Kid them it’s something symbolic (5)
I believe the answer is:
totem
'something symbolic' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'kid them' is the wordplay.
'kid' becomes 'tot' (tot is a kind of kid).
'them' becomes 'em'.
'tot'+'em'='TOTEM'
'it's' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for totem that I've seen before include "charming symbol, say" , "Natural thing adopted as an emblem" , "Primitive object of worship" , "Emblem, maybe on pole" , "Pole used in ritual" .)