Connecticut Children's Blog

You ask, we answer. In each edition of “Ask a Pediatrician,” Connecticut Children’s pediatric experts respond to a question from our community. This week, infectious disease pediatrician John R. Schreiber, MD, MPH, tackles a popular topic for this back-to-school season. My child has a runny nose but no fever, and I’m sure it’s just a […]

Kids need help calming down sometimes. But if you’re a teacher or daycare provider during the coronavirus pandemic, or a parent looking after kids as part of an at-home learning cohort, COVID-19 social distancing rules have taken away one powerful calming method: appropriate physical contact. Until hugs are back on the table, developmental pediatrician Robert D. […]

During the coronavirus pandemic, there’s a good chance that screen-based instruction is part of your child’s lesson plan. All that screen-time could lead to eye strain – but luckily, some simple precautions can help. Connecticut Children’s pediatric ophthalmologist Janine Collinge, MD, shares tips. Want more resources? Check out our Back to School Kit! Problem: Digital eye […]

This is a hectic back-to-school season for many families – but don’t be tempted to put off your child’s flu shot. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it’s important to get kids vaccinated for the flu as soon as possible. Physician-in-Chief Juan Salazar, MD, MPH shares why you should call your child’s pediatrician today to schedule. […]

Whether your child is headed to the classroom or staying home for virtual learning, try following these tips for a great morning – right down to packing a backpack the night before. Why? In addition to keeping everyone organized, routines like these signal “tomorrow is a school day,” no matter where your child’s learning is […]

By Amy Watkins, MPH It’s back to school time, and that means school buses, crowded drop-offs and bicycling or walking along busy roads. Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the United States, so it’s important to talk to your child now about being safe around buses and cars.  Amy […]

By: Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett, MS, CCC-SLP, CCRP As the new school year rapidly approaches, families are gearing up for changes in schedules, procedures, and rules. If your child has special needs, you may want to reach out to their teaching team for extra support helping them adjust. Connecticut Children’s autism specialist Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett, MS, CCC-SLP, shares […]

Getting your child ready for this school year includes big decisions – like whether they’ll be learning at home or in the classroom – and new rules due to COVID-19. Before you sit down to talk all it over with your child, pause to check in with yourself. (When you’re ready, here are tips for […]

If your child is returning to the classroom this fall, it’ll be even more of an adjustment than usual. How do you talk to younger kids about big changes at school in a way that makes them feel safe and supported? Developmental pediatrician Robert D. Keder, MD, shares these steps and some general tips. 1. Check […]

If your child is returning to the classroom this fall, they’ll need some new supplies. Pediatrician Patricia Garcia, MD, MPH, shares her list. School Supplies for a Pandemic Mask or face covering: Use permanent marker to label all masks with your child’s name, as well as to indicate the mask’s top, bottom, front and back. Here’s […]