Kids Health Info
Based on the popular RCH Kids Health Info fact sheets, this podcast explores common topics and concerns with experts in children's health from The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. It is funded by the Good Friday Appeal and provides reliable health information for parents and caregivers.
Episodes
Home safety with a new baby
Bringing a new baby home is an exciting time, but it also comes with a whole new set of safety considerations. From burns, choking and preventing falls to creating a safe home environment, many parents wonder what they need to know to keep their baby safe as they grow and develop.
In this episode, our host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by paediatrician Dr Warwick Teague as they take listeners
Head shape and your baby
As babies grow and develop, parents often have questions about whether their child is growing as expected and what changes are normal. Concerns about head shape, growth charts and development are common, and it can be difficult to know when reassurance is enough and when to seek advice.
In this episode, Dr Anthea Rhodes speaks with paediatrician Dr Lisa Barrows about to unpack questions tha
Sleep in the first year
From the moment your baby is born, sleep becomes one of the most talked-about topics for parents. But when sleep doesn’t go to plan – which is very common in the first year – it can leave parents feeling exhausted, worried and unsure about what’s normal.
It’s common to have questions and challenges around sleep during your baby’s first year of li
Crying, colic and comforting
All babies cry, but some cry more than parents expect. When crying feels relentless, it's easy to feel worried, frustrated or overwhelmed.
In this episode, Dr Anthea Rhodes speaks with paediatrician Dr Tammy Goldwasser about crying, colic and comforting during a baby's first year. They discuss why babies cry, share helpful ways to settle your baby, advise when paren
Feeding in the first year
From the very first feed, parents are creating the beginning of a lifelong relationship with food for their baby. But when feeding doesn’t go to plan – which it often doesn’t, parents can start to feel overwhelmed in navigating the challenges that arise. If you’re struggling to get feeding sorted, you certainly aren’t alone.
It’s commo
Common infant illnesses
For new parents, the experience of having your tiny baby come down with an illness can feel incredibly overwhelming.
In this episode our host, Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Dr Danni Bao, a Paediatrician and Emergency Department doctor to help parents better understand what is common versus what might be cause for concern in the first year of lif
Why vaccination matters for your baby
It can feel like there are so many things to check off the to-do list when a new baby arrives. Getting your baby's immunisations sorted can feel like just another thing on the list, however immunisation is vital to ensure they have the best possible start to life. It’s also something that we know parents have a lot of questions about.
In this ep
The 2026 flu update with Dr Nigel Crawford
Flu season is here again and to unpack some of the myths and confusion about the flu, our host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by paediatrician and immunisation specialist, Dr Nigel Crawford. With the latest release of The Royal Children’s Hospital National Child Health Poll finding that a quarter of parents (29%) are unaware that healthy children can get seriously unwell with the flu, it is more impor
Sleep and Behaviour with Dr Matt Bisset
We all know how it feels to not get enough sleep. We’re grumpy, irritable and simply not our best selves. As an adult it’s easy to describe, but what about when kids don’t get enough sleep? In this episode, host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by clinical psychologist Dr Matt Bisset to unpack the powerful link between sleep, emotions, and behaviour in children.
Learn how sleep needs change across ch
Big feelings in little people with Dr Tamera Clancy
Why do young children feel their emotions in such big and dramatic ways, and how can parents support them through those overwhelming moments? In this episode, host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by clinical psychologist Dr Tamera Clancy to explore emotional development in the early years.
Learn why toddlers and preschoolers experience emotions so intensely, what’s happening in their brains as they
Autism and neurodiversity with Dr Toby Rheinberger
What does autism look like in children, and how can parents better understand neurodiversity? In this episode, host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by developmental paediatrician Dr Toby Rheinberger to explore the many ways autistic traits can present across childhood.
Discover how autism may show up at different ages, what strengths and challenges can accompany neurodivergence, and how families can
Teens and food
Ever wondered if your teen needs supplements, protein powders or other special dietary tweaks? This episode pulls together the information you need.
Getting teens to consume a balanced and nutritious diet isn’t always easy. They might be going straight to sport after school with little time to eat or they could be snacking before dinner and not so interested in the nutritious meal you’re servin
Could it be anxiety? with Dr Grace McMahon
Have you ever wondered if your child could be showing signs of anxiety? Anxiety can show up in many ways for children and in this episode our host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by clinical psychologist Dr Grace McMahon to unpack these symptoms.
Learn about the ways in which anxiety can show up for children at different ages and stages, what might be driving it, and how parents can navigate anxiety
ADHD and attention challenges with Dr Bernice Dodds
If you’ve ever found yourself thinking “I’m not sure my child is reaching their full potential”, you might be one of the many parents who is concerned about attention challenges.
In this episode our host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Clinical Neuropsychologist Dr Bernice Dodds to unpack the experiences of families who might be navigating an ADHD diagnosis or other attention challenges. Learn ab
ADHD and attention challenges with Dr Bernice Dodds
If you’ve ever found yourself thinking “I’m not sure my child is reaching their full potential”, you might be one of the many parents who is concerned about attention challenges.
In this episode our host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Clinical Neuropsychologist Dr Bernice Dodds to unpack the experiences of families who might be navigating an ADHD diagnosis or other attention challenges. Learn ab
The good enough parent with Dr Caitlyn Gourlay
Parents often feel like they need to be everything to everyone and do it all perfectly. This can be overwhelming as it is but add medical complexities or behavioural challenges and stress can reach boiling point.
In this episode our host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Clinical Psychologist Dr Caitlyn Gourlay to explain what it means to be a ‘good enough parent’ and what your kids really need from
Nicotine and your teen
Australian teens learn about the dangers of smoking in the classroom, but is there an extra role for parents to play?
In this episode of the Kids Health Info podcast, our host, Dr Anthea Rhodes, is joined by Respiratory Specialist, Dr Moya Vandeleur, to explain the facts about nicotine that parents need to know.
Exploring the challenges that parents face in having conversations with their teens
When fever leads to seizure: Febrile convulsions
Few things are more frightening for a parent than seeing their child have a seizure — especially when it’s unexpected and linked to a fever. In this episode, host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Emergency Department doctor Sandy Hopper to help parents understand febrile seizure. They explain what febrile seizures are, why they happen, how common they are, and what parents should do if their child ex
Social media restrictions have arrived – now what?
The social media delay is now in place and Australian teens aged under 16 will no longer be able to access some online platforms. But now what? How can parents support their teens through this transition and what else should they be doing to make sure their children can thrive in an increasingly online world? Host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Paul Clark, Executive Manager, Education Prevention an
Sun safety myths uncovered
Sunscreen has been in the spotlight over the past few months, making it tough for parents to know what products they can trust to keep their kids safe.
In this bonus episode of the Kids Health Info podcast, our host, Dr Anthea Rhodes, is joined by Dr Susan Robertson, Director of Dermatology at The Royal Children’s Hospital to unpack some of the mystery surrounding sun protection.
Exploring ways
Thunderstorm asthma: why it happens and how to prepare
Thunderstorms and asthma might seem like an unlikely pair — but for some children, stormy weather can trigger sudden and severe breathing problems. In this episode, host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Emergency Department specialist Dr Tristan Harding to unpack the phenomenon of thunderstorm asthma. They explain what it is, why it happens, which children are most at risk, and how parents can prepar
Bites, stings and what to do next
From backyard bee stings to jellyfish encounters at the beach, bites and stings are a common reason kids end up in the Emergency Department. In this episode, host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Emergency Department doctor Tristan Harding to explore what parents need to know about bites and stings — including insect bites, spider bites, snake bites, and marine stingers like jellyfish. They discuss w
Rashes and reactions: When to worry
Rashes are a common concern for parents — but not all rashes are cause for alarm. In this episode, host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Emergency Department Dr Fiona Reilly to unpack the wide world of rashes in children. They explore what different rashes can mean, which ones are linked to infections, allergies or serious illness, and how to tell when a rash needs urgent medical attention. Whether i
Medicine meltdowns: what can parents do?
Giving medicine to children can be one of the most stressful parts of parenting — especially when they refuse, spit it out, or cry at the sight of a syringe. In this episode, host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Dr Amanda Stock from our Emergency Department to explore the common challenges parents face when giving medicine to kids. They share practical tips for making the process smoother and advice
Penis pain in the Emergency Department
Penis pain in children can be alarming for parents and confusing for kids — but not all causes are serious. In this episode, host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Emergency Department Doctor, Bec Hughes to unpack the common reasons children can present to the ED with pain in the penis.
Unpacking the conditions and injuries that can lead families to head to the Emergency Department, they explore what
Online health information – what can you trust?
When you search for health information online, how can you tell if it is true? When you see a post on social media, what signs should you look for to make sure the advice can be trusted? It’s not always easy to navigate online sources when you’re seeking support for your child’s health. Listen in for some simple tips you can follow to make sure you’re ready to spot mis- and disinformation when it
Gastro and why it peaks in winter
Poos and spews. Voms and bombs. We all know the feeling of stress and discomfort when one of your children comes down with gastro. But how can you best look after your child and the whole family when gastro arrives in your home? Tune in for some tips on keeping up the fluids and how to stop the spread.
Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Emergency Department Specialist at the RCH, Dr Tom Glover, to pr
What is hand, foot & mouth disease?
How can I identify hand, foot and mouth disease and if my child has it, will I catch it too?
Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Director of General Medicine at the RCH, Dr Sarah McNab, to explain what hand, foot and mouth disease is and help you to understand how you can stop the spread in your household this winter.
This episode is part six of our winter wellness season. Listen to the full seaso
Croup and your children
Croup can be scary and serious – can you recognise the signs, and would you know what to do if your child gets croup this winter?
Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Emergency Department Specialist at the RCH, Dr Tristan Harding, to explain how you can spot the signs of croup in your child and what to do if they develop the distinctive barking-style cough or have difficulty breathing.
This episode
Whooping cough - keeping your family safe
Do you know what a ‘whoop’ sounds like? Could you tell if your child had whooping cough? Would you know how to stop it spreading through your household?
Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Director of General Medicine at the RCH, Dr Sarah McNab to unpack the signs and symptoms of whooping cough in this episode of the Kids Health Info Podcast.
This episode is part four of our winter wellness season. L
Understanding RSV
What is RSV and how concerned should you be about this virus? Who can have the new RSV immunisation this winter?
In this episode of the Kids Health Info Podcast our host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by paediatrician and immunisation expert, Dr Margie Danchin to discuss what RSV is, what it looks like in children of different ages and how you can protect your family this winter.
This episode is
Colds, flu and COVID – what your family can do
When the sniffles, cough and fever arrive in your home this winter, rest assured you have the right information on hand to navigate what lies ahead.
In this episode of the Kids Health Info podcast Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by paediatrician, Dr Margie Danchin to explore whether it’s important to know the difference between illnesses and whether COVID is really still around this winter.
This e
Staying well this winter
Winter can be a tiring time of year and when multiple family members get sick at once, exhaustion levels can peak. While some illness is inevitable, especially when children are young and their immune systems are developing, there are steps you can take to prepare for the season ahead.
In this episode of the Kids Health Info Podcast, your host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Infectious Disease Ex
Car seat safety
We know that parents want to keep their children as safe as they can at all times. But when it comes to traveling in the car, the law and the safety advice aren’t aligned, making it tough for parents to know what to do. In this bonus episode of the Kids Health Info Podcast, your host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Trauma Specialist, Dr Warwick Teague, to discuss the choices that parents can make to
Healthy sleep habits
A healthy night’s sleep is key to a child’s overall health and wellbeing, but what can parents do to help make that happen? In this bonus episode of the Kids Health Info Podcast, your host Dr Anthea Rhodes, paediatrician and Director of the National Child Health Poll chats to Dr Moya Vandeleur, respiratory and sleep paediatrician. Dr Moya offers advice for parents on how to create healthy sleep ha
Pain and pain relief
Finding the cause of pain in children and what to do about it can be one of the trickiest things for parents to manage. In this episode, Anthea is joined by Dr Nadine Sharples from the Emergency Department at The Royal Children's Hospital to share lots of practical advice on pain and pain relief in kids.
For more information
RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - pain relief for children
Victorian
Hand, foot and mouth disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease is one of those things that seems to always be "going around". In fact, it's one of our most asked about topics.
In this episode, Lexi speaks with Dr Gabrielle Haeusler, an infectious diseases specialist, to understand the signs of HFMD and discuss some prevention and treatment strategies.
Click here to read our RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet on Hand, foot and mouth d
Type 1 diabetes
When a child is diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, it has a profound impact on their life and family. Diabetes requires strict management every single day. Added to that burden is the confusion and misunderstanding that others might have about the disease and its cause. In this episode, Margie and Lexi are joined by Professor Fergus Cameron, Director of Endocrinology and Diabetes at The Royal Childre
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Growing up can be tiring work. But what's the difference between general tiredness in children and young people, and relentless fatigue that turns the simplest things into a challenge? Dr Lexi Frydenberg is joined Dr Colette Reveley, a paediatrician in the Department of Adolescent Medicine at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, to unpack the mysteries of chronic fatigue syndrome. They chat a
Winter and viruses
Ah-choo! It feels like children everywhere are coughing and sneezing their way through this winter. So is it worse than usual? And what is 'RSV'? In this episode, Anthea and Margie are joined by paediatrician Dr Suzanne Boyce to chat about the most common respiratory viruses going around. They talk through the symptoms of COVID-19, RSV and flu, how to know when to seek help and the best ways to st
Fussy eaters
Mealtimes can be a stressful experience when you've got a little person who pushes away their plate. Especially when you've put a lot of effort into a wholesome meal or the rest of the family is ready to eat. In this episode, Lexi and Anthea are joined by special guest Dr Kathleen McGrath, a paediatric gastroenterologist with a special interest in child nutrition. Together they pick though the com
Sidelined by sports injuries
As more children return to fields, courts and ovals around the country, common sports injuries and accidents are on the rise. What is the best first aid for sports injuries and how do you know when to go to emergency? Margie and Anthea are joined by Dr Peter Barnett, an emergency doctor at the RCH with an interest in sports medicine and Greg Cull, a physiotherapist at the RCH, to chat about managi
What to do with burns
Sadly, burns are still a common injury in childhood. To coincide with National Burns Safety Awareness Month, hosts Anthea and Lexi are joined by Warwick Teague, surgeon, clinical burns lead and Director of Trauma at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. Warwick gives us the absolute must-do when it comes to burns first aid (hint: it involves a lot of cool running water) and explains the steps
Flu is back. It's time to discuss the flu vaccine
Influenza, or the 'flu', has almost disappeared for the last two years. But it's back, and already bringing children to hospital for treatment.
In this episode, Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Dr Margie Danchin as our expert guest to discuss the flu. As well as being a paediatrician at the RCH, and regular host of the this podcast, Margie is an expert in immunisation and a research leader in vaccine
Brushing up on healthy teeth
Good dental health has huge benefits for our general wellbeing and quality of life, and it starts the moment that very first tooth pops through in babies.
In this episode we're joined by special guest Dr Mihiri Silva, a paediatric dentist from The Royal Children's Hospital. If you've ever wondered when and how to start brushing teeth, how tooth decay happens, or what to do if a tooth gets knocked
Making sense of seizures
Witnessing a seizure can be a frightening experience for parents and carers, and raises so many questions. What's going on when a child has a seizure and what could it mean for their ongoing health? Does it mean they have epilepsy?
To make sense of seizures, Margie and Lexi are joined by Associate Professor Andrew Kornberg, Neurologist at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. As well as unders
From snooze to snore - how children's breathing affects sleep
A restful sleep is so important for children’s health.
But sometimes, a stuffy nose or blocked passages get in the way of a good sleep.
In this episode we’re joined by Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon, Dr Eric Levi, to find out why snooze turns to snoring, and what can be done to get children back on the path to sleep success.
For more information, check out these helpful resources:
RCH Kids Health
Getting back to school (face-to-face learning during COVID-19)
**a quick correction:
During the conversation Margie says the twice-weekly rapid antigen testing will be for the first week of term. What Margie meant to say was that it will be for the first four weeks and then reassessed. We apologise for the confusion.
As schools return to in-classroom learning next week, we know that students, families, and teachers are busy preparing for the term ahead and
An update on Omicron with Dr Sarah McNab
For many of us, the new year has not started as we had hoped. With the Omicron variant so prevalent in the community and the start to the school year just around the corner, many parents may be wondering what the latest news is with COVID-19 and children.
In this podcast episode, host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Dr Sarah McNab, Director of General Medicine at The Royal Children’s Hospital to un
BONUS: Facebook Live - COVID-19 vaccinations for five to 11 year olds, your questions answered
Do you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine for five to 11 year olds? Our latest RCH National Child Health Poll found that 30% of Australian parents of children aged five to 11 years were undecided about COVID vaccination for their child, with questions around the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. Following the Government’s approval of the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine for children aged five year
Crying and unsettled babies
Have you had the experience of holding a baby and they just won’t stop crying? Soothing an unsettled baby can be a trying task for anyone, particularly new parents. Crying is a baby’s way of communicating with us, but when the crying doesn’t stop, how do we know when to seek help?
In this episode we’re joined by expert paediatrician, Dr Valerie Sung, who works in the RCH unsettled babies clinic,
Autism - where to start
Many families have questions about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) but may not know where to start. It can be a complex topic, and because it is a spectrum, there is huge variation.
In this episode we’re joined by expert Paediatrician Dr Deb Marks, who sees patients with Autism every day, to go through common questions about what Autism is, what signs parents can look out for, how to seek a diagno
Those tricky times with toddlers
Toddlers and preschoolers bring so much joy and fun to family life. But there are also those times when their behaviour causes a lot of stress for everyone, whether it's in the supermarket aisle or at the dinner table!
In this episode we unpack what's behind toddler tantrums, fussy eating and more, with Dr Billy Garvey, a developmental and behavioural paediatrician from The Royal Children's Hospi
Fear of needles. What helps?
Whether it's for a vaccine or for medical care, nobody especially likes having needles. But for some children and teens, it can be a big hurdle to overcome. And now, with the COVID-19 vaccine being rolled out to more and more Australians, having an injection is something we're all too familiar with.
In this episode, we're joined by two special guests - Sonja Elia, an Immunisation Nurse Practition
Latest news on COVID-19 in children with Dr Sarah McNab
In this episode, hosted by Dr Lexi Frydenberg, we bring you the latest on what's happening with children and COVID-19 in Victoria.
Our special guest is Dr Sarah McNab, Director of General Medicine at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne.
Lexi and Sarah cover:
the current situation with COVID-19 infections and hospitalisations
how COVID-19 is affecting children and teenagers
COVID-19 and ch
All about allergies
It seems like allergies affect so many children these days. In fact, our home town of Melbourne is sometimes called the allergy capital of the world.
So what really is an allergy, how does it show up, and what is anaphylaxis?
And what does it all mean for children with an allergy?
To answer these questions and more, we're joined by Dr Joanne Smart, Director of Allergy and Immunology at The Royal C
Understanding gender diversity
It’s common for children to experiment with gender roles throughout childhood. However, up to two per cent of Australians identify as transgender or gender diverse. Being trans or gender diverse is part of the natural spectrum of human diversity.
In this episode, we sit down with Associate Professor Michelle Telfer, Director the Gender Service at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. As well
BONUS: Facebook Live webinar on COVID-19 and children's physical health
The Royal Children's Hospital recently streamed a live webinar on our Facebook page - all about the physical effects of COVID-19 in children.
The webinar received so much positive feedback from the community, we're replaying it here on the Kids Health Info podcast.
What's more, it features two of our podcast hosts - Dr Anthea Rhodes and Associate Professor Margie Danchin!
They're joined by Dr Sara
Is all wheeze asthma?
Asthma is one of the most common childhood conditions, in fact one in four children in Australia will be diagnosed with asthma. But are all breathing concerns in children, including wheeze, asthma? For this episode we're joined by Dr Shivanthan Shanthikumar, a paediatric respiratory specialist at the RCH, who helps decipher what exactly asthma is, how it’s managed and how asthma can change over ch
An in-depth talk about anxiety
Anxiety is a normal response to situations, in fact one in four people will experience anxiety at some point in their lives. But what do you do when your child or teenager is suffering from anxiety, and it isn’t going away? How do you help them when they won’t talk to you about it? In this episode we do a deep dive into anxiety in our teens and children with special guest and psychologist Dr Zeffi
Children and COVID-19 vaccines
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to dominate our lives, the focus has now shifted to the vaccine and its role in helping the world return to a new normal. On the back of the COVID-19 vaccine being approved in Australia for children aged 12 and over, right now is a timely opportunity to chat about the vaccine in kids. Is it safe? How does it work? Why do children need to be vaccinated? Host, paed
How harmful can vaping be?
With traditional cigarettes in decline, the e-cigarette or 'vape' has rapidly filled the void.
Boasting attractive flavours and a promise of no harmful chemicals, vaping is sometimes perceived as a safe alternative to smoking. Is it?
In this episode, Doctors Anthea Rhodes and Lexi Frydenberg are joined by Doctor Moya Vandeleur, a paediatric respiratory specialist, to get the facts on vaping and
Is it healthy eating or an eating disorder?
Changes in eating habits can be very common in childhood but in some instances these changes can be the early signs of disordered eating and eating disorders.
In this podcast episode we sit down with Dr Michele Yeo, a paediatrician at the RCH who specialises in adolescent health, and in particular eating disorders. Michele discusses how parents can spot the signs of an eating disorder, what to do
Was that bump a head injury?
In this episode, hosts Dr Margie Danchin and Dr Lexi Frydenberg tackle the big topic of head injuries and concussion with special guest Professor Vicki Anderson, neuropsychologist and Head of Psychology at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne.
Our expert team discuss the signs and symptoms of head injury, how it should be treated, and break down some of the most common myths.
With lots of med
Is your child struggling at school?
Did you know 15 per cent of primary school children have some difficulties with learning? In this episode hosts Dr Lexi Frydenberg and Dr Anthea Rhodes chat through what a learning difficulty is, if learning difficulties affect speech and language, and how to work with your child’s school to support their learning. Our special guest is Associate Professor Jill Sewell, a paediatrician who coaches p
Special: Navigating the healthcare system with Mandy and Kate from Too Peas in a Podcast
When you're a parent or carer of a child or children in need of lots of medical care, the healthcare system can be both a saviour and a source of frustration.
Kate Jones and Mandy Hose, hosts of the popular Too Peas in a Podcast, know just what it's like to deal with the trauma of diagnosis, being overloaded with medical information and being there for their children through it all.
In this episod
Child grooming and sexual assault: what to look out for
2021 Australian of the Year, Grace Tame, has helped start a national discussion about child grooming and sexual assault. While it's a difficult discussion to have, it is an incredibly important one for parents.
In this episode, Anthea and Margie sit down with Associate Professor Anne Smith, a paediatrician at the RCH who has more than 30 years’ experience dealing with child abuse. What is groomin
Late walkers and talkers
Is your child still not walking or talking? Are you worried this may be due an underlying problem? In this episode hosts Dr Margie Danchin and Dr Anthea Rhodes sit down with Associate Professor Gehan Roberts to understand how development varies in every single child and if there is an order in which development should occur. We also touch on myths around birth order and gender, and provide practic
Does my child have ADHD?
Recognising Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) isn’t easy, and some parents may be wondering if their child’s behaviour or poor concentration is something to be concerned about. In this episode hosts Dr Margie and Dr Lexi sit down with Associate Professor Daryl Efron to go through the signs of ADHD and what it means for kids, both at home and school. There's an honest and insightful d
Is there more to puberty than pubic hair and periods?
In this episode, hosts Dr Lexi Frydenberg and Dr Anthea Rhodes chat all things puberty with endocrinologist Dr Michele O’Connell including how to have ‘the talk’ with your kids and what it means if your child may be going through puberty a little bit earlier, or even later than their friends. The team also discuss puberty in children with disabilities or differences.
You can find more information
Questions about anxiety
The year 2020 was challenging for most, particularly our younger generations with more children suffering from anxiety than ever before.
In our first episode for the new year, we chat to Dr Ric Haslam, Director of Mental Health, about how to talk to teens, what signs to look out for in each age group and next steps if tools like meditation or exercise don’t work.
You can find more information ab
Headaches and tummy aches
Headaches and tummy aches are never fun, and when your child has one it's normal to be worried about the cause, or wonder how to stop the pain. In this episode Dr Amanda Stock from our Emergency Department talks about the physical and non-physical causes of headaches and tummy aches, how to treat them at home and what you should do if you think something is not quite right.
You can find more info
Gynae issues in girls
In this episode, Professor Sonia Grover, Gynaecology Director at the RCH sits down with hosts and paediatricians Margie Danchin and Anthea Rhodes to chat through all things gynae issues in young girls including tips for parents on how to treat vulvovaginitis at home, what to do if a child has vulval pain and what labial adhesions are.
You can find more information about vulvovaginitis and vulval
Common rashes and skin conditions in kids
Is my child’s eczema caused by allergies? Are molluscum contagious? What do you do if you think the rash is serious?
These questions and more are answered as hosts Dr Lexi Frydenberg and Dr Margie Danchin sit down with Associate Professor David Orchard, Director of Dermatology at the RCH.
You can find further information about eczema, molluscum, hives, rashes, hand, foot and mouth and slapped ch
Nits, worms and other gross things kids get
Do you know the most effective ways to treat nits and lice, what causes school sores and if you can catch worms from your household pet? Hosts Anthea Rhodes and Lexi Frydenberg sat down with infectious diseases expert Dr Josh Osowicki to chat through all of the gross things kids seem to get, why they're so common and importantly, how you can treat them at home.
You can find further information on
Penis and foreskin care
Penis and foreskin care regularly tops the list of most visited RCH Kids Health Information fact sheets. In this episode, hosts and paediatricians Margie Danchin and Anthea Rhodes speak with Mike O'Brien, Chief of Surgery and Director of Urology at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. Mike answers some of the common concerns that parents have and explains how boys should look after their peni
Cough, croup and wheeze
Recognising common respiratory issues in kids can be challenging. What could be causing your child's cough and can you tell the difference when you hear one? In this episode, hosts Lexi Frydenberg and Margie Danchin talk through the specifics of cough, croup and wheeze – what’s what and when to worry, with special guest Professor Sarath Ranganathan, Respiratory Physician at The Royal Children's Ho
What to do when the poo just doesn’t move
Constipation is common in kids, in fact 30 per cent of children will experience it. But what is the best way to treat it? In this episode Anthea and Lexi are joined by Associate Professor Sebastian King, surgeon and bowel specialist at the RCH to talk through how to recognise if it’s a problem, how you can treat it at home and bust some myths about whether laxatives or stimulants can make a bowel
Why does my child still wet the bed?
In this episode Lexi and Margie are joined by Dr Susie Gibb, paediatrician and head of the continence service at the RCH, to find out why children wet the bed, where to go for help, and how families can overcome bedwetting.
You can view our RCH Kids Health Info bedwetting fact sheet for more information.
Don't forget to sign up to the Kids Health Info podcast newsletter to stay up-to-date with th
Viruses and fevers: Why do kids get sick so often?
Viral illnesses, like the common cold, seem to happen all the time in children. Why do they get a runny nose so often? Is it a sign of a weak immune system?
Fever can be confusing for parents, too. What causes fever in children? Is it harming their body? When do you need to seek medical help?
Anthea and Lexi put Associate Professor Mike Starr, paediatrician and infectious diseases expert, in the h
