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Responding to Violence in the Home During COVID-19 By: Amy Hunter, PhD, MPH, Susan DiVietro, PhD, and Rebecca Beebe, PhD The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a new level of concern to those of us who work to prevent intimate partner violence (IPV) and child maltreatment. Since the pandemic hit, the Connecticut Coalition Against

Beyond a Rash: When to Worry About Skin Changes By Jessica Fennell, MD: Rashes are a normal part of childhood, though at times they can worry and confuse parents. For example, many children will have flushing that causes the face to turn red or pink when they are active or warm, such as when they come out of the shower. This is a normal reaction

Are You Disinfecting Your Baby’s Gear Correctly? By Patricia Garcia, MD, MPH: This article was originally published in March 2020. Updated in November 2023. As parents who dread peak illness season, we're all trying to do a better job disinfecting items and surfaces that get a lot of contact. That goes for baby gear, too. Of course, cleaning baby gear is

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Heart Ultrasound (Echocardiogram) By Brooke Davey, MD: If your child has been scheduled for their first heart ultrasound—called an echocardiogram—you probably have questions. That’s completely normal! An echocardiogram is a safe, gentle test that shows pictures of your child’s heart using sound waves. There are no needles, and it

Explaining Anesthesia to Younger Kids By Sarah Malvezzi: At Connecticut Children’s, we know how to make kids feel comfortable and special, including explaining medical procedures in a way that doesn’t feel intimidating. If your child has a surgery or procedure scheduled, you’ll probably want to talk to them about it at home too. To get

4 Quick Tips to Help Kids Sleep Better and Wake Up Energized By Lynelle Schneeberg, PsyD: This article was originally published in August 2021 and last updated in December 2023. Good sleep is essential for a good school year: during the day, a well-rested child has an easier time focusing and behaving. At night, quality sleep allows their brain to organize and store

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

An Ordinary Year in Review By Jacquelyn M. Rose, MPH: By: Jacquelyn M. Rose, MPH In an ordinary year, I develop a work plan to guide the strategic priorities and efforts of Childhood Prosperity Lab, which oversees the social innovation efforts of Connecticut Children’s Office for Community Child Health (the Office). The plan enables

When #StayHome Does Not Equal #StayHealthy By: Marcus Smith, MBA and Jacquelyn M. Rose, MPH This is the first in a series of four blog posts that we plan to publish during Healthy Homes Month that explores how organizations can leverage housing innovations as a platform to help children to flourish, thrive, and succeed

"My Friend Has Cancer:" Helping Adolescents and Young Adults Cope By Mary Laliberte: Normally, adolescents and young adults first experience cancer from older relatives who have been diagnosed. But what happens when a peer gets diagnosed with cancer? Mary Laliberte, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Connecticut Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders

What’s the Risk? Which Activities Are Safe When Kids Aren’t Vaccinated Yet By Juan C. Salazar, MD, MPH, FAAP: In previous editions of What’s the Risk?, Connecticut Children’s pediatric experts have covered everything from playgrounds to farmers markets throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. But things just got more complicated for families whose adults and adolescents are vaccinated but

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

6 Ways to Teach Your Teen Financial Independence By Lauren K. Ayr-Volta, PhD: When your teen is nearing the end of high school, they’ll suddenly need to take control of lots of aspects of their lives, from meal planning to healthcare. That includes finances. As adults, we sometimes assume that once a teen is a certain age, they’ll naturally know how to

A Step Closer to Health and Well-being Transformation: Pediatrics Supporting Parents By Scott Orsey: By: Scott Orsey Three years ago, I wondered how close we were to the technological convergence that would radically transform the approach we take to health and well-being. At the time , I observed the high rate at which we were gaining knowledge of and the ability to influence

Is It Safe to Take My Baby Outside in the Heat? By Andrew Carlson, MD: As a new parent, you probably have a million questions about how to keep your baby safe and comfortable. One question pediatricians get all the time is whether or not it's safe to take your newborn or infant outside in the blazing summer heat. The answer is yes, but with