In a world where so much is happening, it can be challenging to figure out how we talk to our kids about it. To learn more about how parents, guardians, and educators can start conversations with children about what is going on in the world around them in a gentle, loving, and affirming way, Born This Way Foundation’s Executive Director Maya Enista-Smith talked to community leaders Miry Whitehill and Jennifer Jackson. 

Miry – the founder and executive director of the nonprofit organization Miry’s List – supports families resettling in the United States as refugees, and Jennifer – author of Our World is a Family – wrote a picture book exploring the complicated topic of human migration in a thoughtful way that children can easily understand. Together, Miry, Jennifer, and Maya  provide tools for parents, guardians, and educators on how to talk with children ages 3-10 about world trauma.

We hope this conversation will empower everyone, and especially young people, to participate in making spaces where everyone feels safe, welcome, and that they have a community to lean into.

Check out the podcast below and the transcript here:

Miry Whitehill (She/Her) is the founder and executive director of the award-winning nonprofit organization Miry’s List, which supports families resettling in the United States as refugees, from countries including Syria and Afghanistan. She is mom to Reuben and Sabo, whose curiosity and unending questions led to the writing of Our World Is A Family.

Jennifer Jackson (She/Her) began her career in live theater as a writer, director, and choreographer before transitioning to the page with her first picture book, The Punkydoos Take the Stage. Now, she is thrilled to be sharing a story that’s so close to her heart. Jennifer lives in Los Angeles with her husband and son. Visit her online at jenniferjacksonbooks.com