Connecticut Children's Blog

Life with kids is rarely predictable, but COVID-19 school closures, quarantines, and shifting work schedules have taken things to an extreme. Connecticut Children’s pediatric psychologist Lauren Ayr-Volta, PhD, has tips for creating consistency in all that chaos.     Want more articles like this from pediatric experts you trust? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. […]

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. 1. Eat right. Make it easy for yourself: Decide on a meal prep day for your family and spend time […]

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. And the COVID-19 pandemic could […]

With all that’s changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s easy for kids (and adults) to get stuck on negative thoughts – like how they’re missing extended family, sports or friends. With Thanksgiving and the winter holidays coming up, there may be other challenges ahead. But by learning to infuse a bit of positivity into difficult […]

By: Michael Reiss, PsyD, and Melissa Santos, PhD Friendships are important for your child’s happiness – and health, too. Social interactions strengthen kids’ immune systems, increase motivation and lower stress. Unfortunately, lots of children are separated from friends right now due to social distancing, school schedules and shifting parent schedules. Want ideas to help your […]

By: Amy Adolfo Signore, PhD, MPH and Emily Wakefield, PsyD This year has been difficult to say the least. With the holidays approaching – and the challenges and uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic still ongoing – you may be wondering how to help your child cope with the disappointment of things being different this year. […]

Youth suicide has been on the rise for the past decade – and with the added stress of the coronavirus pandemic, suicide prevention is more important than ever. Dr. Steven Rogers, medical director of Emergency Behavioral Health services at Connecticut Children’s, shares important tips and resources for parents. Help and support is available. First, every […]

We’re all concerned about getting sick right now. But if your child has an intense fear of germs, and trouble functioning at school or at home because of it, they may be dealing with some degree of germ phobia (aka “germaphobia”). During this coronavirus pandemic when we’re all feeling afraid of germs, how can you […]

Want a fun craft project that will soothe your child during moments of stress? Make a calming bottle to add to their coping toolbox! Calm down bottles are great for kids who are in timeout, fidgety or struggling with sensory overload, or just feeling anxious. Pediatric psychologist Melissa Santos, PhD, head of Connecticut Children’s Division […]

By Kelly Maynes, PsyD, and Lauren K. Ayr-Volta, PhD This pandemic has been uniquely tough for teenagers. Teens are wired for independence, but instead, they’ve been stuck at home. Their brains are primed for social connections, but in many ways, they’ve been cut off from friends. And just as they’re approaching big milestones – like prom […]