Healthy Children
AAP-American Academy of Pediatrics, with Pediatrician Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanc
Welcome to Healthy Children: a podcast for parents from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Each episode features interviews with leading experts on topics that will help you on your parenting journey, like social media and mental health, nutrition from infancy through adolescence, treating common illnesses, and sleep strategies for kids of all ages. Learn about the most important innovations in pediatrics and parenting from the people behind them. So whether you're looking for general information related to your child's health or for more specific guidance on parenting issues, you've come to the right place! Get the inside scoop from pediatricians about how to help children and teens thrive.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 14, 2026 • 23min
Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation: Protecting Your Kids Online – Ep. 68
Dr. Nia Bodrick joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to discuss human trafficking and online exploitation. They go over the scope of the problem, who is most at risk and how social media and online gaming have changed the landscape of human trafficking. They share tips for spotting signs of abuse, and steps parents and caregivers can take when they suspect a child or adolescent in their community is a victim of human trafficking or online exploitation. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Jan 8, 2026 • 25min
Vaccines and Kids: Latest News and Expert Tips – Ep. 67
Dr. Adam Ratner joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to discuss questions parents may have about vaccines. They share the latest measles outbreaks in the U.S. and explain what Canada's loss of measles elimination status might means for families here. You'll learn why school vaccine requirements matter, why the hepatitis B birth dose is so important, how the recommended vaccine schedule is designed to protect children early in life and more. Also hear practical tips for parents who feel hesitant to bring their vaccine questions to their pediatrician. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Dec 18, 2025 • 24min
Raising Boys in the Digital Age: Navigating Online Masculinity Trends – Ep. 66
Dr. Jason Nagata joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to unpack the latest internet trends shaping boys and young men. They dive into looksmaxxing, the manosphere and the influence of pro-masculinity and fitness-driven content. The two explore why boys and young men are drawn to this content, the red flags that signal unhealthy engagement and how parents and caregivers can foster honest, open conversations. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Dec 11, 2025 • 19min
Understanding Eating Disorders in Kids and Teens: Signs, Support & Fostering Healthy Habits – Ep. 65
Dr. Reshma Shah joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about eating disorders and restrictive eating in children and teens. They break down how they differ by age and gender, the signs that your child might be struggling and when it's time to call the pediatrician. Also hear practical tips on how parents can help foster healthy attitudes towards food, seeking treatment and the importance of family meals. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Dec 4, 2025 • 22min
Birth Control Basics for Parents: Methods, Myths and Teen Readiness – Ep. 64
Dr. Elizabeth Alderman joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about birth control. They break down the different methods, how to know if your teen is ready and communication strategies for having honest, open conversations about contraception. Together, they dispel false claims about hormonal birth control and examine how recent restrictions to reproductive health are affecting teens. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Nov 20, 2025 • 28min
Raising Multilingual Kids: Benefits and How to Begin – Ep. 63
Dr. Mariana Glusman joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about multilingualism. They explore the cognitive and social benefits of raising multilingual or bilingual children and how learning multiple languages shapes brain development. They offer practical strategies for introducing new languages, finding playgroups and immersion programs and making the process fun. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Nov 13, 2025 • 29min
Parenting Through Tummy Troubles: What's Normal and What's Not – Ep. 62
Dr. Patrick Reeves joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about common tummy troubles in kids. They go over conditions including viral "stomach bugs," celiac disease and lactose intolerance. They offer practical tips on treating stomach issues at home and share guidance on when parents should take their children to the pediatrician. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Oct 30, 2025 • 14min
Ask the Pediatrician: Picky Eaters, Daylight-Saving Time, Baby Sign Language, Strength Training & More– Ep. 61
Dr. Jennifer Shu joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez for a special "Ask the Pediatrician" episode. They answer questions submitted by listeners on topics including dealing with a picky eater during Thanksgiving dinner, adjusting to the end of Daylight-Saving Time, strength training for teens, the benefits of baby sign language, vaccine safety and more. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Oct 16, 2025 • 18min
Are Food Coloring and Additives Safe for Kids? What Parents Should Know – Ep. 60
Dr. Steph Lee joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to explore the world of artificial food dyes and additives. They break down what these substances are, the common foods they appear in, how the FDA oversees them, and what current research says about their safety. They also share practical tips to help parents make informed, balanced choices when it comes to food additives and artificial dyes in their children's diet. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Oct 9, 2025 • 14min
Trick-or-Treating with Confidence: Halloween Safety Tips for Parents – Ep. 59
Dr. Hailey Nelson joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez for a special Halloween-themed episode. They dive into key safety topics including pedestrian safety during trick-or-treating, selecting costumes that are both festive and functional, and setting boundaries for preteens and teens heading out with friends. They also provide practical tips for managing food allergies and keeping candy consumption in check. Whether your child is 4 or 14, this episode offers practical advice to help families enjoy a safe and healthy Halloween. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
