Podcast
Boston Children's Answers Parentcast
Hosted by Boston Children's Hospital · EN
The Boston Children’s Answers Parentcast is where the world comes for answers. For families who want to know a little bit about everything when it comes to raising healthy kids, we’re ready to help! Join our host, Dr. Jennifer Arnold — a neonatologist, mom, and former star of the show The Little Couple, as she guides us through each topic. Hear from Boston Children’s experts as they share insight and tips for navigating the common concerns parents might have when it comes to their child’s wellbeing. From injury prevention to managing chronic pain to mental health challenges, we’ve got you covered.
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
What is dyslexia, and why is it often misunderstood?
Jul 31, 2025Tap to summarizeWhen 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), 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 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 support 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 help 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.
Transcribe →How do I cope with the loss of my child?
Jun 27, 2025Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →How risky is teen alcohol and drug use—could it lead to addiction?
May 30, 202500:33:52Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →How can families navigate sickle cell disease?
Apr 29, 202500:21:31Tap to summarizeNo description available
Transcribe →How is vaping hurting kids?
Mar 27, 202500:27:11Tap to summarizeSeason 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, including: • What is vaping, and how do these devices 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 for kids? • What are the short- and long-term health risks of vaping? • How does vaping impact mental health? • What are some warning signs that a child may be vaping? • What is vaping associated pulmonary illness and how is it treated? • How can parents effectively talk to their kids about vaping? • What should parents do if they suspect their child is 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.
Transcribe →Do some kids have urinary challenges beyond toilet training?
Feb 27, 202500:25:24Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →Could my child be at risk for an ACL injury?
Jan 30, 202500:37:59Tap to summarizeNo description available
Transcribe →Are performing artists athletes, too?
Dec 30, 202400:36:10Tap to summarizeWhen 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 Geminiani, a Boston Children’s sports medicine physician and Team USA physician for U.S. Figure Skating, to explore the world of performing artist athletes. Together, they answer critical questions, including: • What does it mean to be a performing artist athlete? • How do their demands differ from those of traditional sports athletes? • What challenges do they face, such as body image concerns and nutrition issues? • What is relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs), and how can it affect these athletes? • What is Boston Children’s Performing Artist Athletes Program, and how does it support this population? • Who is part of the multidisciplinary care team in this program? • What can performing artist athletes do to prevent injuries, and what injuries are most common in this group? • What research is being done to improve care for performing artist athletes? • What are Dr. Geminiani’s “doctor’s orders” for families supporting performing artist athletes? Performing artist athletes undergo rigorous physical demands that make them no less than sports athletes. Proper training, preparation, and care are essential not only for avoiding injuries but also for achieving long-term success. Listen in as we uncover the intersection of the arts, athletics, and medicine, and learn how Boston Children’s is helping performing artist athletes reach their full potential.
Transcribe →How will asthma impact my child's life?
Nov 29, 202400:36:45Tap to summarizeAsthma 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 episode to learn: • What is asthma? • How do asthma symptoms vary in severity among children? • How common is asthma in children? • What causes asthma in kids? • What are the typical symptoms of asthma? • What are the signs of an asthma attack? • How can you help prevent asthma attacks? • How is asthma diagnosed? • How does asthma differ from reactive airway disease? • What are the available treatment options for asthma? • What is SMART therapy? • What kind of specialists treat asthma at Boston Children’s? • What is Boston Children’s Severe Asthma Program? • What research is being done to improve asthma care for children? • What is Boston Children’s Community Asthma Initiative? • Can children with asthma safely participate in sports? Whether you're navigating an asthma diagnosis for the first time or looking for the latest treatment options and prevention strategies, this episode offers expert guidance to help your family. Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes focused on supporting your child’s health and well-being.
Transcribe →What should I know about prenatal care?
Oct 29, 202400:30:29Tap to summarizeIn 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 with confidence. Listen or watch the episode for answers to questions like: • What is prenatal screening? • What types of prenatal tests are available? • What can an ultrasound detect, and what are the different ultrasound levels used? • When can parents first see the fetus's anatomy during a prenatal scan? • When are abnormalities typically detected in prenatal testing? • Which prenatal tests involve more detailed procedures? • When do genetic counselors typically get involved to discuss possible genetic testing? • What factors should parents consider when choosing which prenatal tests to undergo? • If something unusual is found during prenatal screening, what are the next steps for parents? • What is a maternal fetal medicine specialist? • What forms of advanced imaging can help diagnose fetal issues in utero? • Can some conditions be treated in utero? • Who makes up the multidisciplinary care team at Boston Children’s Fetal Care and Surgery Center? • How does the team plan for delivery and post-birth care? • Does Boston Children’s Fetal Care and Surgery Center collaborate with obstetric hospitals? • What innovations are advancing the field of fetal surgery and medicine? Whether you’re expecting or know someone who is, this episode offers expert insights into how to navigate the excitement and unknowns of pregnancy with confidence and care.
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