Boston Children's Answers Parentcast

The physical effects of eczema — such as dry, itchy skin — are usually obvious to parents and kids alike. But how does this skin condition affect a child emotionally? In this episode of Boston Children’s Answers Parentcast, Dr. Jennifer Arnold sits down with psychologist Jennifer LeBovidge, PhD, to learn more about the emotional impact of living with eczema, including stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem. They also discuss coping strategies and the importance of emotional support alongside physical treatment.

Bullying is more than just kids being mean. It can affect a child's mental health, confidence, relationships, and even their willingness to go to school. But how do you know when teasing has crossed the line into bullying, and what should you do if your child is the one being targeted? In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold talks with Dr. Peter Raffalli, director of Boston Children's Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention Advocacy Collaborative (BACPAC), about how parents can recognize the signs of bullying, respond with confidence, and help children feel safe and supported at school and online.

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.

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.