engaging with AI today, and why adults and grownups need to learn alongside kids rather than just supervise them. By approaching an understanding with humility and setting practical and healthy boundaries with AI, parents can confidently help navigate using AI as a tool, instead of something to stay away from.Key takeaways for parents:Compare how kids of different ages use tech, and tailor your guidance to their stage.Ask your child how information moves among friends, and practice checking before sharing.Point out where AI shows up in daily life, and invite the child in your life's perspective on it.Admit what you don’t know, and show curiosity so kids learn alongside you.Break down AI as a tool, a platform, or a concept, so kids can see its different roles.⏱️ Timestamps:Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/227992a4494016f2/b694b2dbd557aa6eFollow Baratunde Thurston on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baratunde/New episodes every Tuesday:YouTube: https://swap.fm/l/P8iCjNFnIWI7kTmU0vmkApple: https://swap.fm/l/kCnCRNdWkpuYYbyzyE77Spotify: https://swap.fm/l/SOQe4gSHh3vVIwPGFDetOr wherever you get your podcasts.🔗 START HERE📌 Get free weekly conversation kits: https://akidsco.com/pages/raising-us📌 Browse A Kids Co. books that pair with episodes: https://akidsco.com📌 Follow Elise Hu: https://www.instagram.com/elisewhoABOUT THE SHOWRaising Us | Parenting Podcast for Kids, Tweens, & Conscious CaregiversAward-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/P8iCjNFnIWI7kTmU0vmkApple: https://swap.fm/l/kCnCRNdWkpuYYbyzyE77Spotify: https://swap.fm/l/SOQe4gSHh3vVIwPGFDetOr 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 tweensMental health for kidsTalking to kids about racism, identity, and inclusionScreen time and social mediaPuberty, anxiety, and big feelingsBuilding emotional intelligence in familiesConscious and values-driven parentingElise Hu parenting podcastA Kids Co. podcast series Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.