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 shares reflections on today’s political climate as immigration has risen as a focus topic election after election. Later in the episode, journalist and author Anya Kamenetz joins to offer practical tools for parents navigating these newscycles and conversations with kids. Anya shares what she’s seen as a journalist and in her communities as a parent, and offers practical strategies for helping children process fear while staying emotionally secure together.
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 shares reflections on today’s political climate as immigration has risen as a focus topic election after election.
Later in the episode, journalist and author Anya Kamenetz joins to offer practical tools for parents navigating these newscycles and conversations with kids. Anya shares what she’s seen as a journalist and in her communities as a parent, and offers practical strategies for helping children process fear while staying emotionally secure together.
Key Takeaways:
Acknowledge that fears are real and acceptable feelings to experience.
Willingly talk about your family history and community to put your experience in perspective.
Reassure kids that they’re safe with you by meeting them in conversation wherever they are.
Be ready to navigate ongoing conversations with our kids, rather than expecting one and done.
Encourage practical activities your family can do together to feel both safe and aware of the news.
⏱️ Timestamps:
Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/1d2a71723ba336e8/0cb7b78578839b27
Learn more from Maria Hinojosa: https://www.instagram.com/maria_la_hinojosa
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