Boston Children's Answers Parentcast

Sports can help children build confidence, resilience, friendships, and lifelong healthy habits. But they can also bring challenges, including injuries, performance pressure, and anxiety. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold talks with Dr. Melissa Christino, orthopedic surgeon and Director, Sports and Mental Skills Research in the Division of Sports Medicine, about the connection between youth spo...

Many parents are surprised to hear their teen may need wisdom teeth removal before they have any pain or symptoms. In this episode of Boston Children’s Answers Parentcast, Dr. Jennifer Arnold talks with Dr. Bonnie Padwa about impacted wisdom teeth, when removal is recommended, and what families should expect before, during, and after oral surgery. In this episode, we discuss: • What are wisdom tee...

Feeding a newborn comes with a lot of questions and opinions. In this episode, Dr. Arnold is joined by Kim Barbas, Director of the Lactation Support Program at Boston Children’s Hospital, to talk through breastfeeding, breast milk, and formula feeding and help parents make informed, confident choices that work for their baby and their family. Topics covered include: Why is breastfeeding often reco...

Clinical trials can feel intimidating, especially for children with rare conditions. In this episode, Dr. Arnold talks with Dr. Rachel Grace, hematologist and researcher at Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Together, they explore how pediatric clinical trials work, the protections in place for children, and what participation means for families, answering questions s...

Stomach pain is one of the most common reasons that children visit their doctor. When it occurs repeatedly, parents may wonder if irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) could be the cause. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold talks with Dr. Beate Beinvogl, pediatric gastroenterologist at Boston Children’s Hospital, about IBS, how it’s diagnosed, and how families can support children in managing symptoms....

When children start skipping meals or suddenly change how they eat, it can be a cause for concern. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold talks with talks with Dr. Tracy Richmond, director of Boston Children’s Eating Disorders Program, about how parents can recognize early warning signs of disordered eating and get help before things escalate. Key questions addressed include: • What are common myths...

Concussions in children can be tricky to recognize, and knowing how to respond can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold talks with Dr. Michael O’Brien, director of Boston Children's Sports Concussion Clinic, explains how concussions happen, signs and symptoms to watch for, and practical steps to help your child recover safely. Whether your child plays sports or just had an accid...

Ticks are tiny, but the worry they bring can feel huge, especially when it comes to Lyme disease. In this episode, Dr. Arnold talks with pediatric neurologist Dr. Molly Wilson Murphy about what every parent should know to keep kids safe while enjoying the outdoors. They cover questions like: • How do I know if my child is at risk after a tick bite? • What are the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease...

When a child struggles to read, parents are often left with more questions than answers. Could it be dyslexia? Will it hold them back? And how can families and schools step in early to help? In this episode, Dr. Arnold sits down with Dr. Margaret Pierce, an oral and written language specialist who diagnoses and supports kids with dyslexia. They unpack what dyslexia really is (and what it’s not), a...

In this moving episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold speaks with Dr. Richard Goldstein, director of the Robert’s Program on Sudden Unexpected Death in Pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital. They discuss the unimaginable experience of losing a child and how families can begin to cope. Dr. Goldstein shares what he’s learned about grief, healing, and staying connected after loss. Together they address the...

In this episode of Boston Children’s Answers ParentCast, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold welcomes Dr. Sharon Levy, pediatric addiction specialist and chief of the Division of Addiction Medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital. Together, they explore the realities of adolescent substance use: how it starts, when it becomes dangerous, and how parents can best support their children.

Season 3, Episode 3: How is vaping hurting kids? Vaping has become alarmingly common among kids and teens—but how much do we really know about its risks? In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold speaks with pulmonologist Dr. Alicia Casey about the dangers of vaping, its effects on adolescent lung health, and what parents need to know to protect their kids. Together, they answer critical questions, inc...

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold is joined by Dr. Margaret Werner, a pediatrician at Boston Children's Center for Healthy Elimination and Bladder Rehabilitation (CHEER) — a program dedicated to nonsurgical urologic issues in kids and teens. Together, they answer important questions about urinary health, including: • How common are urologic issues in kids and teens? • How can parents talk with...

When you think of athletes, you might picture players suited up in football pads, lacrosse gear, or soccer jerseys. However, performing arts athletes — such as dancers, figure skaters, and musicians — lead lives that are at least as physically demanding as those of traditional athletes, and they deserve the same level of specialized care. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold is joined by Dr. Ellen...

Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting children in the United States, and understanding it is key to helping kids live healthy, active lives. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold sits down with Erin Antonellis, a nurse practitioner with Boston Children’s Severe Asthma Program, who shares expert advice and insights about managing asthma in children. Listen or watch this episo...

In this episode of Boston Children’s Answers Parentcast, we focus on a crucial subject for expecting parents: prenatal care. Dr. Jennifer Arnold is joined by nurse Olivia Oppel, the Clinical Coordinator at Boston Children’s Fetal Care and Surgery Center. Together, they provide valuable advice and insights on monitoring fetal development to help expecting parents navigate the journey to parenthood...

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting children and young adults worldwide. But what should you do if your child is diagnosed with diabetes, and how can you best care for them? In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold sits down with Dr. Katherine Garvey, director of the diabetes program and clinical chief for diabetes at Boston Children's Hospital, to explore these questions....

The teenage years can be both exciting and challenging for parents and teens. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold is joined by Dr. Pamela Murray, an attending physician at Boston Children's Hospital's Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine. Together, they dive into the unique healthcare needs of adolescents, answering key questions, including: • What is adolescent medicine? • What age ra...

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold is joined by Boston Children's pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Nora Renthal to to dive into the vital topic of bone health and growth in children. Dr. Renthal explains how to monitor and support a child’s growth, the significance of bone health, and the role of Boston Children’s Bone Health Program in providing comprehensive care. Key questions they answer includ...

It’s a frequent question for parents: Is my baby, child, or teen getting enough sleep? Parents tend to worry regardless of their child’s age, and for good reason — many kids aren’t getting the sleep they need. In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold is joined by Dr. Judith Owens of Boston Children's Sleep Center. Together they delve into the critical importance of sleep for children, share advic...

The rate of childhood obesity has more than tripled since the 1960s, and today obesity affects almost 20 percent of children. A variety of elements play a role in obesity — and sometimes eating healthy and leading an active lifestyle aren’t enough to counteract it. Today, weight loss medications and even bariatric surgery are options for some children diagnosed with obesity. probably even seen com...

You anticipate and celebrate the big moments in your child's life – from their first steps to their high school graduation. But what about the less-obvious milestones, like the last trip to their pediatric doctor and their first visit to an adult provider? Lots of families don't think about these changes until they’re happening — which can lead to gaps in care. Fortunately, proactive planning can...