Search Results

Ankle Sprains: A Common Challenge for Basketball Players Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in basketball athletes of all ages. And all too often, many players have to sit most of the season out depending on how severe the injury. This is a situation no athlete and their parents, understandably, want to face. >Related

5 Mental Health Tips for Kids This Winter By Melissa Santos, PhD: 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.

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

Sports-Related Concussions: 5 Things for Athletes to Know By Imran Hafeez, MD: If your child, teen or young adult is an athlete, it’s important to talk to them about concussions. Pediatric Sports Medicine experts share five important things parents and athletes need to know…

Advocacy for Children: The Time is Now By Emily Boushee: By: Emily Boushee In Connecticut and across the country, children are facing significant challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the additional crises the pandemic has brought to light, including escalating behavioral health concerns and inequities stemming from

Minimally Invasive Craniosynostosis Surgery: A Game-Changer for Babies By Bethany Simonetti MSN, APRN, FNP-BC: Are you worried about your baby’s head shape and what it could mean? Flat spots, or plagiocephaly, tend to improve on their own, but if your doctor suspects craniosynostosis, which may require surgical repair, you naturally have lots of questions. Our pediatric neurosurgery team

The 8 Golden Rules of Summer Safety for All Ages By Kevin Borrup, DrPH, JD, MPA: “Trauma season” – that’s how emergency medicine providers and injury prevention experts often refer to the months of May through August. That’s because of the dramatic increase in the number of children injured during the warm spring and summer months. Favorite summer activities

Adult Skincare Products are Not Safe for Kids. Here’s Why. No. It’s not safe for kids to use adult skincare products. But thanks to TikTok “skinfluencer” trends everywhere (#schoolgrwm, for one), kids are getting the wrong messages about what it means to keep skin healthy. Many preteens and children as young as 6 years old (!) have been

Does Your Child Have Special Needs? 4 Things to Ask Their School Now By Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett, MS, CCC-SLP: As the new school year rapidly approaches, families are gearing up for changes in schedules, procedures, and rules. If your child has special needs, you may want to reach out to their teaching team for extra support helping them adjust. Connecticut Children’s autism specialist

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

Q&A: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Pediatric Epilepsy & Primary Dystonia By David Hersh, MD: If your child’s epilepsy or dystonia isn’t responding to medication or other treatments, what comes next? Connecticut Children’s, in partnership with UConn Health, offers deep brain stimulation (DBS) as an option for pediatric patients — and for many families, a reason for hope

Transforming Mental Health Support for Your Child: Connecticut Children’s Commitment By Kristen Volz-Spessard, MS: Prioritizing the well-being of our youth is critical. At Connecticut Children’s, we are committed to supporting your child’s mental health. We offer a range of initiatives, resources, and support services designed to address these challenges. From counseling and therapeutic

Celebrating Pride Month: Activities and Resources for Families and Children Pride Month serves as an excellent opportunity to educate children about the significant contributions and achievements of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA) both historically and in contemporary

Make a DIY Calming Bottle for Your Child’s Coping Skills Toolbox By Melissa Santos, PhD: 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

Bella’s Story: Introducing Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Pediatric Epilepsy By David Hersh, MD: Isabella has always been a joyful kid — bright-eyed, full of curiosity, and completely herself. But since age 10, she has also been living with the fear and danger of a hard-to-treat form of epilepsy, sometimes having more than five seizures a day. A partnership between