Immigration is in the news, in our communities, and sometimes in our own families. But how do we explain it to kids without scaring them? Elise Hu talks with comedian and writer Negin Farsad about what her daughter has noticed, and what Negin chooses to share. Children’s author Duncan Tonatiuh joins to share how his book Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote helps kids understand the dangers and resilience behind migration stories. From undocumented families to family separation headlines, this conversation shows parents how to talk about immigration as part of our shared story, while giving children hope, safety, and practical ways to understand their world.

Key takeaways for parents:

Show the kids in your life that immigration is part of America’s shared story.

When tough headlines come up, acknowledge them and offer age-appropriate context instead of avoiding the subject.

Use books and stories to build empathy, showing both the risks and the resilience in migration journeys.

Talk about civic values like rights, community, and responsibility.

Balance safety with normalcy: give kids tools like memorizing a phone number while still letting them enjoy the fun of childhood.

⏱️ Timestamps:

Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/ed0fd48c366bfcc5/f9e9fe86fd9c42cf

Follow Negin Farsad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neginfarsad

Follow Duncan Tonatiuh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duncan.tonatiuh/

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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://swap.fm/l/P8iCjNFnIWI7kTmU0vmk

Apple: https://swap.fm/l/kCnCRNdWkpuYYbyzyE77

Spotify: https://swap.fm/l/SOQe4gSHh3vVIwPGFDet

Or 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 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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