Hope and Will: A Parenting Podcast from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

When the scrubs come off, many of the people who care for kids in our halls go home to care for their own kids. The same men and women who are whizzes at fixing broken bones and calming pre-surgery jitters are the same ones who go home to get slime out of carpet and claw through calculus homework. In this episode, we pull back the curtain to share our staff’s parenting tips, tricks and honest moments from the frontline of medicine and parenthood. Being parents shapes how we care for patients, and caring for patients shapes how we show up at home. Grab your coffee, even if it’s reheated for the third time, and get ready for a listen that’s equal parts insightful and cathartic. It’s a thoughtful wrap to our third season of this podcast, as well as a heartfelt thank you to the people who care for children in every sense of the word.For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaX @childrensatlFollow Strong4Life:Instagram @wearestrong4lifeFacebook @S4LGACreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Hope and Will: A Parenting Podcast from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, we’re joined by three incredible guests who are raising children with special needs. Together, they help us better understand what life is like for their families and provide insight to help parents harness kids’ natural curiosity and turn it into something positive. They share examples of big and little gestures that go a long way to help their kids feel loved and accepted.Jenn is Mom to Wyatt, who has dwarfism. Nicole is Mom to Ruby, who has Down syndrome. And Neil is Dad to Jack, who is on the autism spectrum and communicates through a tablet.You’ll hear what helps their kids feel supported in everyday settings like schools and sports, and what well-meaning people sometimes get wrong. They share advice for families starting their own special needs journeys, as well as support that makes a real difference for them as parents.Before the panel discussion, you’ll also hear from Dale Spivey, a school social worker, double amputee and former Children’s patient, who reflects on her own childhood and the message her parents taught her early on: When life knocks you down, you turn your foot around and get back up.This heartfelt conversation is an honest look at parenting and the small gestures that help every child feel like they belong.For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaX @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Type 1 diabetes often shows up without warning, and missed symptoms can put a child at serious risk. Parents, teachers, coaches and caregivers all play a role in noticing the early warning signs, like unusual thirst, fatigue and sudden weight loss.In this episode of Hope and Will: A Parenting Podcast from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, we chat with pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Presley Nichols, diabetes educator Alison Higgins and parent guest Megan Bowman. They break down what type 1 diabetes is—and what it isn’t—while sharing practical tips for recognizing symptoms, supporting kids with the condition and creating environments where children can thrive.You might be raising a child with type 1 diabetes, teaching one, babysitting one or coaching one. Or maybe your child shares a classroom, dugout or birthday party circuit with one. Whether you're deep in this world already, or just want to be a more informed adult in an affected child’s life, this episode will give you the knowledge—and the confidence—to be a champion for kids with type 1 diabetes.For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaX @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you have kids, you won’t be surprised to hear that “Is my child getting enough sleep?” and “hours of sleep by age” are top digital search queries.In this episode of Hope and Will: A Parenting Podcast from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, we dive into something that keeps parents up at night—literally. Whether you have a younger child whose nighttime routine somehow morphed from a sprint into a marathon or a teenage night owl, this episode has insight for you. We discuss how much sleep kids need by age and signs a child is getting too little—or too much—sleep. We also take on the topic of sleep-aid supplements like melatonin and magnesium, which seem to be everywhere these days.The episode opens with cathartic insight from two parents who are in the throes of sleep time conundrums, then segues into tips from Dr. Stan Sonu from our Strong4Life team. Dr. Sonu draws from his experience as a pediatrician and a dad to tackle questions he regularly hears from parents. Whether you captain a ship with elementary schoolers, teens or both, this episode offers insight you don’t want to miss.For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaX @childrensatlFollow Strong4Life:Instagram @wearestrong4lifeFacebook @S4LGACreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis 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.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaX @childrensatlFollow Strong4Life:Instagram @wearestrong4lifeFacebook @S4LGACreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaX @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaX @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaX @childrensatlFollow Strong4Life:Instagram @wearestrong4lifeFacebook @S4LGAX @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaX @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaX @childrensatlFollow Strong4Life:Instagram @wearestrong4lifeFacebook @S4LGAX @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis 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.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaX @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis 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.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaX @childrensatlFollow Strong4Life:Instagram @wearestrong4lifeFacebook @S4LGAX @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis 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.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlFollow Strong4Life:Instagram @wearestrong4lifeFacebook @S4LGATwitter @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis 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.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Every time an athlete heads out to a practice or a game, there’s risk for injury. As kids play more frequently and advance to more competitive teams, that risk increases.From tee-ball to swimming to varsity football, the good news is that no matter the age of your child or their preferred sport, there are lots of things you can do to help prevent injuries.In this episode, we open with the personal story of a stand-out high school athlete who was sidelined not once but twice by an ACL tear. We also hear from her pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Crystal Perkins, who serves as Medical Director of Orthopedic Quality and Outcomes at Children’s. An athlete herself, Dr. Perkins knows what it’s like to be taken out of the game you love and why it’s so important to do everything possible to prevent injury.Dr. Perkins tackles parents’ frequently asked questions, such as:Should kids specialize in a single sport early on to increase chances for playing at a collegiate level?What are the most common injuries we see in kids?Are athletes in certain sports more prone to injuries?Do some conditions affect girls more than boys and vice versa?Listeners will leave the episode with increased understanding of the most common risks associated with each sport. You’ll also learn why a pediatric sports medicine program dedicated to growing athletes gives your child the best chance at full recovery should the unfortunate happen. For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Arthur M. Blank Hospital will open Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, at the site of our expanded North Druid Hills campus. If you’ve driven on I-85 or North Druid Hills Road in the past few years, you’ve likely caught a glimpse of its rise. This 19-story, 2 million-square-foot facility is generating lots of buzz with its fleet of robots, cutting-edge technology, more than 20 acres of greenspace, and a slew of fun—and practical—amenities for families.If you’ve ever looked at a large-scale construction site and wondered what went into making such an undertaking possible, this conversation will shine a light on what it takes to take a sapling of an idea and translate it into something really, really big. Whether you’ve walked our halls as a patient family, you wear an employee badge or you’re a Georgia parent curious about how this new facility may support your family in the future, these are 45 minutes you don’t want to miss.   For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Perfectionism. It’s a word that, as a society, we tend to hold in high regard. We associate it with people who are overachievers and have high standards. These individuals appear to have it all together and never seem to make mistakes. All great attributes, right?The challenge is when the standards become unrealistic. Perfectionism is a personality trait in which someone has unreasonably high standards, tends to be overly critical of themselves and fears failure.This episode opens with candid insight from Andy who works as a project manager for our finance team. From a young age, he was driven to excel in the classroom and on the soccer field. From the outside looking in, Andy had it all. He had great relationships with family and friends, he was excelling in his studies at the University of Georgia, and he played on his college soccer team. Meanwhile, he was silently struggling with depression and thoughts of suicide. Thankfully, Andy decided to speak up and ask for help.For Andy, having parents who actively listened and provided a safe, open space to share his feelings made all the difference.The discussion also features tips and insights from Jody Baumstein, a licensed therapist with our Strong4Life team who has a gift for helping families navigate conversations about mental and behavioral health.If you suspect your child—no matter their age—is showing perfectionist tendencies, this is an episode not to miss. Any thoughts of suicide should be taken seriously. Call or text 988 if you or a loved one are experiencing thoughts of suicide, self-harm or any mental health crisis. You can also chat or text for support by downloading the MyGCAL app in the App Store or on Google Play. For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.To learn more about Andy and his story check out this video: Stories of Resilience: How Listening Made All the DifferenceFollow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlFollow Strong4Life:Instagram @wearestrong4lifeFacebook @S4LGATwitter @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode explores the No. 1 topic requested by our listeners: screen time. You might know it as the ultimate love-hate relationship of parenting.  No matter what your thoughts were about screens and electronics before you had kids, they’re an inevitable part of our daily lives. From babies to teens, navigating screen time conversations and setting healthy boundaries can be tricky. The episode opens with a roundtable discussion with moms of kids who range in age from 2 to 14. From withdrawal symptoms to the peer pressures driving phone purchases, they offer raw—and relatable—insight into challenges caused by screens big and small.     We then welcome Stan Sonu, MD, MPH, a pediatrician who serves as our Medical Director for Child Advocacy, to help parents better understand the “why” behind screen time recommendations. He shares tips and resources for maximizing screen time to benefit children academically and emotionally, as well as insight into how screens disrupt brain chemistry and affect our emotional wellness. For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlFollow Strong4Life:Instagram @wearestrong4lifeFacebook @S4LGATwitter @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis 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.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For this episode, we have the honor of being joined by two leaders from Marcus Autism Center who are internationally recognized for thought leadership in the world of autism: Drs. Ami Klin and Warren Jones. They recently published groundbreaking research that stands to change how and when kids are diagnosed with autism by measuring a child's looking behavior. They'll explain what this new technology means for families, as well as why early diagnosis is so important for kids with autism. To kick things off, we hear from Renee Britt, a mom whose son was diagnosed at age 3.By the end of the episode, you'll have a better understanding of what autism is, behaviors parents should watch for if they suspect their child might have autism, and why early diagnosis is a game changer. If you suspect a child you know might be on the spectrum, this conversation is not to be missed. For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis 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.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If parenting had a secret menu, these conditions could get top billing: febrile seizures, nursemaid’s elbow, toxic synovitis, pneumonia, impetigo. These conditions often fly under parental radars—until their sudden arrival sends parents into panic mode. Having a general understanding of these conditions can go a long way in making you feel more prepared as a parent.For this eye-opening episode, we start with a personal story from a mom who was home alone with her kids when her toddler suffered a minutes-long febrile seizure. We then shift to an insightful conversation with Dr. Jim Fortenberry, our beloved Chief Medical Officer, who discusses common but not often talked about conditions kids can experience from infancy through teenage years. You’ll leave the conversation with insight to help you power through such scenarios with more confidence.   For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.