Connecticut Children's Blog

By Lauren K. Ayr-Volta, PhD, and Kelly Maynes, PsyD As we’ve weathered the ups and downs of the pandemic, some parents and pediatric experts have noticed an increase in teen anxiety and depression. If you’re wondering how you’ll know when your teen needs extra help – whether it’s from a counselor or physician, or just more support […]

By: Kevin Borrup, DrPH, JD, MPA Trauma season – that’s how emergency medicine providers and injury prevention experts often refer to the months of May through August. That’s because of the dramatic increase in the number of children injured during those warm spring and summer months. This year, these months are especially challenging as we […]

By Melissa Held, MD, and Nancy Trout, MD, MPH New cases of COVID-19 in Connecticut are continuing to decline, but with the reopening of public spaces, restaurants and entertainment venues, health experts are worried about an increased spread of the virus over the coming weeks and months. Melissa Held, MD, a pediatric infectious diseases expert, […]

As childcare centers reopen in Connecticut, parents have a lot of questions about safety. Pediatrician Patricia Garcia, MD, MPH, who directs Connecticut Children’s Healthy Homes program, joins the blog with answers. How will childcare centers keep kids safe from COVID-19? Every childcare program should have a plan in place to protect staff, children and their […]

By Jen Zarrilli, MS, RD If you’re looking for a fun activity with kids that doubles as a healthy habit, your kitchen is a great place to start. Making healthy recipes together is a way to get your child excited about nutrition, teach them important skills and share quality time – all while preparing a […]

By: Kathryn Robbins, Child Life specialist Masks are one of the best ways to prevent the spread of coronavirus. But even if your child knows they’re supposed to wear a mask out in public, it can take some practice – and positive reinforcement – to get them in the habit. Child Life specialist Kathryn Robbins, MS, […]

By: Kathryn Robbins, Child Life specialist As part of Connecticut Children’s Safe and Sound program, every team member, visitor and patient over age 2 wears a face mask. To prevent the spread of coronavirus, masks should be a habit for your family too, especially as you venture out to public places for summer fun. But […]

At indoor track practice this past winter, Derby High School shot putter Michael Hyder, age 15, was hit in the back of the head with a shot put – a metal ball about the size and weight of a small cannonball. It knocked him unconscious, and he fell face-forward onto the gravel. When he came […]

By: Sarah Malvezzi, Child Life specialist At Connecticut Children’s, we know how to make kids feel comfortable and special, including explaining medical procedures in a way that doesn’t feel intimidating. If your child has a surgery or procedure scheduled, you’ll probably want to talk to them about it at home too. To get started, check […]

By: Sarah Malvezzi, Child Life specialist At Connecticut Children’s, we have a lot of practice caring for kids in a way that’s comfortable, empowering and even fun for them. If they have a surgery or procedure scheduled, you can count on us to keep them safe and sound every step of the way. You’ll probably […]

By now, you may have read our pediatric dietitian’s 8 Tips to Get Kids Involved in the Kitchen, and you and your child may be discovering the fun of cooking together. Want to make kitchen time even more meaningful? Primary care pediatrician Nancy Trout, MD, MPH, co-director of the Kohl’s Start Childhood Off Right program […]

As protests following the death of George Floyd continue across the country, parents are deciding how to talk to their children about racial inequality and social justice. To help families navigate these important conversations, developmental pediatrician Robert D. Keder, MD, returns to the blog. It’s important to discuss racial inequality and social justice with children. […]

Your summer plans are likely in a bit of disarray due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You may be rethinking plans to send your children to summer camp or your camps may be cancelled altogether. No need to worry! Check out these great ideas to keep your children busy all summer long. Create a stay-at-home sleepaway […]

In April, as the coronavirus outbreak was nearing its peak in Connecticut, parents Jasmyn and Tony Carapezza got some inconvenient news. “Listen,” their pediatrician told them, “I know things are scary right now. But Esmae needs ear tubes.” Their 10-month-old daughter, Esmae, had had five ear infections in the past five months. She’d gone from […]

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Connecticut Children’s and its partner pediatric practices have worked around the clock to provide a safe environment for patient care – including making sure that kids are getting the vaccines they need. To share an important reminder to parents, Catherine Wiley, MD, division head of Primary Care at Connecticut Children’s, joins […]

By Kelly Foy, Child Life Specialist If your child has a surgery or procedure scheduled, we want to make sure they’re as healthy as possible – and keep everyone safe from coronavirus exposure. So as one of Connecticut Children’s Safe and Sound enhanced safety precautions, we now require a COVID-19 test (with a negative result) […]

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Connecticut Children’s pediatric psychologists join the blog with top coping tips for these uncertain times – straight from their families to yours. #1: Stay connected with others. Remember, social distancing equals physical distancing, not emotional. Find ways to stay connected! Our pediatric psychologists are spread across multiple divisions […]

The uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic is hard for everyone. Core routines have been disrupted, household stress may be at a high, and information seems to change overnight. For individuals on the autism spectrum – who usually do best with predictable routines and concrete information – this time may be especially stressful. Pediatric psychologist Amy […]

By Ann Koenig, Education Specialist  What was once an exciting new adventure for students just a couple of months ago is now a dreaded daily chore for many: distance learning. You may be following all of our tips to keep your child engaged in remote learning (including creating their ideal home office) – and your […]