Children Deserve Better

Dr. Jasmine Moses

Welcome to Children Deserve Better—the community we all need to raise, teach, and care for children who think critically and value equity, kindness, and justice.  Hosted by Dr. Jasmine Moses—an Anti-bias and Anti-Racist early childhood educator, advocate, toddler mom, and founder of Equity in Bloom—this podcast dares to dismantle harmful structures surrounding children, ditch outdated policies and practices, reimagine what’s possible, and build a more liberated future for every child. The strategies and stories you hear can be applied to anything from your early childhood classroom, homeschool pod, library, or community space, as we explore how to transform childhood into a journey of love, curiosity, and liberation.   And don’t worry, Dr. Jasmine is here to do this work right alongside you—because it’s about time we set out to rethink some of these outdated practices, don’t you think?  Love children? Want to see them thrive? This podcast is for you. Join us for real talk, practical tools, and inspiring stories that challenge the status quo and empower us to create the world our children deserve. All children are our children, and they deserve better.

Episodes

  1. MAY 2

    The Power of Diverse Kid Lit with Dr. Ramona

    On this episode of Children Deserve Better, Dr. Jasmine Moses is joined by Dr.Ramona, the Baby Book Doc, for a powerful conversation about books, representation, and why diverse children’s literature matters for every child. Dr. Ramona is a millennial mom, School Psychologist, and Professor, who is uplifting Black and Brown identities, using storytelling to dismantle systems of oppression, and sharing book joy. Together, they explore how books can affirm children, spark curiosity, support empathy, and help grownups navigate meaningful conversations. In this episode, they discuss: How diverse kid lit helps children build empathy, critical thinking, and connectionWhat adults should look for when choosing inclusive books Why do supporting libraries, authors, and independent bookstores matterHow reading can be an act of resistance, joy, and community careThe importance of modeling a love of books for the children in our livesWhy children and grownups both deserve books that help them feel seen and valuedDr. Jasmine’s New Book!  Find Dr. Ramona’s Work Here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babybookdoc/Substack: https://substack.com/@babybookdocWebsite: https://babybookdoc.com/ Other Resources:  Cindelles Bookstore: https://www.cindellesbookstore.com/ Black Kid Lit Collective: https://www.instagram.com/blackkidlitcollective/ Support the show Find Dr. Jasmine Moses On Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theantibiasece/ Visit Her On The Web: https://www.equityinbloom.com/

    31 min
  2. APR 3

    Grief and Loss with Young Children with Taryn Kaplan

    On this episode of Children Deserve Better, Dr. Jasmine Moses is joined by Mx. Taryn Kaplan, director of Heights Cooperative Preschool, for an honest conversation about grief, loss, and what it means to support children through hard things. Together, they reflect on their own experiences with grief after the loss of people they love and explore the many ways children experience grief, too. They discuss why grief is about more than death, how children experience loss when routines change or people leave, and why adults need to stop shielding children from difficult truths. Mx. Taryn shares what it looked like to navigate the death of their best friend while continuing to support the children in their classroom. Dr. Jasmine Moses reflects on talking with her three-year-old daughter after the death of her mother and what it has meant to grieve alongside her child. This episode is a reminder that children notice more than we think they do. They deserve honesty, support, and space to ask questions. Together, Jasmine and Taryn discuss grieving out loud, the importance of allowing children to see grown-ups express emotion, and why there is no timeline for grief. In this episode, they discuss: Why grief is about loss and change, not only deathHonest, developmentally appropriate ways to talk with children about griefWhy children need to see adults grieve and express emotionHow to support children through grief at home and in the classroomWhy grief has no timeline and why children deserve ongoing supportResources to support the discussionWhere to find Mx. Taryn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hey.mx.taryn/More About Heights Cooperative Preschool:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heightscooppreschool/Website: https://www.heightscooppreschool.org/Resources for Grief and Young Children:  Goodbye: A First Conversation About GriefThe Invisible StringExplaining Death to A Three Year OldHelping Toddlers Cope with Grief and ChangeSupport the show Find Dr. Jasmine Moses On Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theantibiasece/ Visit Her On The Web: https://www.equityinbloom.com/

    43 min
  3. MAR 20

    Freedom Dreaming and Transformative Change with Kisa Marx

    Today on Children Deserve Better, Dr. Jasmine Moses is joined by the amazing Kisa Marx for a conversation that feels especially meaningful, as it was recorded on the very day her book entered the world. Together, they discuss her new book, We Are Who We’re Waiting For: Transformative Change in Early Childhood Education, and what it means to create spaces where children can live, grow, and be seen as their full selves. In this conversation, Kisa shares what freedom dreaming means to her and how it can shape the way adults show up for children in classrooms, homes, and communities. The conversation explores preserving children’s dreams instead of placing adult expectations on them, why changing our minds is necessary if we want to do better for children, and how unlearning is part of the work. They also reflect on the children who are often overlooked, especially the “quiet” children. This episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and think more deeply about the kind of world we want children to grow up in and what it will take from all of us to build it. In this episode, they discuss: Kisa’s new book, We Are Who We’re Waiting ForWhat freedom dreaming means in the context of children and educationThe harm of equating quietness with being “fine” or being a “good child”Changing our minds as part of lifelong learningModeling mistakes, apology, and repair with childrenCommunity care and what it really means to embrace all childrenThe power of storytelling and “saying the quiet part out loud”Where to find Kisa: Substack: Kisa Marx / Function of FreedomInstagram: @iam_still_learningInstagram: @theplaylabfoundationWebsite: https://theplaylabnfpoakpark.org/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/liberated-learning/id1866573493GRAB THE BOOK: We Are Who We’re Waiting For: Transformative Change in Early Childhood Education is available now through Redleaf Press. A 20% discount code is also available using the code: WWWW20 https://www.redleafpress.org/We-Are-Who-Were-Waiting-For-Transformative-Change-in-Early-Childhood-Education-P3172.aspx A reminder from this episode: Read the book, share it, tell somebody about it, and keep putting this work into the hands of people who care for children. Anywhere children are, this conversation matters. Support the show Find Dr. Jasmine Moses On Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theantibiasece/ Visit Her On The Web: https://www.equityinbloom.com/

    52 min
  4. 03/27/2025

    Who Get's To Be A Child?- With Emily Clark, M.Ed.

    In this episode of Children Deserve Better, Dr. Jasmine Moses sits down with Emily Clark, M.Ed.—researcher, early childhood advocate, and founder of EarlyEdEM.com—to unpack the idea that childhood is not as universal as we often believe.  Together, they explore how systems like racism, poverty, policing, and flawed education policies deny many children the right to a full and free childhood. From adultification to inequities in universal pre-K, this conversation challenges listeners to reimagine childhood as a right—not a privilege—and offers practical ways adults can begin shifting their practices to center children's rights, agency, and joy. A Few Highlights That Are Explored In This Episode:   Why childhood isn't universal—and never has been How race, class, and policy shape who gets to “just be a kid” The adultification of Black and Brown children The myth of universal pre-K and the need for reparation-based funding The vital importance of play as a human right  You’ll walk away with critical reflections and tangible ways to fight for a world where all children are protected, nurtured, and free. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Jasmine: 💻 Website:www.equtyinbloom.com 📸 Instagram: @theantibiasece 🌱 Follow Emily Clark 🔗 Website: www.earlyedem.com 📸 Instagram: @earlyedem 🎤 Catch Emily presenting at the Association for Early Learning Leaders (April) and Zero to Three’s Annual Conference (October)Support the show Find Dr. Jasmine Moses On Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theantibiasece/ Visit Her On The Web: https://www.equityinbloom.com/

    26 min
  5. 03/11/2025

    Where Do We Go From Here?

    Welcome to the first episode of Children Deserve Better. The world feels heavy right now—children’s rights are under attack, policies are being designed to harm marginalized communities, and the sheer amount of injustice can make it feel impossible to know where to start.  That feeling of overwhelm? It’s by design. The people in power want us too tired to fight back. But here’s the truth: we are not powerless. We are not alone. And we can't back down. In this episode, Dr. Jasmine Moses breaks down what’s happening, why it matters, and how we can take meaningful action. Drawing from the wisdom of Black feminist thinkers, she reminds us that justice is love in action, that small steps still create impact, and that sustaining ourselves in this work is just as important as the work itself. This is more than a conversation—it’s a call to action. Key Takeaways: The systems harming us are intentional, but so is our resistance.Justice is an act of love—fighting for children’s rights is a form of deep care.We don’t have to do everything, but we must do something—focus on 2-3 areas where you can make an impact.Self-preservation is part of the work; we cannot pour from an empty cup.Revolution is ongoing—it’s not a one-time event, but a commitment to sustained action.Stay Connected 📢 Subscribe to Children Deserve Better wherever you listen to podcasts. 📖 Want more guidance on how to raise and teach socially conscious children? Download my guide to get actionable steps and resources to help you in this work.  www.buymeacoffee.com/theantibiasece/e/375726 📺 Watch on YouTube – Subscribe Here:  https://www.youtube.com/@EquityInBloom/videos 📲 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @theantibiasece 💻 Visit www.equityinbloom.com for resources and community support for raising and teaching socially conscious children. Support the show Find Dr. Jasmine Moses On Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theantibiasece/ Visit Her On The Web: https://www.equityinbloom.com/

    25 min
4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to Children Deserve Better—the community we all need to raise, teach, and care for children who think critically and value equity, kindness, and justice.  Hosted by Dr. Jasmine Moses—an Anti-bias and Anti-Racist early childhood educator, advocate, toddler mom, and founder of Equity in Bloom—this podcast dares to dismantle harmful structures surrounding children, ditch outdated policies and practices, reimagine what’s possible, and build a more liberated future for every child. The strategies and stories you hear can be applied to anything from your early childhood classroom, homeschool pod, library, or community space, as we explore how to transform childhood into a journey of love, curiosity, and liberation.   And don’t worry, Dr. Jasmine is here to do this work right alongside you—because it’s about time we set out to rethink some of these outdated practices, don’t you think?  Love children? Want to see them thrive? This podcast is for you. Join us for real talk, practical tools, and inspiring stories that challenge the status quo and empower us to create the world our children deserve. All children are our children, and they deserve better.

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