The news has felt heavy – every headline, story, and social media feed flooded with situations we don’t always know how to talk about at home. Still, kids are always watching and observing how adults respond to these big moments. How do we talk about these hard things without sugarcoating or panicking? And how do we provide tools they need to feel safer, grounded, and maybe even hopeful?
Host Elise Hu is joined by Melinda Wenner Moyer, author of How to Raise Kids Who Aren't Assholes and Hello, Cruel World! to talk about the ins and outs of helping kids process tough events. Melinda breaks down what coping skills are and practical tips for starting conversations built on honesty, active listening, and curiosity. From choosing the right moment to talk, to knowing when to step back and simply listen, Melinda shares her best research-backed strategies for supporting kids when the world feels overwhelming.
Key Takeaways
Practice pausing, reflecting, and building your own opinions, knowing it’s okay if those opinions change.
Give your child space to feel, process, and work through “negative” emotions.
Recognize kids can handle more than we give them credit for.
Own not knowing everything; offer future conversations, or a chance to research together.
Take opportunities to research current events with your child to build their media literacy skills.
⏱️ Timestamps:
Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/140a0a096b14eb65/a75c6db8d7111390
Follow Melinda Wenner Moyer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melindawmoyer
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.
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📌 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
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