Boston Children's Answers Parentcast

Boston Children's Hospital

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.

  1. Jul 30

    My child is using AI a lot. Should I be worried?

    Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday life for children and teens. Many students now use AI tools like ChatGPT for homework, studying, writing, and answering questions, while others are encountering AI through social media, chatbots, and virtual companions. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold talks with Dr. Michael Rich, director of the Digital Wellness Lab and the Clinic for Interactive Media and Internet Disorders, about how kids are using AI, the benefits and risks of these technologies, and how parents can help children use AI safely and responsibly. In this episode, you'll learn: · What is artificial intelligence, and how does it work? · How are kids and teens using AI in their everyday lives? · How can parents help children use AI without losing critical thinking skills? · Can AI provide inaccurate information? · How can families teach kids to fact-check AI-generated content? · What are AI companions, and why are some experts concerned about them? · Can AI affect a child's development? · Could AI make it harder for kids to develop problem-solving and coping skills? · Can using AI affect creativity, learning, or problem-solving skills? · When should parents be concerned about their child's AI use? · How can parents talk with their children about AI in a productive way? · What are deepfakes, and how can they impact children and teens? · How can parents help kids recognize misinformation, disinformation, and manipulated content online? · How are schools responding to AI in the classroom? · How can families create healthy expectations around AI and technology use? AI is not going away, and experts agree that fear isn't the answer. Instead, this episode explores how parents can help children become thoughtful, responsible users of AI while continuing to develop the creativity, judgment, critical thinking, and human connections they need to thrive. Families will come away with practical strategies for navigating AI together and helping kids use these powerful tools in ways that support learning and growth.

  2. Jun 30

    What should parents know about sports, injuries, and mental health?

    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 sports and mental health, and how families can support young athletes through both the highs and the setbacks. In this episode, you'll learn: How do sports injuries affect a young athlete's mental health? Why can an injury feel devastating for some young athletes? What is athletic identity, and why does it matter for children and teens? What signs should parents watch for when their young athlete is struggling emotionally? How can injuries contribute to anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges? Why are ACL injuries and other long-term injuries especially difficult for young athletes? How can parents support a child recovering from a sports injury? How can athletes stay connected to their team and sport during recovery? What concerns athletes have when returning to play? How do clinicians evaluate whether an athlete is mentally ready to return to sports? Can youth sports create stress and mental health challenges even when an athlete isn't injured? How can parents help athletes manage pressure from competition, recruiting, scholarships, and performance expectations? How can families help prevent burnout in young athletes? What is sports behavioral health, and how can it help young athletes? What is the difference between sports psychology and mental skills coaching? What does current research tell us about the connection between youth sports, injuries, and mental wellbeing? Whether your child is recovering from an injury, navigating the pressures of competitive sports, or simply trying to balance athletics with everyday life, this episode offers practical advice for supporting their physical and emotional wellbeing. Parents will learn how to recognize when an athlete may be struggling and how to help them stay healthy, resilient, and connected to the sports they love.

  3. May 28

    Does my teen really need their wisdom teeth out?

    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 teeth, and why do teens have them? • Why do wisdom teeth become impacted? • Does every teen need wisdom teeth removal? • Why do wisdom teeth sometimes need to be removed even if they are not causing pain? • When do most teens have their wisdom teeth removed? • How long can families wait before scheduling wisdom teeth removal? • What happens during wisdom teeth surgery? • What is wisdom teeth recovery like for teens? • Are there situations where wisdom teeth do not need to be removed? If your family is trying to decide whether wisdom teeth removal is necessary, this episode offers practical guidance to help parents better understand the process and recovery.

  4. Apr 30

    Is there a better way to care for children with medical complexity?

    Boston Children's Answers Parentcast

  5. Jan 30

    How should I feed my baby?

    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 recommended? How does breast milk support infant nutrition, immunity, and gut health? How can breast milk benefit medically complex babies? What are the benefits of formula feeding? What are common myths and misconceptions about breastfeeding? How long do experts recommend breastfeeding? What is colostrum, and why is it important? What are the most common breastfeeding challenges, and how can they be addressed? What tools and resources can help parents succeed with breastfeeding? What challenges can come with formula feeding? How does Boston Children’s Hospital support families with lactation and feeding needs? What rights do parents have when it comes to breastfeeding and pumping? How should breast milk be stored safely at home and on the go? What current research is shaping how we understand infant nutrition? Feeding a baby is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Whether families choose breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination of both, the goal is to support the health and well-being of the baby and the family.

  6. 12/30/2025

    Could a clinical trial help my child?

    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 such as: • What is a clinical trial, and how does it fit into pediatric research? • How are clinical trials different for children compared with adults? • Why is it important to study children separately from adults? • What protections are in place to keep children safe in clinical trials? • What are the different phases of a clinical trial, and why does each matter? • Why are multicenter trials important in pediatric research? • What myths or misconceptions exist about clinical trials in children? • How might participating in a clinical trial benefit my child? • What are the possible risks of participating in a clinical trial? • How does care provided as part of a clinical trial differ from routine clinical care? • How do researchers determine whether a child is eligible for a clinical trial? • How can families find clinical trials their child may be eligible for? • What practical steps can parents take to prepare their child for a trial? • What are Dr. Rachel Grace’s Doctor’s Orders related to clinical trials? Clinical research drives medical progress and participating can help improve outcomes for all children. Always consult your child’s health care provider before making decisions about medical care or trial participation.

  7. 11/26/2025

    Could my child’s stomach pain be IBS?

    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. Key questions addressed include: • What are disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI)? • What is IBS, and how does it affect children and teens? • How common is IBS in children and teens? • What symptoms should parents watch for? • How do doctors diagnose IBS? What tests are typically needed? • What causes IBS? • What are the treatment options available for children and teens diagnosed with IBS? • When should families see a specialist? • How is IBS treated at Boston Children’s? • What research is currently underway on pediatric IBS? • What are Dr. Beinvogl’s “doctor’s orders” for managing IBS? With early evaluation, consistent routines, and the right support, children with IBS can live well, stay active, and feel better.

  8. 10/30/2025

    Are my child’s eating habits a sign of something serious?

    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 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.

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About

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.

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