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.

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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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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:

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Mental health for kids

Talking to kids about racism, identity, and inclusion

Screen time and social media

Puberty, anxiety, and big feelings

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Elise Hu parenting podcast

A Kids Co. podcast series

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