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How Do I Talk About Racism With My Kids? Questions From Our Mailbag | Jelani Memory | A Kids Co.

Raising Us: A Parenting Podcast | Apr 28 2026 | 00:37:09

What do you say when your child asks about race, racism, or representation – and you’re not sure where to start? In this special episode of Raising Us, host Elise Hu is joined by Jelani Memory, founder of A Kids Co. and author of A Kids Book About Racism, to answer questions from real parents navigating challenging conversations. From starting at step one to deciding when your child needs more support, Jelani and Elise share practical scripts, resources, and strategies for tackling conversations in an age-appropriate way. Whether you’re wondering how to respond when your child brings up something unexpected or you’re trying to keep these conversations going over time, Jelani offers real advice from his own experience parenting six kids, rooted in honesty and curiosity.


Key Takeaways:

Engage in conversations with your kid by starting with wherever you’re at.

Challenge stereotypes through curiosity and conversation.

Encourage your kids to come to their own conclusions to feel more connected to it.

Take topics that your child brings up seriously.

Validate your child’s feelings about hard topics.


⏱️ Timestamps:


Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/07ee767992e0beb8/adeb03d1daa0bd9c


Learn more from Jelani Memory: http://instagram.com/jelanimemory


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.


🔗 START HERE


📌 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…