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Raising Us: A Parenting Podcast

A Kids Co.

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 your kid(s).

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.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 34 min
  • English
  • August 18 · 27 min

    Parenting Kids with Big Feelings | Dr. Becky Kennedy, Good Inside Podcast | A Kids Co. (Re-Run)

    From explosive meltdowns and slammed doors to tears that seem to come out of nowhere, some kids simply feel everything more intensely. Joining host Elise Hu to unpack what parenting a deeply feeling kid or teen might look like is Dr. Becky Kennedy, clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and host of the Good Inside podcast. She and Elise dive into Dr. Becky’s new children’s book Leave Me Alone, and what deeply feeling kids might really mean when they say “leave me alone.” Dr. Becky addresses

  • June 16 · 35 min

    Teaching Kids About Government, Politics, & Protest | Sharon McMahon & Tabitha St. Bernard Jacobs | A Kids Co.

    When kids see protests, political debates, and powerful emotions playing out in real time on the news and in headlines, it’s up to parents to help make sense of it all. Elise Hu revisits conversations with educator and author Sharon McMahon, and activist Tabitha St. Bernard Jacobs to explore what it means to use your voice, stand up for others, and participate in shaping the world through democracy and political demonstration.

  • June 9 · 33 min

    Talking To Kids About Puberty, Boundaries, & Consent | Dr. Cara Natterson & Dr. Nadine Thornhill | A Kids Co.

    When puberty hits earlier and emotions run higher, the conversations we have with our kids about their bodies, sex, and consent matter more than ever. Kids are already learning about these topics earlier and earlier from peers, media and the world around them. To help parents keep up, host Elise Hu revisits earlier conversations with Dr. Cara Natterson and Dr. Nadine Thornhill with their expert guidance for parents supporting kids through puberty, adulthood, and relationships.

  • June 2 · 22 min

    How to Talk About Adoption, Identity, and Belonging with Kids | Nefertiti Austin | A Kids Co.

    Adoption is a lifelong process of identity and belonging, and how parents talk about it with our kids matters from the very beginning. Nefertiti Austin, author of Motherhood So White and a mother of two adopted kids, joins Elise Hu to share her personal path to adopting, why she chose to adopt within her own community, and the mindset she carries through parenthood. Nefertiti offers practical guidance for not only adoptive parents, but parents considering adoption or simply talking to kids about

  • May 26 · 33 min

    Raising Healthy Kids Beyond Social Media and Ed Tech | Ash Brandin & Emily Cherkin | A Kids Co.

    As families head into summer break, screentime may feel top of mind for parents trying to raise healthy, balanced kids in a screen-saturated world. Elise Hu revisits two Raising Us conversations to help parents make sense of how screens are shaping kids’ lives, learning, and wellbeing. First, public school teacher, librarian, and author Ash Brandin offers alternatives to strict screen time limits while considering differences from kid to kid. They bring personal and professional expertise in what they consider and the strategies that have worked for them. Later in the episode, Emily Cherkin, founder of The Screentime Consultant, unpacks how kids are using educational technology in schools. Emily offers tips on how to start conversations addressing questions and concerns with your kids, teachers, or local school board, and discusses why replacing judgment with curiosity can open the door to meaningful change. Together, these conversations offer practical tools for navigating the overlap between social media, screen time, and learning. Key Takeaways Replace judgement with curiosity. Assess your child’s learning style to determine if educational technology is actually necessary. Be brave in making first steps towards change that betters you and your family. The amount of screen time your kids are exposed to does not determine your success as a parent. Consider access, behavior, and content when analyzing your child’s relationship with screens. ⏱️ Timestamps: Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guides: Social Media: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/1d1aa9656f95dc45/8e073e0ac686a340 Educational Technology: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/68b2a3f16e84424f/443227901429762f Follow Ash Brandin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegamereducator 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.

  • May 19 · 30 min

    Teaching Kids Self-Compassion to Support Mental Health | Kelli Joy Richardson & Dr. Kristin Neff

    Raising resilient kids and understanding how to support their mental health often starts with their self-esteem and self-compassion. Host Elise Hu revisits two empowering conversations to help parents understand how intertwined self-esteem and mental health are. First, Kelli Joy Richardson, founder of The SonRise Project, debunks common myths about mental health and shares practical tips on how to start conversations with your kids about their mental health, even when it feels too difficult or t

  • May 12 · 32 min

    Talking About Divorce, Separation, and Family Change with Kids | Christina McGhee | A Kids Co.

    Divorce can reshape every part of family life for kids and parents alike, from routines and living arrangements to feelings of grief, anger, and confusion. In this episode of Raising Us, Elise Hu talks with divorce parenting expert, educator, and author Christina McGhee about how parents can help children navigate divorce with honesty and stability. Christina shares insights from both her professional work and her own experience growing up in a divorced family. She shares practical guidance for

  • S6 · E16
    April 28 · 37 min

    How Do I Talk About Racism With My Kids? Questions From Our Mailbag | Jelani Memory | A Kids Co.

    What do you say when your child asks about race, racism, or representation – and you’re not sure where to start? In this special episode of Raising Us, host Elise Hu is joined by Jelani Memory, founder of A Kids Co. and author of A Kids Book About Racism, to answer questions from real parents navigating challenging conversations. From starting at step one to deciding when your child needs more support, Jelani and Elise share practical scripts, resources, and strategies for tackling conversations

  • S6 · E15
    April 21 · 24 min

    Why Representation in Media Matters for Kids | Angel McCoughty | A Kids Co.

    From scrolling on social media to watching sports and TV, kids are constantly absorbing messages about who gets to be seen, and who doesn’t. Joining host Elise Hu to talk about why representation in media matters for kids is WNBA legend and two-time Olympic gold medalist Angel McCoughtry. She reflects on growing up without seeing herself represented in sports, to now inspiring and actively creating stories for the younger generation to see themselves in. Together, Elise and Angel unpack the powe

  • S6 · E14
    April 14 · 32 min

    How to Talk to Kids About Trauma, Big Emotions, & Feeling Safe | Paul Scheer | A Kids Co.

    Trauma in kids isn’t always obvious, but kids are constantly taking in the world around them and paying attention to how we adults respond to it. Actor, comedian, and author Paul Scheer joins host Elise Hu for an honest and personal conversation about trauma and parenting. Paul opens up about his childhood experiences with trauma shared in his new memoir, Joyful Recollections of Trauma. He reflects on the complicated process of identifying trauma, the emotions that come up, and the importance of

  • S6 · E13
    April 7 · 37 min

    Talking to Kids About Sex and Consent Without Feeling Awkward | Dr. Nadine Thornhill | A Kids Co.

    Talking to kids about sex and consent can feel awkward, overwhelming, and easy to put off — but these conversations can start earlier and easier than we think. Host Elise Hu sits down with sex educator Dr. Nadine Thornhill to unpack how parents and families can approach topics like bodies, boundaries, relationships, and consent with more openness. They explore the most common questions families have about consent, how to navigate power dynamics, and what it looks like to be conscientious about c

  • S6 · E12
    March 31 · 39 min

    How to Talk About Eating Disorders with Our Kids | Amanda Sobhy & Jessica Scheer | A Kids Co.

    Eating disorders in kids are more common than parents realize, but many still question how to spot early warning signs, talk about healthy habits and body image, and support with compassion. Host Elise Hu sits with professional squash champion Amanda Sobhy and National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) CEO Jessica Scheer to unpack the realities of eating disorders and disordered eating in children and teens.

  • S6 · E11
    March 24 · 31 min

    Talking About Climate Change Without Fear | Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson | A Kids Co.

    From wildfires and floods to melting ice caps, today’s kids are exposed to the realities of climate change earlier than ever. Host Elise Hu is joined by author, marine biologist, and cofounder of the Urban Ocean Lab, Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, to discuss how climate anxiety shows up in kids, and how parents can help share the truth without overwhelming kids about reality. Drawing from her New York Times bestselling book, What If We Get It Right?, Dr. Johnson shares how families can start conve

  • S6 · E10
    March 17 · 47 min

    Talking to Your Kids About ICE and Immigration | Maria Hinojosa & Anya Kamenetz | A Kids Co.

    With news about ICE, immigration raids, and family separation everywhere, many parents are wondering how to talk to kids about everything going on. How do we share harsh realities without overwhelming them, while still being honest? Host Elise Hu speaks with Maria Hinojosa, founder of Futuro Media and longtime host of Latino USA about her decades of learnings from reporting on immigration and family separations. Maria opens up about her own experience growing up in an immigrant family, and share

  • S6 · E9
    March 10 · 44 min

    Normalizing Physical Disabilities and Differences with Kids | Alana Nichols & Emily Ladau | A Kids Co.

    Whether they notice a wheelchair, limb difference, or how parents respond to disabilities, kids pick up on physical differences earlier than we think. Raising Us host Elise Hu is joined by team USA’s three-time Paralympic gold medalist Alana Nichols as she reflects on her life-changing injury and how representation and community really matters, especially for kids with disabilities. Later in the episode, disability rights activist, writer, and educator Emily Ladau discusses how to raise kids wh

  • S6 · E8
    March 3 · 31 min

    Parenting Kids with Big Feelings | Dr. Becky Kennedy, Good Inside Podcast | A Kids Co.

    From explosive meltdowns and slammed doors to tears that seem to come out of nowhere, some kids simply feel everything more intensely. Joining host Elise Hu to unpack what parenting a deeply feeling kid or teen might look like is Dr. Becky Kennedy, clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and host of the Good Inside podcast. She and Elise dive into Dr. Becky’s new children’s book Leave Me Alone, and what deeply feeling kids might really mean when they say “leave me alone.” Dr. Becky addresses

  • S6 · E7
    February 24 · 33 min

    How to Raise a Child Who Believes in Themselves | Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson | A Kids Co.

    Impostor syndrome in kids is more common than we think, and how parents respond to self-doubt can shape their children’s confidence for life. Joining host Elise Hu is Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson as she reflects on her built resilience and found motivations throughout her life. Justice Jackson shares her best strategies for combating impostor syndrome, and finding community in a new space after becoming the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States. She

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