While headlines about ICE raids, immigration crackdowns, and family separation ripple through communities, our kids are noticing. Host Elise Hu revisits conversations with Duncan Tonatiuh and Anya Kamenetz to explore how parents can talk to their kids honestly about immigration without spreading fear.
While headlines about ICE raids, immigration crackdowns, and family separation ripple through communities, our kids are noticing. Host Elise Hu revisits conversations with Duncan Tonatiuh and Anya Kamenetz to explore how parents can talk to their kids honestly about immigration without spreading fear. First, author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh shares how his children’s books are inspired by his own experiences and the experiences around him, and why learning about different stories matters for all kids — not just those directly impacted by immigration. Later, journalist and parenting expert Anya Kamenetz offers practical language and tips for navigating reassurance and tough questions about ICE raids and family separation. Anya shares tangible framework and strategies for helping kids feel emotionally supported amongst hard headlines and realities they hear about on the news.
Key Takeaways
Explore experiences outside of your own.
Approach hard conversations age-appropriately, and from a place of empathy.
Help kids contextualize news and headlines by starting conversations at home.
Allow for follow-up questions to guide how much you share about a hard topic.
Make promises realistic by separating emotional safety from material safety.
⏱️ Timestamps:
Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guides:
Immigration: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/ed0fd48c366bfcc5/f9e9fe86fd9c42cf
ICE & Family Separation: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/1d2a71723ba336e8/0cb7b78578839b27
Follow Duncan Tonatiuh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duncan.tonatiuh
Learn more from Anya Kamenetz: https://www.instagram.com/anyakamenetz
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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