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Signs Your Child Might Be Depressed or Anxious – and What to Do Next By Lauren K. Ayr-Volta, PhD: Over the last few years, 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 you’re wondering how you’ll know

Ask a Pediatrician: What Should I Do When My Child Has a Common Cold During COVID-19? By John R. Schreiber, MD, MPH: You ask, we answer. In each edition of “Ask a Pediatrician,” Connecticut Children’s pediatric experts respond to a question from our community. This week, infectious disease pediatrician John R. Schreiber, MD, MPH, tackles a popular topic this cold and flu season, especially with

8 Childhood Symptoms Not to Ignore By Emily Vistica Sampino, MD: Knowing any early warning signs can help you rule out certain conditions, and get the early diagnosis and treatment your child needs. While many symptoms can be part of common childhood illnesses, look for anything persistent and unusual. Emily Vistica-Sampino, MD, pediatric

Small Beginnings, Strong Bonds: Frankie and Noah's NICU Journey By Annmarie Golioto, MD, IBCLC, FAAP: Still, Hannah’s pregnancy started out smoothly. Aside from some early bleeding, Hannah felt great throughout much of her pregnancy. She continued teaching third grade, playing in her co-ed soccer league and staying active with Daryl and their two dogs. Regular visits with

Pregnant With Twins? 5 Questions to Ask Your Doctor By Jennifer Humphrey, MSN, RN: Expecting twins? Congratulations! You may already know that frequent visits to your obstetrician (OB) or maternal-fetal medicine specialist (MFM) are on the horizon. Twin pregnancies can increase your risk of complications and the need for more specialized medical attention. What

Keep Kids Safe in Cars All Summer Long By Amy Watkins, MPH: It might feel like a mild day outside, just 75 degrees, but the inside of a parked car can heat up quickly. In as little as 30 minutes, the temperature can reach 109°F, creating a dangerous oven-like environment for a child. No child can withstand this kind of heat. Most hot car

Monkeypox: How Worried Should We Be Right Now? By Ian C. Michelow, MD, FCPaed: Earlier this month, Connecticut saw its first cases of monkeypox in adults, making the virus a reality in the community. (Visit this CDC webpage for a breakdown of cases by state.) As if COVID-19 and parechovirus weren’t enough, parents are concerned. What should you know, and

Colon Cancer is On the Rise: 5 Prevention Tips for Kids By Annette Vannilam, MD: Why is this happening? How can we prevent colon cancer? Annette Vannilam, MD, Pediatric Gastroenterologist shares ways parents can encourage healthy colon health in kids.

Beyond Repeat Ear Infections: Avery’s Healthy Ear Journey By Christopher Grindle, MD: When 4-year-old Avery started preschool, her mom Stacey, and her dad Eric noticed something wasn’t right. Avery kept getting ear infections, one after another, always in her left ear. There are many reasons this can happen in kids, which is why these children should be evaluated

12 Calming Exercises to Teach Your Child This article was originally written in April 2020. Updated in December 2023. Just like adults, it’s easy for kids to get lost in troubling thoughts, and overwhelmed by the physical sensations that accompany stress. But kids can learn to calm themselves by focusing on what’s

How Social Media Impacts Mental Health and Changes Brain Activity, and What to Do By Melissa Santos, PhD: This article was originally written in January 2023 and has been updated as of February 4, 2025. Studies have shown that there is a possible link between social media and brain changes in young adolescents. MRI brain scans showed that teens who frequently check social media had

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

The New Food Pyramid: What Families Need to Know By Antoinette Maraglino, MS, RD: The good news? Healthy eating for kids hasn’t changed as much as it may sound.