Connecticut Children's Blog

Everyone, at every age, deserves healthy, positive relationships. For teens who are just starting out, it’s not always easy to know what that means. Dr. Preeti Sandhu, pediatric psychologist, shares ways to help your teen navigate the dating world and be their own advocate for healthy, fulfilling relationships. 1. Talk openly about healthy relationships. Dating […]

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 […]

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 Lauren K. Ayr-Volta, PhD, and Kelly Maynes, PsyD By now, you may have read our advice for helping your child manage stress. Some of those strategies take time and practice. Others, like creating a coping toolbox, can be accomplished in an afternoon. Coping toolboxes use all five senses to reduce anxiety and boost positive […]

Recently, an 11-year-old girl in Connecticut Children’s Emergency Department was asked screening 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 suicide for […]

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 youth anxiety and depression. For general advice on how to support your teen, check out Is Your Teen Stressed, Sad or Angry? They May Be Feeling Grief. If […]

By now, it’s probably sinking in for your child – and you – that coronavirus school closures and social distancing aren’t simply an extended vacation. As we all deal with changes to daily life, it’s important to take stock of what your child actually understands about COVID-19 and recent developments, and how they’re feeling about […]

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 Melissa Santos, PhD, Tim LaVigne, PhD, and Michael Reiss, PsyD Parenting teenagers can be hard, especially as they become more independent (or as they like to call it: I can’t wait to live on my own!). Teenage years are also the time when many children first experience mental health struggles. Research from the CDC […]

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 […]