Article
8 Ways to Celebrate Pride Month With Kids June is Pride Month in the United States, a time to celebrate and support the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA) community. It’s a great opportunity to teach kids about the different ways that people can identify and love one
Article
Getting Back to School Sleep Schedules Back on Track By Lynelle Schneeberg, PsyD: Academic performance, behavior and mood are all dependent on good sleep. Kids need more sleep than we do (9-10 hours per night for children ages 5-12, and 8-9 hours per night for teens). Here are some helpful techniques to help get your child’s back-to-school sleep schedule back
Article
3 Steps for Teens to Master Time Management By Vanessa R. Laurent, PhD: This article was originally published in 2022 and was last updated in June of 2025. Grades, friends, sports, extracurricular interests – teens have a lot on their plates. All of these obligations can quickly go from fulfilling to overwhelming, especially during times of
Article
8 Ways to Celebrate MLK Day With Kids Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is celebrated on the third Monday of January to honor the late civil rights leader’s birthday. Here are ways your family can celebrate Dr. King’s legacy of peace, service and equality right at home.
Article
Personal Best: Alexandra’s Story Alexandra was the first baby born in Danbury Hospital, an event celebrated in the local newspaper. As she grew, there was more cause for celebration: She became a formidable athlete. Swimming was her love, but when she got to Danbury High School, they didn’t have a swim program
Article
6 Ways to Teach Your Teen Financial Independence By Lauren K. Ayr-Volta, PhD: When your teen is nearing the end of high school, they’ll suddenly need to take control of lots of aspects of their lives, from meal planning to healthcare. That includes finances. As adults, we sometimes assume that once a teen is a certain age, they’ll naturally know how to
Article
Getting to Know Genetic Counselors: What They Do and What to Expect in a Session By Ginger Nichols, MS, LCGC: Connecticut Children’s Office for Community Child Health is home to the Connecticut Newborn Screening Network (the Network), which responds to flagged newborn screening results in the state. The Network is staffed by board-certified physicians, genetic counselors, nurses, and a
Article
Deciding to Treat Fetal Renal Failure: Information & Support for Families By Timothy Crombleholme, MD: Until recently, most experts thought fetal renal failure was fatal — period. Expecting parents were simply told they had no options. Today, that’s no longer the case. With special care, it’s possible for a baby with fetal renal failure to survive and eventually thrive. But the
Article
Sports Training: Answers to Popular Questions By Nicholas Giampetruzzi, PT, MPT: This blog was originally published in July 2024 and was last updated in March 2025. Training is always part of the game, whether it's pre-season, mid-season or off-season. Turn to Connecticut Children's Nick Giampetruzzi, PT, MPT, Sports Physical Therapist, to get the scoop on
Article
Expert-Approved Books to Get Through Tough Stuff By Connecticut Children’s Child Life Specialists Books can be our greatest teachers, especially when families face a constantly changing world with ups, downs and challenges. This list of books, recommended by our Child Life team, will help kids of all ages and parents embrace
Article
Ensuring Every Child Gets the Care They Deserve: How Physicians Advocate for Families By Michael Isakoff, MD: When your child is sick or needs specialized care, nothing else matters. You focus on their health, on getting them the care they need, and on being there for them every step of the way. For any parent, even small barriers, such as long waits, limited specialists, or complicated
Article
10 Ways to Keep Kids Safe From Playscape Injuries By Sonia Chaudhry, MD, FACS, FAAOS: Want to make sure your child’s time on the playground is as safe as it is fun? Follow these safety tips from orthopedic surgeon Sonia Chaudhry, MD, FAAOS and the Injury Prevention Center’s Kevin Borrup, DrPH, JD, MPA. Playground injuries are common, but preventable. Each year
Article
Full Circle – From Connecticut Children’s Patient to Team Member From the time he was an infant to the year he turned 21, John Hoffman could mark the months by visits with Jeffrey Hyams, MD . Dr. Hyams, an internationally-recognized researcher who heads Connecticut Children’s Division of Gastroenterology and the Center for Digestive Diseases
Article
24 Questions for Your Teen to Ask Their Doctor By Lauren K. Ayr-Volta, PhD: By the time your child enters their teenage years, they should be getting ready to take charge of their own health. The more confident they feel speaking up at doctor’s visits, the better. It gives their doctor more information to support them through adolescence – and sets your
Article
Developmental Holiday Gift Guide for Kids: OT-Recommended The holiday season is just around the corner, and finding the perfect gift for your child can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially if you're looking for something that’s both fun and beneficial for their development. That's why our team of Occupational Therapists at Connecticut