Teaching Kids About Government, Politics, & Protest | Sharon McMahon & Tabitha St. Bernard Jacobs | A Kids Co.

Raising Us: A Parenting Podcast | Jun 16 2026 | 00:35:05

When kids see protests, political debates, and powerful emotions playing out in real time on the news and in headlines, it’s up to parents to help make sense of it all. Elise Hu revisits conversations with educator and author Sharon McMahon, and activist Tabitha St. Bernard Jacobs to explore what it means to use your voice, stand up for others, and participate in shaping the world through democracy and political demonstration. First, Sharon offers a clear framework for how to help kids research, question, and understand civic participation from a local perspective. Later, Tabitha provides language for talking to kids about what we’re seeing on the news and age-appropriate options for participating in political protests.Together, these conversations help turn questions about justice, civic engagement, and activism into meaningful, ongoing discussion with your family.

Key Takeaways:

Tell your children that two truths can exist at the same time.

Participating in democracy goes beyond simply voting once every four years.

Educate yourself to feel more prepared tackling conversations with your kids.

Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know.”

Prepare your kids for demonstrations and protests by starting conversations before leaving the house.

⏱️ Timestamps:

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

Democracy: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/60e70667a5651a3b/9023ffef84efb6c6

Political Protests: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/9e2d5bbe4f9bd18c/8eb065ff420ea02c

Follow Sharon McMahon on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sharonsaysso

Follow Tabitha St. Bernard Jacobs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabithastb

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