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.
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. First, Sharon offers a clear framework for how to help kids research, question, and understand civic participation from a local perspective. Later, Tabitha provides language for talking to kids about what we’re seeing on the news and age-appropriate options for participating in political protests.Together, these conversations help turn questions about justice, civic engagement, and activism into meaningful, ongoing discussion with your family.
Key Takeaways:
Tell your children that two truths can exist at the same time.
Participating in democracy goes beyond simply voting once every four years.
Educate yourself to feel more prepared tackling conversations with your kids.
Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know.”
Prepare your kids for demonstrations and protests by starting conversations before leaving the house.
⏱️ Timestamps:
Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guides:
Democracy: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/60e70667a5651a3b/9023ffef84efb6c6
Political Protests: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/9e2d5bbe4f9bd18c/8eb065ff420ea02c
Follow Sharon McMahon on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sharonsaysso
Follow Tabitha St. Bernard Jacobs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabithastb
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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.
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Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967
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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