Parentcast

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 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 related to eating disorders?
• How is disordered eating different from an eating disorder?
• What are the different types of eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia?
• What warning signs should parents watch for in children and teens?
• How common are eating disorders, and which children and teens are at higher risk?
• How do social media, gender, and cultural pressures influence the development of eating disorders?
• How can parents talk with their children about food and body image without shaming or stigmatizing?
• Which type of provider should parents reach out to first?
• What kinds of treatment are available?
• What are the potential long-term consequences of untreated eating disorders?
• What research is currently happening in this area?
• What are Dr. Richmond’s “doctor’s orders” for fostering a healthy relationship with food?

Early recognition and intervention can make a real difference. With guidance from experts, parents can help children build healthier eating habits, develop a positive body image, and strengthen overall well-being.

Concussions in children can be tricky to recognize. 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, who 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 accident, this episode gives clear guidance on when to seek care, how to support recovery, and how Boston Children’s helps children return to school, sports, and everyday life.

Key questions addressed include:

• What is a concussion, and how is it different from other brain injuries?
• How common are concussions in children and teens?
• Which sports carry the highest risk for concussion?
• What signs and symptoms should parents look for after an injury?
• Which concussion myths are outdated or incorrect?
• How are concussions diagnosed?
• How does computerized testing (also called baseline testing) aid in diagnosis?
• How are concussions treated and what does recovery look like, including school and screen time? 
• When can an athlete safely return to sports?
• How does Boston Children's care for children with concussions?
• Can helmets and other protective gear prevent concussions?
• What new research is happening in this field?
• What are Dr. O’Brien’s “doctor’s orders” for concussion care?

Successful concussion recovery focuses on three goals: 1) avoiding new collisions until fully healed, 2) minimizing impact on school, and 3) preventing physical, psychological, or social setbacks. The best way to achieve these goals is to have your child evaluated promptly whenever a concussion is suspected.

Ticks are tiny, but the worry they bring can feel huge, especially when it comes to Lyme disease. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer 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?
• Are all ticks dangerous? How can you tell the difference?
• Where are ticks most common, and what outdoor areas require extra caution?
• What are the best ways to protect kids, and yourself, from tick bites?
• How should you do a thorough tick check after being outside?
• What should you do if you find a tick attached to your child?
• How is Lyme disease diagnosed and treated?
• What can happen if Lyme disease isn’t treated?
• Can pets bring ticks into the home, and how can families stay safe?
• What’s new in Lyme disease research?

Spending time outside is important for kids’ health and well-being, but a few simple steps can make it safer: dress appropriately, use repellents, do tick checks, and enjoy the outdoors with confidence.

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. Jennifer 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), and how to ensure kids with dyslexia get the support they need to thrive both academically and emotionally.

You’ll learn:

• What is dyslexia, and why is it so often misunderstood?
• What are the earliest signs, and how do symptoms change with age?
• How does dyslexia impact learning?
• Are some kids more at risk than others?
• What are the most common myths that still persist about dyslexia?
• How are schools screening for dyslexia?
• What kinds of supports might be included in an IEP for a child with dyslexia?
• How does Boston Children’s Learning Disabilities Program supporting kids with learning challenges?
• How does dyslexia impact confidence and emotional health?
• What new research is shaping how we diagnose and treat dyslexia?
• What are Dr. Pierce’s Doctor’s Orders to hep kids diagnosed with dyslexia?

This episode is packed with insights, encouragement, and practical tips for parents who want to help their child build skills and self-confidence on the road to reading.

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 following questions:

• How often does child loss occur in the U.S., and how many of these losses remain medically unexplained?
• What is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?
• Who is most at risk for sudden unexplained infant death?
• How does the loss of a child affect a parent’s identity and emotional well-being?
• What is role of confusion in grief, and how do parents experience it?
• How can friends and family support grieving parents without causing more pain?
• What is prolonged grief disorder?
• How might the grief experience differ between parents and within couples?
• How does the death of a sibling affect surviving children?
• What is the dual process model of grief and how does it help parents cope?
• What are transitional objects of grief?
• How does the Robert’s Program help families?
• What kinds of questions do grieving parents need help answering?
• What emotional and practical resources are available for bereaved families?
• What research is being conducted about unexplained pediatric deaths?

Grief is not something to fix — it's something to carry. Listen to the full episode to hear how parents can move forward while keeping their child's memory alive.

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.

Dr. Levy shares practical advice on prevention, early warning signs, treatment options, and how to foster open, honest communication with teens. This episode is designed to help parents feel informed and empowered to take action if concerns arise. Topics and questions covered include:

• How common is adolescent use of alcohol, drugs, and other substances?
• What is “instrumental use” of substances?
• What defines addiction — and are teens more susceptible than adults?
• What can parents do to help prevent substance use by their teens?
• Is it safe for teens to drink alcohol at home under parental supervision?
• What are potential long-term consequences of substance use during adolescence?
• Does parental disapproval of substance use make a difference?
• What are early warning signs a teen might be using substances?
• How should parents approach a conversation with their teen if they suspect substance use?
• What are risk factors for developing a substance use disorder?
• Are mental health conditions and substance use in teens connected?
• What treatment options are available for teens struggling with substance use?
• What resources and support does Boston Children’s offer for addiction treatment?
• What research is Boston Children’s conducting to better understand and prevent addiction?
• What are Dr. Levy’s “doctor’s orders” for parents concerned about teen substance use?

By staying engaged, setting clear expectations, and creating space for honest conversations, parents can play a powerful role in prevention and early intervention.

In this episode, Dr. Natasha Archer, director of the Sickle Cell Disease Program at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's, joins Dr. Arnold to discuss sickle cell disease (SCD), including diagnosis, management, and even potential cures.

Together they address the following questions:

• What is sickle cell disease?
• How common is SCD, and who is most at risk?
• How is SCD inherited?
• When and how is sickle cell disease diagnosed?
• What are the signs and symptoms of SCD?
• What treatment options are available for sickle cell disease?
• Are gene therapies available for sickle cell disease?
• Is there a cure for SCD?
• What new research offers hope for the future?

Advancements in therapies have led to transformative treatments for many patients diagnosed with SCD, with some patients experiencing significant relief from pain and a renewed quality of life. Listen to the full episode to learn more.

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, including:

• What is vaping?
• How do vape pens work?
• What harmful substances are in vaping products?
• How common is vaping among middle and high school students?
• Why is vaping popular with kids?
• Why is vaping so addictive?
• What are the short- and long-term health risks of vaping?
• Does vaping impact mental health?
• What is vaping associated pulmonary illness and how is it treated?
• What are some warning signs a teen or preteen may be vaping?
• What should parents do if they suspect their child is vaping?
• How can parents effectively talk to their kids about vaping?
• What resources are available to help kids quit vaping?

Talk to your kids early and often about vaping, ensuring they hear the facts from you — not just their friends or social media. If you suspect your child is vaping, reach out to your pediatrician for guidance and next steps.

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 kids about urinary concerns?
• What is good bladder hygiene?
• Why is it important to fully empty your bladder?
• Is there an optimal toileting position for better bladder health?
• What are the key differences between daytime and nighttime wetting?
• What are some common causes of bladder issues in kids and teens?
• What are some bladder irritants that may cause problems?
• What tests help evaluate urinary concerns in children?
• What the signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI)? 
• How do recurrent UTIs impact a child’s health?
• How does CHEER approach treatment?
• What treatment options are available for urinary conditions?
• What research is currently being conducted on pediatric urinary conditions?
• What are Dr. Werner’s “doctor’s orders” for preventing urinary problems in kids?

Urinary health can be a sensitive topic for kids and parents, but knowledge is key to prevention and treatment. Tune in to hear expert insights on supporting your child’s health.

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold speaks with Dr. Mininder Kocher, an orthopedic surgeon. and chief of Boston Children’s Sports Medicine Division. Together, break down the causes, treatments, and prevention strategies for ACL injuries, answering questions such as:

• What is the ACL, and why is it important?
• How do ACL injuries happen in kids?
• Which sports have the highest risk for ACL injuries?
• What are the different levels of severity of ACL injuries?
• What is a tibial spine fracture?
• How common are ACL injuries, and why are they more prevalent now than in the past?
• Why are ACL injuries more common in females?
• What are the symptoms of an ACL injury?
• How are ACL injuries diagnosed?
• How are ACL injuries treated?
• When is surgery required for an ACL injury, and what types of surgery are available?
• What are growth plates and how do they factor into treatment?
• How do you choose a surgeon for ACL repair or reconstruction?
• How does Boston Children’s support patients’ mental health after orthopedic injuries?
• How is pain managed for patients with ACL injuries?
• What steps can young athletes take to prevent ACL injuries?
• At what age should young athletes start taking preventative measures?
• What research is currently being done to address ACL injuries?
• What are Dr. Kocher’s “doctor’s orders” for protecting young athletes from ACL injuries?

Listen now to learn everything you need to know to help your young athlete stay healthy and strong.