Article
10 Ways to Get Your Teen (and Family) to Try a Digital Detox Last year, with schools closed due to COVID-19 and quarantine in full swing, many teens became even more glued to their screens. In many ways, that was OK: Teens are wired to be social, and social media helped them stay connected to friends. Technology was essential for remote
Article
Parenting Through a Divorce or the End of a Relationship By Amy Adolfo Signore, PhD, MPH: Kids are resilient, and able to overcome a parental separation or divorce. But it’s a big transition. How can you support your child through these changes? Connecticut Children’s pediatric psychologist Amy Adolfo Signore, PhD, MPH , shares advice.
Article
Happy Holidays During COVID! Week #4: Care Packages to Make Quarantine Special During COVID-19, your family may have lots of people to thank and in-person celebrations to make up for. So in time for Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa, here’s a care package how-to for spreading holiday cheer. This is the fourth week of Connecticut Children’s holiday series Article
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.
Article
Grow Inspiring: Natalia’s Story The staff at the hospital where Natalia Rodriguez Sabala was born hadn’t seen a patient like her in seven years. She was born with cloacal exstrophy, also known as OEIS syndrome: Her bladder and portions of her large intestine were on the outside of her belly, and her bladder was
Article
Grow Fun: Sofia’s Story When 5-year-old Sofia Cortese hears she won’t be going into school today – whether from a doctor’s appointment, school holiday or because classes will be online this week – she has a predictable reaction. “She’ll say, ‘But my friends are going to miss me!’” says mom Renata. And
Article
Grow Fearless: Fernando’s Story Norma Moreira was returning home from work when she received the phone call: Her 6-year-old son, Fernando, was hit by a car while crossing the street in their East Hartford neighborhood. The car had been going very fast. Fernando might not survive. Fernando was raced to
Article
Grow Committed: Zach’s Story Imagine: You are a star football player walking onto the field for the first game of your senior year. It is Friday night, and the stands are packed. You’ve already racked up three all-conference and two all-state selections in your first three years of high school; you’ve been
Article
From Patient to Pageant Queen: Jillian’s Story Before COVID-19, Jillian Duffy, Miss Connecticut 2019 and 2020, visited the Medical Center once a month and made her way room-to-room meeting with patients. The visits are part of the partnership between the Miss America Organization and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and
Article
Why Your Child Needs Their Flu Shot ASAP (and Maybe a Second Shot, Too): A Note From Our Physician-in-Chief By Juan C. Salazar, MD, MPH, FAAP: This is a hectic back-to-school season for many families – but don’t be tempted to put off your child’s flu shot. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it’s important to get kids vaccinated for the flu as soon as possible. Physician-in-Chief Juan Salazar, MD, MPH shares why you Article
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 Article
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 Article
8 Ways to Celebrate MLK Day With Kids Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is celebrated on the third Monday of January to honor the late civil rights leader’s birthday. Here are ways your family can celebrate Dr. King’s legacy of peace, service and equality right at home.