Connecticut Children's Blog

Many young people struggle with anxiety or depression, but don’t know how to ask for help. They may not realize that it’s okay to talk about what they’re going through. Or they may have trouble finding the words to describe their experience. Parents, caregivers and other trusted adults can help. Connecticut Children’s pediatric psychologist Bradley […]

How can parents and caregivers check on their own mental health so they can be there for their children? Connecticut Children’s pediatric psychologist Bradley S. Jerson, PhD, joins the Growing Healthy blog with tips. Want more articles like this from pediatric experts you trust? Sign up for our newsletter. Subscribe  1. Focus on your relationship […]

When our electronics act up, we can usually just unplug to reset them. If only our emotions were so simple. But during moments of stress, there are still some trusty methods for kids and teens – and parents – to calm themselves down. We could all use the practice!  Connecticut Children’s pediatric psychologist Kelly Maynes, […]

Not too long ago, an 11-year-old girl in Connecticut Children’s Emergency Department was asked questions by her doctor, including one that seemed unrelated to why she was there: In the past few weeks, had she thought about killing herself? To her mother’s shock, the child said yes. She admitted that she had been thinking about […]

Social media, message boards, instant messaging, texting, blogging and video—all of these are here to stay. While they can be beneficial, they also carry the risk of cyberbullying. Anyone who regularly uses digital platform opens the door for the possibility of cyberbullying. What should parents look out for if they suspect their child may be […]

Transitions can be hard – from minor ones, like getting everyone out the door before the bus drives by, to major ones, like a cross-country move. But there are ways to keep your family feeling (relatively) calm, even amid change. Connecticut Children’s pediatric psychologist Preeti Sandhu, PsyD, has tips. 1. Timeouts aren’t just for kids, […]

A recent study from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) revealed a possible link between social media and brain changes in young adolescents. MRI brain scans showed that teens who frequently check social media had increased activation in certain parts of their brain, which could lead to changes in impulse control and regulation. […]

Winter darkness and colder weather can cause your child’s mood and health habits to take a dive. To help, start with the basics! Connecticut Children’s pediatric psychologist Melissa Santos, PhD, shares her top five tips. Want more articles like this from pediatric experts you trust? Sign up for our newsletter. Subscribe   1. Eat right. […]

By Kelly Maynes, PsyD, and Lauren K. Ayr-Volta, PhD Pediatric psychologists Kelly Maynes, PsyD, and Lauren K. Ayr-Volta, PhD, join the blog to help parents support teens who are going through grief and loss. For a list of warning signs of teen depression and anxiety, read Teen Depression and Anxiety: What Parents Should Look for, Ask and […]

By: Vanessa Laurent, PhD, and Lynelle Schneeberg, PsyD As the days grow shorter and the hours of sunlight decrease, your child may feel sad or sluggish from the gray skies. For some kids and teens, this feeling may be a more serious problem known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.  Connecticut Children’s pediatric psychologists explain. […]