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Dr. Shannon Blemings: Advancing Pediatrics and Advocacy Through REACH Shannon Blemings, MD, a second-year pediatrics resident at Connecticut Children's, embodies a dedication to child health and community advocacy that has been shaped by her experiences growing up in New Haven, Connecticut. With a strong academic foundation in Physiology and

Babies’ Head Shapes: 5 Things to Know By Bethany Simonetti MSN, APRN, FNP-BC: Babies come in different shapes and sizes, but what’s the deal with babies’ head shapes? Many parents know newborn heads are soft and pliable, therefore it’s crucial to support the baby’s head until it fully forms. But why do some babies have rounded heads, while others have more

How to Check On Your Child’s Mental Health By Bradley S. Jerson, PhD: Many young people struggle with anxiety or depression, but don’t know how to ask for help. They may not realize that it’s okay to talk about what they’re going through. Or they may have trouble finding the words to describe their experience. Parents, caregivers and other trusted

Maximize Your Impact: Childhood Prosperity Lab By Jacquelyn Rose, MPH: By: Jacquelyn M. Rose, MPH and Paul Dworkin, MD Have you ever wondered what supports childhood prosperity? What is necessary to help children flourish, thrive and succeed? How to identify opportunities to enhance child health, development, and well-being? How to innovate

8 Common Questions About Asthma in Kids By Jessica Hollenbach, PhD: According to the Connecticut State Department of Public Health, an astonishing 370,000 people in Connecticut have asthma—71,900 of which are children. That’s 1 in every 8 children in the state. It’s the most common chronic illness in kids and there are many causes. Many of us

Does My Child Need a Back to School Exam? By Abraham J. Khorasani, MD: This article was originally published in August of 2022 and has been updated August 11, 2025 to reflect current times. From the early pre-K years to senior year, school is about so much more than pens, books and friendships. Your child should also have a clean bill of health

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

Changing How We Talk to Kids About COVID-19 When Someone Tests Positive By Emily Wakefield, PsyD: Media Contacts: The COVID-19 pandemic seems to be a never-ending rollercoaster ride for kids and families. Lately, with the rise in infections due to Omicron, that’s included a sensitive subject: what to say to your child when they or someone they know tests positive. Connecticut

Raising a First-Time Voter? 9 Tips for Parents By Jane Baird: This is a major milestone for them. Talking about politics with your children is a great way to boost their critical thinking skills, teach them to appreciate different viewpoints, and help them figure out their own values. Plus, it gives them a chance to learn how to engage in

6 Tips to Help Kids Deal With Peer Pressure By Lauren K. Ayr-Volta, PhD: TikTok dares. Drug and alcohol abuse. Bullying. Peer pressure can lead to a lot of difficult and dangerous situations for kids and teens. It’s hard for your child to know how to handle that, especially in the moment. But you can help them understand what to watch out for, and

Is Caffeine Safe for Teens? A Doctor Explains By Andrew Carlson, MD: Coffee and other tasty caffeinated drinks are part of our culture. But pediatric health professionals are asking parents to be aware of new 2025 guidelines from Healthy Eating Research that clarify what kids should and shouldn’t be drinking, and that teenagers especially should

From the Sidelines: How Involved Should Parents Be in Sports? By Kelly Ann Maynes, PsyD: Whether your child is preparing for their first-ever game or for a high school championship, one thing is true—your support matters. As parents, the way we show up on the sidelines and in life shapes not just how our athletes play, but also how they grow. Connecticut Children’s

How to Prepare and Support Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders This School Year By Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett, MS, CCC-SLP: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a tough time adjusting to change – so they’ll need additional guidance and support to succeed in school during COVID-19. Connecticut Children’s autism specialist Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett, MS, CCC-SLP shares tips. Create a visual

10 Apps to Help Young Kids Deal With Their Emotions By Melissa Santos, PhD: When your young child has big feelings in their little body, they may not know what to do about it. To help, you can work with them on a coping toolbox, mindfulness exercises or quick resets . Or, if you’re into wellness apps, you can turn to your phone: There are a growing

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