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 who view disabilities with respect and opportunities for curiosity, rather than discomfort. Both Alana and Emily offer practical advice for parents on where to get involved, ways to be allies and not bystanders, or even how to start that first conversation to normalize disabilities and physical differences. Key Takeaways: Be mindful of how to make your community or neighborhood more accessible. Consistently have conversations about disabilities at home to normalize the topic everywhere. Approach your child’s vulnerability with a curiosity to encourage new things. Expand your child’s community by introducing role models they can see themselves in. Get involved with local organizations that support people with disabilities. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GBsNgrmzxfdhOkSW1QRC1lqnVwbmp_CcCm2uSnRRg4c/edit?tab=t.0 ⏱️ Timestamps: Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/2e3986ea092acb45/a3f9a41227d42c32 Learn more from Alana Nichols: https://www.instagram.com/alanathejane Learn more from Emily Ladau: https://www.instagram.com/emilyladau 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.

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 what parents commonly see from deeply feeling kids in homes, and shares practical tips for better equipping our kids to handle life’s surprises, and what to do when emotions are big for all parties involved — parents and kids alike.  Key Takeaways: Deeply feeling kids are more porous to the world around them. Learn independently, with, and from your kids on your parenting journey. Welcome challenging, empowering, and important conversations with the kids in your life. Stay calm and reframe yourself as a pilot and your child as turbulence during hard situations. Spend a little extra time setting expectations to help reduce avoidable surprises. ⏱️ Timestamps: Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/115e41db3fb4d832/fa72f536141f92ce Learn more from Dr. Becky Kennedy: https://www.instagram.com/drbeckyatgoodinside 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.

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 and Elise reflect on practical parenting tips touched in Jackson’s New York Times bestselling memoir Lovely One, now adapted for young adults, and gives words of advice for getting our kids to persevere and sometimes, simply try. Key Takeaways: Listen to, engage with, and encourage your kids to help build their confidence. Reframe hard times or hard work as opportunities for growth. Find community in new spaces to help build belonging and resilience. Acknowledge and celebrate your successes to remind yourself of your value. Remember where, what, and who got you to where you currently are as a method for combatting impostor syndrome. ⏱️ Timestamps: Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/bfb5b229d1abd51e/dd80edeb27002d41 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.

Kids are seeing political protests, activism, and civic engagement unfold on screens, in schools, and in their own communities. With that constant exposure these days, talking about social justice is an essential part of parenting today. Tabitha St. Bernard-Jacobs is a mom, writer, and organizer familiar with kickstarting these conversations and age-appropriate involvement in her own home. A founding organizer of the 2017 Women’s March on Washington and active cowriter for the Raising Anti-Racist Kids newsletter, Tabitha joins host Elise Hu to recount her first introduction to community building and organizing, and how she learned to connect protest with her life’s ambitions. She shares her keys to resilience, practical tips for talking to your kids about activism, and her answers to common questions about getting your kid involved or aware in an age-appropriate way – from ways to learn civic engagement at home to safely attending or processing a protest together.Key Takeaways:Rely on the strength in numbers and power of community to build resilience and hope.Meet your child where they are when introducing age-appropriate conversations and topics.Welcome vulnerability when you don’t know something, and offer to return to it after learning.Explore alternative ways of protest that don’t require physically being present.Keeping answers simple and to the point as possible is not the same thing as sugarcoating.⏱️ Timestamps:Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/9e2d5bbe4f9bd18c/8eb065ff420ea02cLearn more about Tabitha St. Bernard-Jacobs: https://www.tabithastbernard.comNew episodes every Tuesday:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCoApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VGOr 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://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCoApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VGOr 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 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.

(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/-/96f8a3f86cbf7897/816b3c7ffa59c4dcFollow 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.

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/ad84c8c03edddf8bLearn more about the SonRise Project: https://www.thesonriseproject.orgNew episodes every Tuesday:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCoApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VGOr 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://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCoApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VGOr 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 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.

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/-/13b3ed8ee92f6399/00346029b5c8a3c6Follow Dr. Rachel Kowert on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrachelkowert/New episodes every Tuesday:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCoApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VGOr 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://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCoApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VGOr 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 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.

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/c30fe92ace27570eFollow Garrison Hayes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garrisonh/New episodes every Tuesday:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCoApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VGOr 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://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCoApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VGOr 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 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.

(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/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.

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/443227901429762fLearn more about Schools Beyond Screens: https://www.schoolsbeyondscreens.com/Follow Emily Cherkin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescreentimeconsultantNew episodes every Tuesday:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCoApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VGOr 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://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCoApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VGOr 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 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.