As technology becomes a bigger part of childhood, parenting in a digital age presents new challenges and risks. From video games and smartphones to social media and AI, digital platforms are giving kids more access than ever while also opening doors for online predators, sextortion and overexposure.

In this episode of Hope and Will: A Parenting Podcast from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, we hear from Traci Hurley and Anne Huegel of the Stephanie V. Blank Center for Safe and Healthy Children at Children’s. The conversation breaks down threats kids face in digital spaces and what parents should watch for, including grooming, risks built into online gaming, how AI can be used to exploit photos and why sexting among teens is more common than many realize.

From privacy settings and parental controls to communication tips that actually work, this episode offers real-world tools for handling tech in the home with more confidence and less stress.

Given the mature nature of topics discussed in this episode, listener discretion is advised. This episode discusses sensitive topics that may not be suitable for kids. Parents are encouraged to listen first and use judgment before sharing with others.

For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.

Follow Children’s:

• Instagram @childrensatl
• Facebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlanta
• X @childrensatl

Follow Strong4Life:

• Instagram @wearestrong4life
• Facebook @S4LGA

Created by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
www.choa.org

This podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.

Rural towns across Georgia are home to special, tight-knit communities that fill vital roles in our state economy. Unfortunately, lack of access to high-quality medical care can make it challenging to raise a healthy family in those communities. Together, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Mercer University School of Medicine are on a mission to change that.

Access to quality healthcare in rural areas affects everyone, whether it’s where a family calls home, where their loved ones reside or where they happen to be when an emergency unfolds.

Of the 159 counties in Georgia, 120 are considered rural and more than half of those rural counties do not have a pediatrician practicing within county lines. When a family needs to travel for healthcare needs, it can disrupt everything from the parents’ work to the child’s education. Important checkups and screenings can be missed, and quick access to quality care in the event of an emergency is another story.

That’s why Children’s and Mercer University School of Medicine announced an initiative to improve access to pediatric medical care closer to home for families in rural Georgia. Two years later, programs are underway to increase the pipeline of pediatricians practicing in rural communities, improve the quality of care in rural hospitals, and expand local access to behavioral and mental health support.

In this episode, we’re joined by three special guests—Dean Jean Sumner of Mercer University School of Medicine; Marc Welsh, Vice President of Child Advocacy at Children’s; and Lauren Brooker, a medical school scholarship recipient who plans to start practicing in 2028. Together, they share unique insight into what’s being done to change the trajectory of kids’ health in rural Georgia—and, more importantly, why such efforts are so important. 

For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.

Follow Children’s:

• Instagram @childrensatl
• Facebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlanta
• X @childrensatl

Created by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
www.choa.org

This podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.

Parents know these panicky moments all too well: a tumble off the couch, a hit on the field, the bonking of heads during a bout of roughhousing. Concussions are more common than many of us realize, and they don’t just happen to athletes.

In this episode, we hear from two parents, Casey and Pete, who each faced scary situations when their kids, a toddler and a teen, experienced head injuries. Their stories kick off a larger conversation with Dr. Andrew Reisner, pediatric neurosurgeon and Medical Director of the Concussion Program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and Dr. Ashley Brouillette, a pediatric sports medicine physician who treats teen athletes and helps guide their recovery.

We talk about signs to watch for, why vomiting can be a warning sign and what “treatment” looks like for a concussion. From sports risks to recovery tips, and even when to consider pulling a child from contact sports, this episode offers a clear, calm look at what parents need to know and do when head injuries happen.

For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.

Follow Children’s:

• Instagram @childrensatl
• Facebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlanta
• X @childrensatl

Created by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
www.choa.org

This podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.

Teens receive hundreds of phone notifications a day. Those notifications aren’t just a distraction—they’re reshaping how kids learn, engage and feel.

In this episode of Hope and Will: A Parenting Podcast from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Lynn talks with Grant Rivera, Ph.D., Superintendent of Marietta City Schools, and Erin Harlow-Parker from our Strong4Life team about a new policy that requires middle school students to lock up their phones and smartwatches during the school day. Two students also join the conversation to share how it’s impacted their focus, friendships and time with family.

Dr. Rivera walks us through what sparked the idea, parameters of the policy and the data coming out of its pilot year. Erin shares insights into the mental health implications of screen time and how families can keep those boundaries going at home.

Whether you're a parent wondering if your kid is ready for a phone or a school leader weighing new policies, this conversation will get you thinking differently about what happens when kids unplug.

For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.

Follow Children’s:

• Instagram @childrensatl
• Facebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlanta
• X @childrensatl

Follow Strong4Life:

• Instagram @wearestrong4life
• Facebook @S4LGA
• X @childrensatl

Created by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
www.choa.org

This podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.

In this episode of Hope and Will: A Parenting Podcast from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, we take a close look at the relentless cycle of flu, RSV and other viruses that have been hitting families hard this season. Kayla Lyons, a mom of two, shares her experience of watching her young daughter battle severe respiratory illness—not once, but twice. She opens up about the warning signs she wishes she had recognized earlier and what she’s doing differently now.

We’re then joined by Dr. Andi Shane, Division Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Children’s, who breaks down why these illnesses seem especially prevalent this season, how they spread and what parents can do to protect their kids. She also tackles the flu and RSV vaccines, the rise of walking pneumonia and the crucial role of hand hygiene.

If you’ve been wondering why your family keeps getting sick and what you can do about it, this episode is packed with memorable insight and actionable tips.

For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.

Follow Children’s:

• Instagram @childrensatl
• Facebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlanta
• X @childrensatl

Created by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
www.choa.org

This podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.

In this eye-opening episode of Hope and Will: A Parenting Podcast from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, we dive into the hidden—yet very serious—dangers of button battery ingestion. Laura Johnson, mom of two, shares the harrowing experience that ensued after her son swallowed a battery that became dislodged from a remote control. We then hear from Dr. Matthew Santore, a pediatric surgeon who serves as Medical Director for Trauma Outcomes at Children’s, who has personally treated more than 100 cases of swallowed batteries. Dr. Santore provides insights into why these incidents are so dangerous, symptoms to watch for and the importance of seeking medical help as quickly as possible. 

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver or simply someone who wants to keep kids safe, this episode is a must-listen.

For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.

Follow Children’s:

• Instagram @childrensatl
• Facebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlanta
• X @childrensatl

Follow Strong4Life:

• Instagram @wearestrong4life
• Facebook @S4LGA
• X @childrensatl

Created by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
www.choa.org

This podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements. 

At Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024 was a day nearly a decade in the making. More than 200 Children’s patients—including several on advanced life support—traveled in a carefully planned caravan of 65 ambulances and made history as the first patients at Arthur M. Blank Hospital. And this was all in the wake of Hurricane Helene unleashing its wrath in the hours leading up to the big move.

Joining Lynn for this insightful conversation are four key figures who played an instrumental role in this historic event: Linda Cole, Alison Bolt, Amanda Grindle and Kristen Cranmer. They share behind-the-scenes stories of the complex logistics, collaborative efforts and unwavering dedication that made Move Day possible.

For a virtual tour of Arthur M. Blank Hospital and to experience the excitement of Move Day, visit www.choa.org/podcasts where you’ll find exclusive videos, photos and more behind-the-scenes content to help you feel like you were part of this historic day.

Follow Children’s:

• Instagram @childrensatl
• Facebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlanta
• X @childrensatl

Created by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
www.choa.org

This podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements. 

When kids enter school-age years, you reach a new stage of parenthood. As fun as it can be to shop for the latest school supplies, it’s also the dawn of a new season—one in which your kids will face challenges you won’t be there to see, and perhaps most challengingly, solve. As parents, you want to say and do the right things to set them up for success, so our goal with this episode is to give you tools and resources to help your kids cope with the anxiety that stems from social and academic pressures in school. 

On this special first episode of Season 3, we’re joined by Jody Baumstein, a licensed mental health therapist from the Children’s Strong4life Team. In the early days of this podcast, Jody joined us for an episode that tackled the broad topic of anxiety, and you, our listeners, let us know you were thirsty for more, especially as it relates to school. 

For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.

Follow Children’s:

• Instagram @childrensatl
• Facebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlanta
• X @childrensatl

Follow Strong4Life:

• Instagram @wearestrong4life
• Facebook @S4LGA
• X @childrensatl

Created by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
www.choa.org

This podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.

When a Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta helicopter flies overhead or a Children’s ambulance zooms past you, you know a child is in need of lifesaving care. Most of us are lucky enough to not know what it’s like on the other side of those doors. For those who have experienced being a passenger inside a Children’s transport vehicle, you know it’s a world where time stands still.  

If you've ever wondered what it's like to be a crew member in one of our helicopters or ambulances, what happens behind the scenes after a call comes in, or what transpires after a transport vehicle arrives at one of our hospitals, this episode will answer all of those questions and more. 

On this special edition of Hope and Will, we’re joined by three members of the Children’s transport and trauma teams–Julie Espinosa, Krystal Harper and Rana Roberts–who share fascinating insight into what it takes to be ready to transport critically ill and injured kids every day of the year. We’re also joined by Dr. Jing Jing Wong Harris and Dr. Kevin Washington whose son was thrust into their care after suffering a head injury while riding an electric scooter. Together, the parents discuss their gripping experience from the back of a Children’s ambulance to critical moments in a trauma bay. 

For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.

Follow Children’s:

• Instagram @childrensatl
• Facebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlanta
• Twitter @childrensatl

Created by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
www.choa.org

This podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements. 

Remember when hoverboards dominated headlines? The skateboard-like toys quickly became popular around the holidays in 2015 and, just as quickly, started landing kids in hospitals with injuries.  

While hoverboards got a lot of attention, there are other ride-on toys—ones that might be in your driveway or garage right now—that regularly land kids in our hospitals and urgent cares, with injuries ranging from minor scrapes and gashes all the way up to serious head injuries. Toys like scooters, mopeds, bicycles and, yes, most especially ATVs and golf carts. 

As the weather warms and families head back outside, this episode seeks to equip you with tips to help keep your family safe and out of our hospital halls.  

With golf carts rising in popularity as a convenient way to commute around neighborhoods and short distances, we open with a story of a family who had used their golf cart daily for years before one quick tap on the brakes resulted in a harrowing flight on our emergency transport helicopter.  

Whether your kids are just now starting to use a balance bike or regularly grabbing the golf cart keys on their own, this episode has something for you. 

For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.

Follow Children’s:

• Instagram @childrensatl
• Facebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlanta
• Twitter @childrensatl

Follow Strong4Life:

• Instagram @wearestrong4life
• Facebook @S4LGA
• Twitter @childrensatl

Created by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
www.choa.org

This podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.