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Early RisersAuthor: Minnesota Public Radio
George Floyds death was a tragedy and a wake up call expanding a global conversation about race and racism. And young children have been watching it all. So how do we help them make sense of this? Early Risers is a podcast from Little Moments Count and MPR with frank facts, engaging stories and real how-tos for anyone who cares about raising children with a clear-eyed understanding of cultural differences, race and implicit bias. Hosted by Dianne Haulcy of The Family Partnership. Language: en Genres: Kids & Family, Parenting Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Look for the Helpers: Helping Kids Make Sense of a Changing World
Wednesday, 7 October, 2026
When the world feels uncertain, children look to the adults they trust for answers. But what happens when the people children are taught to see as "helpers" don't always make them feel safe? Dianne Haulcy sits down with Emma Swift Lee, director of the Fred Rogers Institute, to explore how caregivers can have honest, age-appropriate conversations about race, fear and safety. Together they discuss why children need truthful answers and how simple, reassuring conversations can help them make sense of difficult events while preserving hope. Inspired by Fred Rogers' work, Emma shares practical strategies for talking with young children about scary news, redefining what it means to be a helper and reminding every child that they are loved, valued and worthy just as they are.GuestEmma Swift Lee is the Director of the Fred Rogers Institute at Saint Vincent College, where she works with educators and caregivers to support the interactions and relationships that help children grow and learn. Emma and her colleagues are continually learning from Fred Rogers' legacy and practical scholarship in child development in order to develop professional learning and community-building opportunities for children's helpers. Before joining the institute, Emma worked at the RAND Corporation as a policy analyst. Her work included research, evaluation and technical assistance for projects in early childhood and K-12 education in both rural and urban settings. She holds an Ed.M. in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University and a B.A. in Psychology from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.Discussion GuideEpisode ResourcesFred Rogers Institute – Practical tools, articles, and videos for helping children navigate difficult conversations, emotions, and challenging current events.Fred Rogers Productions – Parenting resources, free family activities and conversation starters focused on emotions, kindness, empathy and building resilience.Sesame Workshop: See Us Coming Together – Age-appropriate resources that help families talk about race, identity, belonging and community through stories and activities.PBS KIDS for Parents – Activities and conversation starters about feelings, kindness, community and current events.
