Boston Children's Answers Parentcast

Boston Children's Answers Parentcast

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.

Episodes

How can families navigate sickle cell disease?

April 29, 2025 • 21 mins
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How is vaping hurting kids?

March 27, 2025 • 27 mins
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 ...
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Do some kids have urinary challenges beyond toilet training?

February 27, 2025 • 25 mins
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 urina...
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Could my child be at risk for an ACL injury?

January 30, 2025 • 37 mins
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Are performing artists athletes, too?

December 30, 2024 • 36 mins
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 Bos...
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How will asthma impact my child's life?

November 29, 2024 • 36 mins
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 episode to learn: • Wh...
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What should I know about prenatal care?

October 29, 2024 • 30 mins
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 with confidenc...
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How is diabetes managed in children?

September 30, 2024 • 38 mins
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. Together, they ...
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Should my teen be seeing an Adolescent Medicine Specialist?

August 28, 2024 • 23 mins
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 range does adolesc...
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How important is bone health for growing kids?

July 31, 2024 • 33 mins
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 include: • How can ...
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How can I help my child sleep better?

June 26, 2024 • 39 mins
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 advice for families,...
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Is weight loss medication an option for my teen?

May 29, 2024 • 28 mins
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 commercials for pop...
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When should I transition my child to an adult provider?

April 29, 2024 • 29 mins
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 help make the tran...
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How is each autistic person unique?

March 28, 2024 • 36 mins
Many people have heard of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but not everyone really understands it. The saying goes “If you’ve met one person with autism, then you’ve met one person with autism,” meaning that it presents itself in many different ways. In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold discusses the nuances of ASD with Dr. Sarah Spence, a pediatric neurologist and co-director of Boston Children's Autism Spectr...
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How can I make dentist visits less scary for my child?

February 29, 2024 • 28 mins
Dental visits can be daunting for children, often causing fear and apprehension, which adults can also relate to. However, there are effective strategies available to parents and dentists to ease these anxieties and prepare children for their time in the dental chair. In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold discusses how to alleviate dental anxiety with Dr. Elaine Smyth, a pediatric dentist at Boston Children'...
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How can I encourage healthy eating habits for my child?

January 31, 2024 • 32 mins
In a world filled with what people commonly call "kid food" – typically meaning highly processed and low nutrient options like boxed mac 'n cheese or chicken nuggets – it is important to help your kids establish healthy eating habits. In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold discusses the importance of a balanced, nutritious diet with licensed clinical nutrition specialist Carolina Ruiz-Valenzuela. Together...
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How is gene therapy transforming pediatric health care?

December 21, 2023 • 42 mins
Genes provide information/instructions that influence everything about you and your child, from the color of your eyes to the intricate functioning of your body. When a gene is missing or doesn’t work correctly, it can lead to various health issues. Enter gene therapy — a revolutionary technique that uses a person’s genes to treat or even cure diseases. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold talks with Dr. Christine...
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How can child life specialists support your family?

November 30, 2023 • 27 mins
Did you know there is a dedicated team within some hospitals whose sole mission is to make the experience the best it can be for your family? Join host Dr. Jennifer Arnold in a conversation with Caitlin McGowan, a member of Boston Children’s Child Life Services Department. In this episode, they delve into the invaluable support provided by child life specialists, addressing key questions such as: • How do child...
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How do I support my child with ADHD?

October 26, 2023 • 33 mins
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects the ability to pay attention and regulate impulse control. If your child has ADHD, they’re not alone: It is the most common neurodevelopmental condition in childhood, affecting up to seven percent of school-aged kids. In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold talks with Dr. Anne Arnett, a scientist in Boston Children’s Division of Developmental Medicine. To...
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How important is exercise for a child’s heart, body, and mind?

October 20, 2023 • 38 mins
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