About this episode
Raising grounded, thoughtful kids in today’s chaotic world is no small task.
In this episode, Emily talks with award-winning journalist and author Melinda Wenner Moyer about her new book, Hello, Cruel World: Science-Based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times.
Melinda shares practical, research-based tools to help parents guide their children through media influence, bias, and the challenges of social media and technology.
It’s a powerful conversation filled with real-world strategies for raising compassionate, critical-thinking kids who can thrive, even when the world feels upside down.
Listen and Learn:
How can parents raise compassionate, resilient kids when the world feels increasingly chaotic and uncertain?
Understanding how bias and polarization form in kids is key to raising thoughtful, inclusive humans
Why kids develop biased thinking and how family conversations can counter social media's influence
How listening to your kids can reduce extremism, build empathy, and shape a better future
Ways to talk with your kid about bias and hate language, even if they don't open up easily
The importance of getting your kids to team up with diverse friends on projects to help them see past biases
Teaching kids media literacy helps them think critically
Research often misrepresents social media harm, but parent-child bonds shape kids’ real tech experience
Managing kids’ tech means by balancing connection, autonomy, and open talks, not just strict rules
Melinda’s hope for parents embracing open talks and respect, shaping a stronger, kinder generation
Resources:
Hello Cruel World!: Science-Based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9780593719367
Melinda’s website: https://www.melindawennermoyer.com/
Melinda’s Substack: https://melindawmoyer.substack.com/
Connect with Melinda on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/melindawmoyer/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/melindawennermoyer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindawennermoyer
Emily’s Substack art
