Boston Children's Answers Parentcast

Latest Episodes:

Does My Child Have a Concussion? Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

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 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 • Which concussion myths are outdated or incorrect?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.

How can I protect my child from ticks and Lyme disease? Aug 22, 2025

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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? • 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 wellbeing, but a few simple steps can make it safer: dress appropriately, use repellents, do tick checks, and enjoy the outdoors with confidence.

What is dyslexia, and why is it often misunderstood? Jul 31, 2025

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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), 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.

How do I cope with the loss of my child? Jun 27, 2025

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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.

How risky is teen alcohol and drug use—could it lead to addiction? May 30, 2025

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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.

How can families navigate sickle cell disease? Apr 29, 2025

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How is vaping hurting kids? Mar 27, 2025

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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, 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.

Do some kids have urinary challenges beyond toilet training? Feb 27, 2025

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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.

Could my child be at risk for an ACL injury? Jan 30, 2025

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Are performing artists athletes, too? Dec 31, 2024

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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 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.