Podcasts | Answers: Kids' Health

We all have times in life when we feel anxious. For your child it could be worrying about a test, fitting in socially, or a life event like moving. When the anxiety is uncontrollable or starts to impact their daily life, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. In fact, anxiety is one of the most diagnosed mental health concerns in children.

In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold discusses anxiety with Dr. Erica Lee, an attending psychologist at Boston Children's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

Together, they share advice for families and answer questions such as:

• What causes anxiety?
• What anxiety disorders are most common in childhood?
• Are some people more prone to anxiety than others?
• How does a parent identify if their child is experiencing anxiety?
• How is anxiety treated in kids and teens?
• How do you decide if your child needs treatment?
• What are the risks if anxiety is left untreated?
• What should parents consider when choosing a therapist for their child?

It’s equally important to care for your child’s mental and physical health. And there are tools to help your child if they are experiencing anxiety, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Young athletes — and their families — want to succeed at their sport. Many believe that if they put all their focus into one area, they’ll be more likely to achieve their athletic dreams, but that isn’t always the case.

In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold talks about sports specialization with Dr. Michael Beasley, a physician in Boston Children's Sports Medicine Division and a team physician at Northeastern University and UMass Boston.

Together, they share practical advice for families and answer questions such as: 

• What are some of the overall benefits of sports?
• What is sports specialization, and why has it become so popular with young athletes?
• How does puberty impact sports specialization?
• Are there physical and mental risks to sports specialization?
• What are some of the long-term risks of sports specialization?
• What research is underway to help prevent sports injuries?
• How can athletes prevent concussions, and how has concussion management changed?

Participating in sports and exercising offer many benefits, regardless of your child’s age. However, it's important that young athletes give themselves the time they need to rest and don't lock into any single sport too early.

Acute pain can be helpful: It tells us when there is a problem in our body. However, chronic pain is different and may negatively affect a child’s daily life and happiness.

In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold talks with special guest Dr. Christine Greco, Division Chief of Pain Medicine at Boston Children’s Pain Treatment Center. Together, they offer practical advice and answers to questions like:

• What does it mean to have chronic pain?
• What are the different types of chronic pain?
• How is chronic pain treated?
• Is there a connection between stress and chronic pain?
• What are some of common myths about chronic pain?
• What research is underway about chronic pain?

Overall, chronic pain can be managed. Don't be afraid to ask for help, especially when that pain impedes your child's ability to do what they like to do.

In this digital age, many parents struggle with how to manage their child's time online using social media, gaming or watching videos. In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold talks with special guest Dr. Michael Rich, Director of the Digital Wellness Lab and the Clinic for the Interactive Media and Internet Disorders at Boston Children's Hospital. Together they offer practical advice and answers to questions like:

• Is there a specific age that is best for a parent to give their child a phone or social media?
• How can parents set boundaries when it comes to screen time?
• When should parents use parental controls?
• How much time is too much for your child to be spending online?
• How do parents keep their kids from getting involved in the dangerous viral challenges on social media?

Overall, parents need to know that they already have the parenting skills they need. They just have to step into the digital space where their children spend so much time with confidence and competence.

Whether you’re a new parent or just ready to make a change, choosing a pediatrician is one of the most important decisions you can make for your family’s health. In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold chats with special guest Dr. Valentine Esposito, a physician at Boston Children’s Primary Care Center and the Martha Elliot Health Center, to get answers to questions like:

• What are some of the logistical considerations in choosing a pediatrician?
• Who should parents talk with for word-of-mouth recommendations?
• How important is a provider’s communication style?
• Is telehealth something to ask about?
• How do you address mental health when choosing a provider?

Ultimately, every pediatrician wants you to find the right fit for your family. If you’re worried you didn't choose the ideal pediatrician, keep looking — it’s never too late to make a change.