What does it really mean to raise kids who see every brain as worthy of belonging? In this episode, Elise Hu talks with actress, director, and author Lake Bell about her daughter’s journey with epilepsy and how that shaped her own understanding of neurodiversity. Later, ADHD advocate and creator of How to ADHD Jessica McCabe shares practical ways parents can explain neurodivergence, involve kids in their own care, and shift the conversation from “fixing” to thriving.

From ADHD to epilepsy to dyslexia, we explore how to talk about brain differences in ways that build empathy and confidence at home.

Key Takeaways:

Validate your child’s experience, even when others may dismiss it

Talk openly about your own brain differences to reduce shame

Involve kids in decisions about their own treatment and support

Normalize differences as part of the human condition, not something to “fix”

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Puberty can feel awkward, confusing, and even scary for kids (and parents!). Pediatrician and bestselling author Dr. Cara Natterson shares how to turn those hard moments into honest, supportive conversations that help kids feel confident about their changing bodies.

Puberty today starts earlier and lasts longer. From growth spurts and acne to mood swings and silence, kids need language that reduces shame and builds trust. Parents can provide it, even when it feels uncomfortable. With the right words and presence, parents can make it a time of learning, resilience, and connection.

Key takeaways for parents:

Talk about body changes, periods, erections, and hormones early, and keep talking.

Explain the science behind mood swings so tweens and teens know it’s normal.

Use everyday moments (car rides, dinner, bedtime) to open conversations.

Teach correct anatomical terms to reduce shame and improve safety.

Model openness, humor, and persistence. Puberty is a marathon, not a sprint.

Raising Us is hosted by Elise Hu, an award-winning journalist and mom of three, known for her warm, candid approach to tough conversations. Each week, she breaks down big questions families are facing, with help from expert voices and real-life stories.

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How do you talk to your kids about the political violence that’s unfolded this week, and over the past couple of years? And how much do you say? In this mini episode, we share a part of a conversation between Elise Hu and educator and author Sharon McMahon to help families talk about political differences with compassion, even when emotions run high. The full conversation about how to talk to your kids about democracy arrives later this season.

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This is the first episode of Raising Us, a new podcast from A Kids Co. about the questions our kids are already asking...and how we answer them.

What do kids learn when they hear “fat” used like an insult? And what do we say when they turn that word on themselves? In this episode, we talk about how to name fatphobia, challenge it, and model true body respect at any size.

Back-to-school season often brings comments about weight, growth, and how bodies “should” look. For parents of tweens and teens, it’s a critical time to talk about body image, confidence, and how kids feel in their own skin.

Model and body activist Tess Holliday shares what it was like growing up in the South, taking up space, and parenting through shame. Later, author and journalist Virginia Sole-Smith offers practical ways to push back on harmful beauty standards and make space for more honest conversations at home.

Whether you're unpacking what you grew up hearing or just trying to find the right words, this conversation is a place to begin.

Raising Us is hosted by Elise Hu, an award-winning journalist and mom of three, known for her warm, candid approach to tough conversations. Each week, she breaks down big questions families are facing, with help from expert voices and real-life stories.

Key Takeaways:

“Fat is just another way to have a body.” Reclaiming the word fat helps kids build respect, not shame.

“Perfection isn’t the goal. Showing up is.” Modeling body acceptance starts with honesty.

“If we don’t talk about fatphobia, kids will believe the dominant story.” Silence reinforces bias. Conversation builds empathy.

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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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Parenting isn’t just about raising kids, it’s about raising ourselves, too. From “kids are resilient” to “toughen up,” journalist and mom of three Elise Hu unpacks the cultural scripts families pass down and reframes them with reporting, expert voices, and real-life stories. Every episode of Raising Us comes with a free conversation kit to spark connection around your dinner table, on the drive to school, or before bedtime.

New episodes begin September 9. Follow now so you don’t miss the first conversation: body image, confidence, and the messages our kids carry for life.

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