Educational and Entertaining Videos

kids are spending an unprecedented amount of time with online media

According to the Pew Research Center, 72% of online adults use video-sharing sites like YouTube

Another report by Common Sense Media shows kids are spending an unprecedented amount of time with online media.

If you’d like a short video that shows parents and kids how to use an asthma inhaler correctly, you might search “asthma video for kids” and find this helpful video (of course, always remember to check that the video is coming from a credible source).

Here is a shortlist for great, educational healthcare videos for pediatrics — from simple dental hygiene tips to inspirational stories.

1) Sesame Street | Healthy Habits Video Series

The widely-adored children’s show Sesame Street also happens to have several video toolkits about common healthcare topics, like eating healthy, exercising, and even this catchy, sing-along Ten Commandments of Health skit.

Kids can do a quick dance routine with Elmo, or watch First Lady Michelle Obama explain the benefits of eating fresh fruits and veggies. It’s the jackpot for any pediatrician looking for relatable, entertaining, and educational videos to share with patients.

2) Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta | Personal medical diagnosis stories

For families with a child that just received a tough medical diagnosis, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has an excellent YouTube channel full of personal stories. From a mom’s account of her daughter’s diabetes diagnosis to a loving sister’s story of her brother’s autism, these videos are brimming with support and encouragement for families encountering a new medical condition.

3) Dental Hygiene Tips & Captain Super-Mega-Ultra Smile Man

Getting kids to brush their teeth properly is no easy task, but every parent and medical professional knows it’s important! Luckily, My Kid’s Dentist put together this animated dental video to teach kids exactly that. And if that fails, there’s always a charming, dental video from Sesame Street starring Captain Super-Mega-Ultra Smile Man.

4) Mayo Clinic | Tips for parents on getting kids to eating healthier

Ever the trusted healthcare resource, Mayo Clinic’s YouTube channel shares dozens of short, educational health videos that cover a wide range of issues. Your pediatric patients will love this video on brain food for kids and healthy after-school snack ideas.

5) PHD Comics | How vaccines work and why they’re so important

With all the recent controversy around vaccines, you may want to consider adding some approachable video content educating parents about the how vaccines work and why they’re so important. This animated video by PHD comics covers the basics, and could work as a great primer for your in-person discussion with the family.

6) UNC Children’s | Dealing with asthma, and how to use an inhaler

Asthma affects about 7 million children in the U.S. and is the number one cause of chronic illness in kids. Which means, it’s crucial that you share great asthma resources with your pediatric patients so they know how to properly treat it. UNC Children’s Healthcare has a whole series specifically on kids dealing with asthma, from common asthma triggers to using a spacer with a mouthpiece.

7) Healthcare Triage Channel | Busting common healthcare myths

Hosted by Dr. Aaron Carroll, Healthcare Triage is a funny, myth-busting video show that sets out to correct common healthcare misconceptions and delve into healthcare research and policy.

Note: Pediatrician Tips is strictly a news and information website about pediatrics. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your pediatrician, physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition for any person. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not always those of Pediatrician Tips and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to pediatrics and pediatricians.