Explaining Immigration and ICE to Kids | Duncan Tonatiuh & Anya Kamenetz | A Kids Co.

Raising Us: A Parenting Podcast | Jun 23 2026 | 00:32:50

While headlines about ICE raids, immigration crackdowns, and family separation ripple through communities, our kids are noticing. Host Elise Hu revisits conversations with Duncan Tonatiuh and Anya Kamenetz to explore how parents can talk to their kids honestly about immigration without spreading fear. First, author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh shares how his children’s books are inspired by his own experiences and the experiences around him, and why learning about different stories matters for all kids — not just those directly impacted by immigration. Later, journalist and parenting expert Anya Kamenetz offers practical language and tips for navigating reassurance and tough questions about ICE raids and family separation. Anya shares tangible framework and strategies for helping kids feel emotionally supported amongst hard headlines and realities they hear about on the news.

Key Takeaways

Explore experiences outside of your own.

Approach hard conversations age-appropriately, and from a place of empathy.

Help kids contextualize news and headlines by starting conversations at home.

Allow for follow-up questions to guide how much you share about a hard topic.

Make promises realistic by separating emotional safety from material safety.

⏱️ Timestamps:

Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guides:

Immigration: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/ed0fd48c366bfcc5/f9e9fe86fd9c42cf

ICE & Family Separation: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/1d2a71723ba336e8/0cb7b78578839b27

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

Learn more from Anya Kamenetz: https://www.instagram.com/anyakamenetz