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8 Tips to Get Kids Involved in the Kitchen, By Age By Haley Duscha, RDN, CDN: This article was originally published in May 2020 and updated in December 2023 for relevance. Cooking together is a great way to get your child interested in healthy eating, and teach them important skills. Where to start? Haley Duscha, a pediatric dietitian in the Division of

Become a Breast Milk Feeding Advocate in 5 Steps By Mary M. Lussier, BSN, IBCLC: Many of us have heard or seen the phrase, #normalizebreastfeeding, but what does it mean, exactly, to “normalize” something that’s seemingly so… normal? It starts with being an advocate for the breastfeeding community—regardless of your personal journey. Connecticut Children's

How to Help Teens Stay Motivated During the Summer Months By Preeti Sandhu, PsyD: Summertime is often seen as a time for teenagers to relax and have fun, but boredom and lack of motivation can also set in. As a result, teens may find themselves feeling restless and uninspired. Connecticut Children’s mental health expert Preeti Sandhu, PsyD, shares 6 ways to

Rhinovirus: More than the Common Cold? Runny noses, sneezing, sore throats and coughs—all par for the course during cold and flu season and a childhood rite of passage. One of the most common causes of these symptoms is a virus called rhinovirus. Turn to the ones parents trust to know what to expect if your child is

Coccygeal Pits in Babies: What Parents Need to Know By Bethany Simonetti MSN, APRN, FNP-BC: One of the most common reasons kids see our team in pediatric neurosurgery is for a coccygeal pit, something that often sounds more concerning than it actually is. To help answer common questions and ease worry, we spoke with Bethany Simonetti, APRN, pediatric neurosurgery nurse

Honoring Native American Heritage Month With Kids Native American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to teach children about the contributions, histories and cultures of Indigenous peoples and acknowledges the tremendous contributions they have made to our country. At Connecticut Children’s, we celebrate Native American

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

Preventing Eye Strain During Your Child’s Screen-Based Learning By Janine Collinge, MD: Whether from homework assignments on a computer or tablet, or remote instruction during COVID-19 quarantines, screens are probably a big part of “back to school” for your child. Connecticut Children’s pediatric ophthalmologist Janine Collinge, MD, shares tips.

Norovirus is Spiking: What Parents Need to Know By Andrew Carlson, MD: People call norovirus the “stomach flu,” but it’s not related to influenza at all. Most children will brave the storm and recover quickly—though it’s not fun—but some may need emergency care. Get answers from the ones parents trust for answers to common questions about norovirus

18 Ways to Keep Kids Entertained on Road Trips This article was originally published in September 2021 and updated in December 2023. If you’re getting out of town, there’s a good chance it’s in the family car. The trick is keeping your child occupied for all that time on the road. Here are ideas that boost imagination and

4 Warning Signs to Recognize Teen Dating Violence By Susan DiVietro, PhD: Teen dating should be a time of growth and joy, but for some, it becomes a source of fear and harm. Recognizing the warning signs is crucial in protecting teens from unhealthy relationships. Connecticut Children's Office for Community Child Health, home to the Injury Prevention

Gunshot Triggers New Outlook on Life: Jadiel’s Story Jadiel Vasquez spent two and a half months as an inpatient at Connecticut Children’s and much longer as an outpatient recovering from a gunshot wound. He was just 15 years old when he was unintentionally shot inside his Hartford home in March 2021. Now, at age 17, Vasquez is

Mononucleosis: What College Students Need to Know By Andrew Carlson, MD: Mononucleosis, often called "mono" for short, is a common viral infection that can affect people of all ages, including college students. Connecticut Children's Andrew Carlson, MD, Medical Director of Primary Care, explores what “Mono” is, its symptoms, how it spreads, and how to

5 Ways to Introduce Your Child to the Digital World By Christine Tatem: Every month, hundreds of new apps and digital games are released for kids — some beneficial, some harmless and some your child is definitely better off without. How do you choose? Connecticut Children’s Child Life Specialist Christine Tatem shares tips.

Advancing Social Innovations: Mastermind Sessions with Childhood Prosperity Lab By Jacquelyn Rose, MPH: Here at Childhood Prosperity Lab, we understand that collaboration and the space to reimagine what’s possible are key ingredients for a culture of innovation and to develop novel solutions to complex problems negatively impacting children, families, and communities. The Ashoka