Search Results

6 Ways to Raise Children with a Growth Mindset By Preeti Sandhu, PsyD: Ever worry about your child’s desire to learn? Are you concerned that they do not feel as smart as other kids, but do not know how to change this outlook? A positive attitude can help them reshape their perspective on learning and what it means to achieve a goal. For years

Ahead of the Curve in Redefining Community Benefits By Paul Dworkin, MD: In this age of health care reform, it is encouraging to see more hospitals and health systems redefine the way in which they fulfill their community benefit obligations under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It is also encouraging to see states begin to reconsider their approaches

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

Ensuring Safe Ride Home from the Hospital By Kevin Borrup, DrPH, JD, MPA: By: Kevin Borrup, DrPh, JD, MPA It’s a question we frequently get from Connecticut Children’s Division of Orthopedics – can we provide a specialized car seat to a young patient who will soon undergo hip surgery to facilitate a safe ride home? We provide the service through our

When Does a Teen ACL Tear Need Surgery vs. Rehab? A Parent’s Guide By Matthew Brown, MD: When your teen is told they have torn their ACL, one of the biggest questions parents ask is: Do they need surgery, or can physical therapy be enough? Matt Brown, MD, orthopedic surgeon and ACL reconstruction expert, answers questions for parents.

Beyond Wrist Surgery: Arianna’s Story When she fell hard after whiffing on a ball during club soccer practice, 14-year-old Arianna P. nearly laughed out loud through the pain. “Here we go again,” she said to her mother in the hospital room. She’d managed to break her wrist for the second time. Deep down, she knew

Meet James: Finding Inspiration in Little Miracles For James Gerace, PA-C, providing the best care and emotional support to the parents and family members of babies boils down to doing what’s right as a professional. As a physician assistant in the NICU, James enjoys the variety it provides. His favorite part is seeing the

7 Challenging DEI Conversation Topics and How to Have Them By Melissa Santos, PhD: In recent years, many diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI for simplicity) topics around social justice, racism and more have bubbled to the surface. To be fair, many of us adults are still educating ourselves on what we should know, and why it matters. But what information do

5 Handwashing Facts That Might Surprise You By John R. Schreiber, MD, MPH: Swings, slides, doorknobs, animals… Little hands are a breeding ground for germs because kids get into everything. That means that, whatever’s going around right now can be spread from unwashed hands. Most older kids know germs make them sick, and that it’s important to wash

How to Help Kids Handle Holiday Disappointment if Omicron Changes Your Plans By Amy Adolfo Signore, PhD, MPH: The holidays are always full of surprises. This year, as we wait to learn more about the Omicron variant, families are dealing with more uncertainty than usual. Whether you’re rethinking travel, opting for a smaller gathering, or dealing with a family member’s COVID-19 exposure

Beyond Brain Surgery: Josh's Story By Jonathan Martin, MD: When Josh Hollm was 6 years old, an eye doctor dilated his eyes, took one look, and sent him to Connecticut Children’s Emergency Department. The diagnosis: a brain tumor, noncancerous. It was putting dangerous pressure on his brain. Josh’s parents, Ruth and Bob, had known

Improving Sexual and Reproductive Health Communication Between Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Patients and Clinicians By Natasha N. Frederick, MD, MPH, MST: Dr. Natasha Frederick, a physician-researcher in Connecticut Children’s Research Institute’s Scientific Center for Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, was recently awarded a $1.36 million K08 grant by the National Cancer Institute and the National Institutes of Health.

From Crib to Bed: When, How, Why and What If? By Haviva Veler, MD, FAASM: It’s 3 am and you caught your toddler trying to climb out of the crib! Or, maybe you’re just wondering when, how or why you should make the switch to a bed. We turned to Dr. Haviva Veler, Division Head of Connecticut Children’s Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine team, for

My Tween Wants a Smart Phone. Now What? By Kevin Borrup, DrPH, JD, MPA: Your preteen wants their own phone. You’re torn—and worried for their safety. As they explore the digital world, they’re well on their way to independence. 91% of kids will have a smartphone by the time they turn 14, according to Common Sense Media. If you’re on the fence about

How Do I Safely Clean My Child's Ears? By Rachelle Wareham, MD: This article was originally published in March 2025 and has been updated on June 23, 2025 with a video. Did you know there are right and “wrong” ways to clean your child’s ears? According to Rachelle Wareham, MD, pediatric otolaryngologist (ENT), it’s common to see kids with ear