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 experiences one. With calm, clear advice and expert insight, this episode helps parents understand the difference between febrile convulsions and other types of seizures and offers reassurance about what to expect if it happens to your child. Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal. Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids Health Info : Febrile seizures

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 and Communities at the eSafety Commission to discuss what parents need to know about these topics and more. In an ever-changing world it can feel challenging to know what to teach your children about online safety and what you should be doing to support them. This episode contains some simple tips that families can put in place to help set their children up for success and safety. Parents can learn more about screen time and social media here: Kids Health Info : Screen time and social media – teens and young people We have also developed a version of this fact sheet that you can share with your teen: Teen Health Info : Screen time and social media Learn more about the regulations and support available at eSafety.gov.au: Social media age restrictions hub | eSafety Commissioner If you or your teen need to speak to someone, there is support available: Kids Helpline: Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800 Lifeline: Home | Lifeline Headspace: headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal.

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 to keep your family safe this summer, they unpack how you can check the sunscreen you have purchased and explain the other essential steps you should be taking to protect yourself and your family from harmful sun exposure. In the episode, the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods was discussed. You can check the ARTG number of any product by visiting their website: Searching the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal. Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids health info fact sheet: https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Sun_safety/ Information to share with your teenager: https://www.rch.org.au/teeninfo/fact-sheets/Staying_safe_in_the_sun

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 prepare during storm season. Whether your child has asthma, hay fever, or just gets a bit wheezy, this episode offers practical advice to help everyone breathe easier when the winds pick up. Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal. Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids Health Info : Thunderstorm asthma Check the forecast for thunderstorm asthma by using the Melbourne Pollen App: Mobile App - Melbourne Pollen

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 what’s mild, what’s serious, and what to do in the moment. Whether it’s swelling, pain, or a potential allergic reaction, this episode helps parents feel prepared and confident when nature gets a little too close. Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids Health Info : Insect bites and stings

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 it’s spots, bumps, blotches or hives, this episode helps parents feel more confident navigating the skin signs that can leave them guessing.  Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal.  Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids Health Info : Rashes  Parents seeking more information about eczema can visit our Kids Health Info fact sheet on the topic here: Kids Health Info : Eczema (atopic dermatitis) 

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 on how parents can feel in control of these situations. Whether it’s antibiotics, pain relief, or allergy treatments this episode helps parents feel more confident and less alone in the medicine struggle. Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: KidsHealthInfo Factsheets: How to give your child medicine Lean about pill swallowing techniques for kids here: RCHTV: A child's guide to hospital: oral medications KidzMed: e-learning for healthcare

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 to look out for and when to seek help. A must-listen for any parent wanting to feel more confident navigating this sensitive topic. Note: across the course of the episode our doctors mostly refer to ‘children’ rather than using gendered terms. This decision was made to ensure the information supports all children who may be impacted by these concerns. Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal. Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids Health Info : Penis and foreskin care

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 appears. In this bonus episode of the Kids Health Info Podcast, your host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Paediatrician, Dr Alex Cussen, whose experience in the Department of Adolescent Medicine provides her with insight into the challenges faced by young people exploring health information online. To support young people and their parents, the Royal Children's Hospital has developed new fact sheets that tackle topical health issues and questions commonly encountered when it comes to teens health. Explore our teen health info fact sheets here: Teen Health Info : Teen Health Info fact sheets Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal.

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 provide some helpful advice for getting through a bout of gastro in the household.  This episode is part seven of our winter wellness season. Listen to the full season to prepare your family for the cooler months. Each episode contains useful tips about illnesses that spread more often in winter.  Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal  Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here:    Kids Health Info : Gastroenteritis (gastro) 

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 season to prepare your family for the cooler months. Each episode contains useful tips about illnesses that spread more often in winter.  Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal  Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here:    Kids Health Info : Hand, foot and mouth disease   

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 is part five of our winter wellness season. Listen to the full season to prepare your family for the cooler months. Each episode contains useful tips about illnesses that spread more often in winter.  Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal   Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here:    Kids Health Info : Croup 

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. Listen to the full season to prepare your family for the cooler months. Each episode contains useful tips about illnesses that spread more often in winter.  Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal  Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here:    Kids Health Info : Whooping cough 

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 part three of our winter wellness season. Listen to the full season to prepare your family for the cooler months. Each episode contains useful tips about illnesses that spread more often in winter.  Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal  Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here:    Kids Health Info : Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)   

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 episode is part two of our winter wellness season. Listen to the full season to prepare your family for the cooler months. Each episode contains useful tips about illnesses that spread more often in winter.  Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal  Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here:  Kids Health Info : Viral illnesses  Kids Health Info : Cough  Kids Health Info : Influenza (the flu)  Kids Health Info : Influenza (flu) vaccine  Kids Health Info : Coronavirus COVID-19 

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 Expert Dr Linny Phuong to discuss winter wellness for your family.    This episode is part one of our winter wellness season. Listen to the full season to prepare your family for the cooler months. Each episode contains useful tips about illnesses that spread more often in winter.   Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal  Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here:   Kids Health Info : Vaccination and needle phobia  Kids Health Info : Viral illnesses 

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 keep their child safe in the car.   The National Child Health Poll surveyed more than 1,600 Australian parents of children aged between 0 months to 12 years to understand their car seat practices and awareness of safe restraint recommendations. These findings have helped guide the inclusion of advice within this episode.    The National Child Health Poll and Kids Health Info are funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal.  Explore our fact sheets on car seat safety here:  Kids Health Info : Car seat safety 

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 habits in their homes and delves into some of the findings from the Royal Children’s Hospital National Child Health Poll.   The National Child Health Poll surveyed more than 1,600 Australian parents of school-aged children (5-17 years) about their beliefs regarding sleep and their child’s sleep habits and common bedtime myths. These findings have helped guide the inclusion of advice within this episode.    The National Child Health Poll and Kids Health Info are funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal.  Explore our fact sheets on sleep here:   Kids Health Info : Sleep problems - children and teens  Kids Health Info : Sleep problems - babies and toddlers 

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 Poisons Information Centre RCH Kids Health Info Podcast - Head injuries RCH Kids Health Info Podcast - Viruses and fevers RCH Kids Health Info Podcast - Headaches and tummy aches

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 disease.