(Note: This episode originally ran on November 18th, 2025)

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/-/96f8a3f86cbf7897/816b3c7ffa59c4dc

Follow Roy Wood Jr. on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roywoodjr/

New episodes every Tuesday:

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

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

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

Or 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/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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kids’ mental health is becoming an increasingly important topic for families, as the CDC reports rising rates of anxiety, depression, and substance use. Host Elise Hu is joined by mental wellness advocate and founder of The SonRise Project, Kelli Joy Richardson, to explore how parents can support children navigating mental health challenges. Kelli opens up about her personal journey with her son’s mental health, and how that experience reshaped her parenting. Together, Elise and Kelli discuss balancing resilience with compassion, creating safe spaces, and practical advice for starting honest conversations with your kids that might lead to more openness later.

Key Takeaways:
Find your own balance between building resilience and showing compassion.
Shift your own perspectives or assumptions on mental health in order to better help your kids.
Change doesn’t happen until you change yourself.
Start open conversations with your child early in life to encourage honesty later. 
Listen to your kids and get curious in your conversations.

⏱️ Timestamps:

Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/db4d68f2249368b3/ad84c8c03edddf8b

Learn more about the SonRise Project: https://www.thesonriseproject.org

New episodes every Tuesday:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG

Or 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/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://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG

Or wherever you get 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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does the research actually say about screen time and video games? After we received more questions about regulating kids’ screen time for both school and play, author and gaming expert Dr. Rachel Kowert joined us for a conversation on video games and how they affect kids’ behavior, mental health, and relationships. She helps break down the science behind kids and video games, and outlines the real impact of gaming from decades of research. Together, Dr. Kowert and host Elise Hu discuss what setting a healthy video game balance can look like, and practical advice for getting involved in your kids’ video gaming lives.

Key Takeaways:

Recognize the benefits of gaming in kids’ lives, rather than discrediting it as a useless pastime.

Cooperatively determine boundaries and rules with your child about video game use.

Have conversations with your kids about what healthy habits and feelings around video games can look like.

You know your child best, and you get to decide what kind of content you’re comfortable with your child experiencing online.

The best way to get involved with your kid’s gaming life is to play alongside them.

⏱️ Timestamps:

Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/13b3ed8ee92f6399/00346029b5c8a3c6

Follow Dr. Rachel Kowert on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrachelkowert/

New episodes every Tuesday:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG

Or 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/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://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG

Or wherever you get 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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

History isn’t just a subject in school – kids are already absorbing it in real time through news, culture, and everyday life. How parents talk about historical events at home can shape how kids understand the world, think critically about the past, and apply learnings to their present day. Journalist, historian and creator Garrison Hayes joins host Elise Hu to share how families can make history feel human, engaging, and relevant to current events. Garrison shares what helped him connect with history as a kid, and how he incorporates those learnings into his retellings of historical moments on social platforms today. Together, Elise and Garrison offer practical advice for nurturing curiosity, tackling those “but why?” questions, and helping kids see history as relevant to their present, rather than just facts and figures.

Key Takeaways:
Present history as about the people and lives in it, rather than just facts and figures.
Consider underlying systems or the bigger picture when learning about historical moments.
Nurture your child’s curiosity by having conversations about hard things.
Bring history into everyday life with age-appropriate media from podcasts or books.
Be open to unlearning or refreshing perspectives you might have learned previously.

⏱️ Timestamps:

Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/314ab0013cfec545/c30fe92ace27570e

Follow Garrison Hayes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garrisonh/

New episodes every Tuesday:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG

Or 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/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://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG

Or wherever you get 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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(Note: This episode originally ran on September 30th, 2025)

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/b694b2dbd557aa6e

Follow Baratunde Thurston on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baratunde/

New episodes every Tuesday:

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

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

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

Or 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/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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Educational technology is a daily part of school for kids, from learning apps and video lessons to digital group projects. But is all this screen time actually helping kids learn? In this episode of Raising Us, host Elise Hu explores the benefits and challenges of educational technology in classrooms, including concerns around distraction, data privacy, and child development. 

Kate Brody, educator, parent, and VP of Schools Beyond Screens, shares how her first grader’s experience with classroom technology sparked conversations with teachers and her school district about finding a healthier balance after the pandemic. Later, Elise is joined by Emily Cherkin, founder of The Screen Time Consultant, to define what educational technology can look like when it works best for both students and teachers. Kate and Emily offer practical advice for starting productive conversations with educators about technology and learning, and how to be intentionally active in how tech expands in our kids’ lives.

Key Takeaways:

Understand the difference between ed tech and tech ed; we can teach our kids about technology without requiring them to use it directly.

Be brave in opting out of tech when it’s not as beneficial for your child’s learning.

Research what a balanced relationship with educational technology looks like for your family.

Prioritize play, skills, and relationships over screens.

Advocate for kids to use educational technology more effectively at schools and home.

⏱️ Timestamps:

Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/68b2a3f16e84424f/443227901429762f

Learn more about Schools Beyond Screens: https://www.schoolsbeyondscreens.com/

Follow Emily Cherkin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescreentimeconsultant

New episodes every Tuesday:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG

Or 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/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://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG

Or wherever you get 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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The news has felt heavy – every headline, story, and social media feed flooded with situations we don’t always know how to talk about at home. Still, kids are always watching and observing how adults respond to these big moments. How do we talk about these hard things without sugarcoating or panicking? And how do we provide tools they need to feel safer, grounded, and maybe even hopeful? 

Host Elise Hu is joined by Melinda Wenner Moyer, author of How to Raise Kids Who Aren't Assholes and Hello, Cruel World! to talk about the ins and outs of helping kids process tough events. Melinda breaks down what coping skills are and practical tips for starting conversations built on honesty, active listening, and curiosity. From choosing the right moment to talk, to knowing when to step back and simply listen, Melinda shares her best research-backed strategies for supporting kids when the world feels overwhelming. 

Key Takeaways

Practice pausing, reflecting, and building your own opinions, knowing it’s okay if those opinions change.

Give your child space to feel, process, and work through “negative” emotions.

Recognize kids can handle more than we give them credit for.

Own not knowing everything; offer future conversations, or a chance to research together.

Take opportunities to research current events with your child to build their media literacy skills.

⏱️ Timestamps:

Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/140a0a096b14eb65/a75c6db8d7111390

Follow Melinda Wenner Moyer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melindawmoyer

New episodes every Tuesday:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG

Or 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/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://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG

Or wherever you get 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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After the holiday season chaos, many families experience an annual reset into a slower winter, leading to occasional bouts of boredom. But what if boredom isn’t something to fix, but something to welcome? Mother of three, author, and founder of The Workspace for Children Lizzie Assa talks with Raising Us host Elise Hu about how to encourage raising confident, resilient kids through boredom and lulls. Lizzie shares how she dealt with her own kids’ boredom, and how being intentional with our time and energy as parents can help our kids thrive. Hear practical tips for reframing and responding to your kids and their boredom.

Key Takeaways

Incorporate opportunities for play into your everyday spaces, rather than specific places.

Intentionally create time for your child to experience boredom and play.

Reframe boredom as an intentional time for rest, as opposed to a parenting failure.

Notice the difference between a child being bored, disengaged, and overstimulated.

Allow your child to be the expert in their play by letting them guide you as an extra in play, rather than a co-producer and entertainer.

⏱️ Timestamps:

Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/ac4f2a39d5f521cb/e522db2362acf07e

Follow Lizzie Assa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theworkspaceforchildren

New episodes every Tuesday:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG

Or 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/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://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG

Or wherever you get 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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(Note: This episode originally ran on October 17th, 2025) 

Banned books are sparking debates in schools and libraries across the country. But what do book bans really mean for the kids in your life? And how can families respond in ways that build understanding instead of fear? In this episode, bestselling author Jason Reynolds (All American Boys, Long Way Down) talks about what it feels like to see his work pulled from classrooms, and scholar Dr. Emily Knox (Book Banning in the 21st Century) explains how censorship takes shape today and why it matters for all of us. They highlight practical ways to guide the kids in your life through tough topics on the page without shutting the door on important stories.

Key takeaways for parents:

Why banned books shape the way kids see the world, even if they never read them.

What small, practical steps families can take to stand up for access to stories.

How to approach “challenged” books with curiosity, care, and context.

⏱️ Timestamps:

Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/347196eeaecf58e1/f40aeb5376d16808

Follow Jason Reynolds on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonreynolds83

Follow Dr. Emily Knox: https://www.emilyknox.net/

New episodes every Tuesday:

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

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

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

Or 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/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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Self-esteem plays a powerful role in how kids handle challenges, relationships, and self-doubt – but how can parents ensure confidence doesn’t come with being “the best?” Raising Us host Elise Hu is joined by Dr. Kristin Neff, associate professor of educational psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, to define self-esteem and share practical tips for building confidence at home. Also joining this episode is Nia Sioux, a dancer, singer and actress who's best known for her breakout role as an original cast member in Lifetime’s hit reality series Dance Moms. Nia talks with us about growing up in front of cameras, her best tips for practicing self-esteem and confidence, and more anecdotes from her new memoir, Bottom of the Pyramid. 

Key Takeaways

Remind yourself that your own opinion of yourself is what matters most.

Reframe the idea of being at the bottom to mean an opportunity for learning and growth.

Model self-esteem, kindness, and warmth to encourage your children to do the same.

Rewire thought processes to encourage ourselves the same way we would encourage a close friend.

Emphasize trying and learning rather than outcome.

⏱️ Timestamps:

Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/e1bea0cf911a6b78/3f7d25b53f99ac38

Follow Dr. Kristin Neff on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neffselfcompassion

Follow Nia Sioux on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niasioux

New episodes every Tuesday:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG

Or 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/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://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG

Or wherever you get 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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Social media and screen time is becoming a bigger part of family life everyday – from how kids connect and learn, to how many parents manage busy schedules. To help define healthy social media habits, public school teacher and librarian Ash Brandin shares their best tips from recent book Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family. Also, award winning health and science journalist Catherine Price provides advice about how kids are experiencing social media today. Both guests break down how social media can impact developing brains, how families can set and tackle realistic boundaries together, and why monitoring healthy habits with tech use matters.

Key Takeaways

Have confidence and courage to delay when your kids are introduced to social media.

Relearn that age does not always equal readiness to be online.

Consider alternative methods for your community to stay online and connected with one another, without use of social media.

Reflect healthy habits and boundaries with your own social media and devices.

Encourage conversations with all members of your family about their own relationships with their devices.

⏱️ Timestamps:

Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/1d1aa9656f95dc45/8e073e0ac686a340

Follow Ash Brandin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegamereducator

Follow Catherine Price on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinepriceofficial

New episodes every Tuesday:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG

Or 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/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://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG

Or wherever you get 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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.