Trigger Warning: This episode includes conversation about vulnerable children, self-harm, and suicide ideation.

What do you do as a parent who suspects their child may be thinking about self-harm? In this powerful and practical episode of Growing Up with Dr. Sarah, host Dr. Sarah Adams tackles one of the hardest but most life-saving conversations a family can have.

This episode focuses on Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM), a free, evidence-based approach that teaches families and professionals how to reduce access to the tools most commonly used in suicide attempts, such as firearms and dangerous medications. Research shows that limiting access to lethal means can literally save lives, while still respecting a child or teen’s rights and autonomy.

Dr. Sarah is joined by Sherry Blair, Youth Suicide Prevention Supervisor, and Dr. Georgette Constantinou, Pediatric Psychologist, who lead this crucial work through CALM. Together, they offer clear guidance for parents and caregivers on how to intervene when a child may be at risk, how to collaborate on safe storage, and how to ask the tough questions that many adults fear but that can save a child’s life.

This episode equips listeners with practical tools, language, and reassurance. Lethal means counseling matters, and asking directly about suicidal thoughts can be an act of love that keeps a child safe.

At its core, this episode reinforces a simple but profound message parents can share with their children: I love you, and your safety is my number one concern.

#mentalhealth #suicideprevention #selfharm #firearmsafety

Relevant links

1. CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means) https://www.calmamerica.org/
2. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) afsp.org/get-help/
3. Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS) sptsusa.org
4. Suicide Prevention Resource Center: SPRC_Talking_About_LethaL_Means_Resources.pdf
5. Akron Children’s page : Suicide Prevention https://www.akronchildrens.org/pages/Suicide-Prevention.html
6. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) www.apa.org/depression-guideline/patient-health-questionnaire.pdf

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Email to: growingupwithdr.sarah@gmail.com

ABOUT Dr. Sarah:

Looking for a place to educate yourself and your family on how to live your best lives? Welcome to Growing Up with Dr. Sarah, where we discuss general health and wellness, parenting, family matters, and real-life challenges that affect every single one of us. As both a pediatrician and a mom, I have unique insight on how to grow healthier, happier, and stronger as individuals, and as families.

The success of the family starts from the top, by helping parents and caregivers address tough questions and everyday concerns. So join me and some of my special guests: physicians, nutritionists, fitness experts, community members, coaches, teachers, and more –and let’s grow up together!

Check out previous episodes of “Growing Up with Dr. Sarah” at www.growingupwithdrsarah.com

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IG details: @growingupwithdrsarah

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TikTok details: @growingupwithdrsarah

This podcast is produced by:

GTS Media, LLC

Audivita Studios

In this episode of Growing Up with Dr. Sarah, Dr. Sarah Adams welcomes registered dietitian and nutrition affairs manager Anna Busenburg for a practical, science-based conversation on nourishing children through every stage of growth. Anna breaks down how everyday food choices can help support immune health during school years when germs are circulating and kids’ nutritional needs are constantly evolving. We learn that healthy eating isn’t about perfection, but about consistency and offering foods in ways children are more likely to enjoy and accept.

Anna also explains why nutrition recommendations are never “one and done,” particularly in infancy and toddlerhood when rapid physical and brain development demand increased nutrients like calcium. From fueling growing brains and bones to supporting young athletes, navigating lactose intolerance, and making dairy part of sustainable diets, the episode equips parents with realistic guidance they can use right away. The conversation also highlights how the new Parenting at Mealtime and Playtime app brings trusted expert advice directly to families—making it easier to make informed, healthy choices every day.

Relevant links

Parenting at Mealtime & Playtime: Ohio AAP

Ohio Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics

https://pmp.ohioaap.org

This mobile application was supported by the Grant or Cooperative Agreement Number, 2 B01 OT 009042, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

MyPlate https://www.myplate.gov/

American Academy of Pediatrics Breastfeeding Handout https://ohioaap.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/PMP_Breastfeeding-V5.pdf

American Academy of Pediatrics Picky Eating Handout https://ohioaap.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/MealtimeWithAPickyEating.pdf

American Academy of Pediatrics Meal Planning on a Budget Handout https://ohioaap.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ParentsHandouts_BudgetMealPlan-002.pdf

ABOUT Dr. Sarah:

Looking for a place to educate you and your family to live your best lives? Welcome to “Growing Up with Dr. Sarah,” where we take on and really talk about general health and wellness, parental issues, family matters, and real-life challenges that affect every single one of us. Being a pediatrician, while having a mother's perspective, has given me unique insight and experience on what we all need to do better to live healthier, happier, and stronger as individuals, and as families.

The success of the family starts from the top, and by helping parents and caregivers by addressing tough questions and everyday concerns we can all benefit from, including parents, grandparents, kids, or anyone who cares for another. So join me and some of my special guests: physicians, nutritionists, fitness experts, community members, coaches, teachers, even kids, and parents –and let’s all make a commitment to growing up together!

Check out previous episodes of “Growing Up with Dr. Sarah” at www.growingupwithdrsarah.com

=======================================================

IG details: @growingupwithdrsarah

========================================================

TikTok details: @growingupwithdrsarah

This podcast is produced by:

GTS Media, LLC

Audivita Studios

In this highlight episode of Growing Up with Dr. Sarah, I revisit one of my most meaningful conversations with fellow pediatrician Dr. Molly O’Shae, where we talk candidly about how childhood and parenting has changed in the digital age. As pediatricians, we’ve both witnessed how technology can be an incredible tool while also creating new layers of stress and uncertainty for families. Dr. O’Shea reflects on decades of clinical experience, naming the quiet shift many parents feel: moving from confidence in their children’s resilience to a constant fear of getting it wrong. Together, we explore how screens entered our homes under the promise of learning and connection, and how intentional, parent-involved use of technology can support, rather than replace – play, focus, communication, and emotional growth.

We also challenge some of the loudest assumptions parents hear today, especially the idea that screens alone are driving the teen mental health crisis. Dr. O’Shea helps unpack what the research actually shows: technology tends to amplify what kids are already carrying, not create it outright. We talk about the real risks, the real benefits, and how online spaces can foster learning, belonging, and community — particularly for teens who may feel isolated offline. In one of the most moving parts of the episode, Dr. O’Shea shares deeply personal guidance on how families can begin honest, direct conversations when they’re worried about a child’s mental health. My hope is that listeners come away feeling more confident, less afraid, and reminded that the most powerful ingredient in raising emotionally healthy, tech-savvy kids is relationship — staying present, asking good questions, and learning right alongside our children.

Have questions about today’s episode, or anything else related to the health and wellness of your family? Write us an email or upload a voice memo, to growingupwithdr.sarah@gmail.com and we’ll try and address your questions or play your questions on an episode.

Relevant links:

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Languages: English, Spanish, available 24 hours

Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention

https://www.drmollyoshea.com/

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/

IG: doctormollyoshae

ABOUT Dr. Sarah:

Looking for a place to educate you and your family to live your best lives? Welcome to “Growing Up with Dr. Sarah,” where we take on and really talk about general health and wellness, parental issues, family matters, and real-life challenges that affect every single one of us. Being a pediatrician, while having a mother's perspective, has given me unique insight and experience on what we all need to do better to live healthier, happier, and stronger as individuals, and as families.

The success of the family starts from the top, and by helping parents and caregivers by addressing tough questions and everyday concerns we can all benefit from, including parents, grandparents, kids, or anyone who cares for another. So join me and some of my special guests: physicians, nutritionists, fitness experts, community members, coaches, teachers, even kids, and parents –and let’s all make a commitment to growing up together!

Check out previous episodes of “Growing Up with Dr. Sarah” at www.growingupwithdrsarah.com

=======================================================

IG details: @growingupwithdrsarah

========================================================

TikTok details: @growingupwithdrsarah

#MomTok