(Note: This episode originally ran on September 30th, 2025)

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere — from ChatGPT to TikTok algorithms, AI is transforming childhood, parenting, and everything about how we live today.

Creator and co-host of podcast Life With Machines Baratunde Thurston chats with Elise Hu about the ways we can help kids and ourselves navigate this new technology with curiosity and care. Learn how kids are engaging with AI today, and why adults and grownups need to learn alongside kids rather than just supervise them. By approaching an understanding with humility and setting practical and healthy boundaries with AI, parents can confidently help navigate using AI as a tool, instead of something to stay away from.

Key takeaways for parents:

Compare how kids of different ages use tech, and tailor your guidance to their stage.

Ask your child how information moves among friends, and practice checking before sharing.

Point out where AI shows up in daily life, and invite the child in your life's perspective on it.

Admit what you don’t know, and show curiosity so kids learn alongside you.

Break down AI as a tool, a platform, or a concept, so kids can see its different roles.

⏱️ Timestamps:

Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/227992a4494016f2/b694b2dbd557aa6e

Follow Baratunde Thurston on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baratunde/

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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:

Parenting kids and tweens

Mental health for kids

Talking to kids about racism, identity, and inclusion

Screen time and social media

Puberty, anxiety, and big feelings