Raising Us: A Parenting Podcast

(Note: This episode originally ran on October 17th, 2025) Banned books are sparking debates in schools and libraries across the country. But what do book bans really mean for the kids in your life? And how can families respond in ways that build understanding instead of fear? In this episode, bestselling author Jason Reynolds (All American Boys, Long Way Down) talks about what it feels like to see his work pulled from classrooms, and scholar Dr. Emily Knox (Book Banning in the 21st Century) explains how censorship takes shape today and why it matters for all of us. They highlight practical ways to guide the kids in your life through tough topics on the page without shutting the door on important stories.Key takeaways for parents:Why banned books shape the way kids see the world, even if they never read them.What small, practical steps families can take to stand up for access to stories.How to approach “challenged” books with curiosity, care, and context.⏱️ Timestamps:Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/347196eeaecf58e1/f40aeb5376d16808Follow Jason Reynolds on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonreynolds83Follow Dr. Emily Knox: https://www.emilyknox.net/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.

Self-esteem plays a powerful role in how kids handle challenges, relationships, and self-doubt – but how can parents ensure confidence doesn’t come with being “the best?” Raising Us host Elise Hu is joined by Dr. Kristin Neff, associate professor of educational psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, to define self-esteem and share practical tips for building confidence at home. Also joining this episode is Nia Sioux, a dancer, singer and actress who's best known for her breakout role as an original cast member in Lifetime’s hit reality series Dance Moms. Nia talks with us about growing up in front of cameras, her best tips for practicing self-esteem and confidence, and more anecdotes from her new memoir, Bottom of the Pyramid. Key TakeawaysRemind yourself that your own opinion of yourself is what matters most.Reframe the idea of being at the bottom to mean an opportunity for learning and growth.Model self-esteem, kindness, and warmth to encourage your children to do the same.Rewire thought processes to encourage ourselves the same way we would encourage a close friend.Emphasize trying and learning rather than outcome.⏱️ Timestamps:Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/e1bea0cf911a6b78/3f7d25b53f99ac38Follow Dr. Kristin Neff on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neffselfcompassionFollow Nia Sioux on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niasiouxNew 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.

Social media and screen time is becoming a bigger part of family life everyday – from how kids connect and learn, to how many parents manage busy schedules. To help define healthy social media habits, public school teacher and librarian Ash Brandin shares their best tips from recent book Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family. Also, award winning health and science journalist Catherine Price provides advice about how kids are experiencing social media today. Both guests break down how social media can impact developing brains, how families can set and tackle realistic boundaries together, and why monitoring healthy habits with tech use matters.Key TakeawaysHave confidence and courage to delay when your kids are introduced to social media.Relearn that age does not always equal readiness to be online.Consider alternative methods for your community to stay online and connected with one another, without use of social media.Reflect healthy habits and boundaries with your own social media and devices.Encourage conversations with all members of your family about their own relationships with their devices.⏱️ Timestamps:Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/1d1aa9656f95dc45/8e073e0ac686a340Follow Ash Brandin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegamereducatorFollow Catherine Price on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinepriceofficialNew 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.

Youth sports can shape our kids in powerful ways on and off the field. In this episode of Raising Us, Elise Hu sits down with Managing Director of Olympics and Action Sports at Octagon Peter Carlisle to explore how early experiences in sports can build confidence, character, and lifelong resilience. Peter unpacks the hidden pressures young athletes face today, practical ways parents can nurture a positive sports environment, and how to keep the joy in the game—whether your child dreams of the pros or simply wants to play with friends. Key Takeaways:Encourage a child serious about a sport by allowing them be serious about that sport. Model how you handle pressure, disappointment, or excitement around sports for your kids.Remind your child that the journey to becoming better is more important than the result.Participate in sports with your kids to help foster a love for the game together.Mental toughness is picking yourself up, again and again.⏱️ Timestamps:Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/cc6c0ad17d3a1509/ca157ff5fe63063cFollow Peter Carlisle: https://www.instagram.com/pscpwmFollow Octagon Olympics & Action Sports: https://www.instagram.com/octagonoasNew 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.

As we get deeper into the holiday season and winter holidays, many parents start to wonder — how do we keep holiday magic alive while helping our kids understand what’s real? Jacqueline Woolley, Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, studies how kids understand fantasy, reality, and belief itself. She joins us to explore and support curiosity, belief, and cultural traditions with grace by sharing her own stories and tactile advice to answering one of parents’ biggest questions around the holiday season — should we tell our kids about Santa? Key takeaways for parents: Allowing your kids to believe in a white lie does not make you a bad parent.Kids can and will still trust their parents, even after discovering the truth about Santa Claus.Take note of where you hear information, and whether it’s coming from a trusted source.Involve your older kids in creating the magic for their younger siblings or family members. Use the holidays as an opportunity to explore different cultural or religious traditions.⏱️ Timestamps:Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/c06eaff29157c7b6/a0a4264ebe521ffbFollow Jacqueline Woolley: https://www.instagram.com/jacquelinewoolleyNew 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.