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Cardiac Arrest and Sports Injuries: What Parents Should Know By Donna M. Pacicca, MD: All parents of aspiring athletes think about their child’s safety—it’s only natural. But when events like what happened to Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin take over the headlines, we can’t help but ask questions. Why did this football player’s heart stop on the field at just 24 years

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

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

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

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

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.

How to Pack a Go-Bag for Your Child’s Unexpected ED or Urgent Care Visits If it might be an emergency, don’t wait! Connecticut Children’s Emergency Department (ED) is always open, and our experts provide evening and weekend pediatric urgent care in Farmington. Pack a “go-bag” now, so it’s ready when you need it.

Worried About Having the Back-to-School Talk With Your Child? 8 Steps to Prepare By Robert D. Keder, MD: Getting your child ready for this school year includes big decisions – like whether they’ll be learning at home or in the classroom – and new rules due to COVID-19. Before you sit down to talk all it over with your child, pause to check in with yourself. (When you’re ready, here

6 Things to Expect if Your Child Has the Flu By Ian C. Michelow, MD, FCPaed: This blog was originally published in 2022. It has been updated in February of 2025. Many of our kids are sick with back-to-back viruses, including influenza or the flu. Connecticut Children’s Dr. Ian C. Michelow tells parents exactly what to expect with the flu, and when to

Grow Healthy: Jenna-Lee At the age of 5, Jenna-Lee loves learning from her teachers at school and is excited to head back to the classroom this fall. She also loves dancing, playing piano and belting out her favorite songs. She can often be found helping to care for her younger brother, Indio, age 3

Make a DIY Calming Bottle for Your Child’s Coping Skills Toolbox By Melissa Santos, PhD: Want a fun craft project that will soothe your child during moments of stress? Make a calming bottle to add to their coping toolbox! Calm down bottles are great for kids who are in timeout, fidgety or struggling with sensory overload, or just feeling anxious. Pediatric

Beyond Atrial Septal Defect: After Heart Surgery, Soccer Player Is Stronger Than Ever It was Xavier Crane’s first soccer game after open heart surgery — but most of the people in the stands had no clue. Neither did the opposing team. He was playing better than ever. Xavier’s mom, Beth, was another story. She’d enlisted Xavier’s sister to come with her for moral

What Do NICU Levels Mean? Newborn Hospital Care, Explained. By Annmarie Golioto, MD, IBCLC, FAAP: This article was originally published in September 2022 and last updated in January 2024. All newborn babies need special attention in the first few days of life to make sure they are healthy, but some need more care and monitoring, especially if they’re born early or with

Growing Resilient: What Your Child Needs to Get Through Tough Times By Robert D. Keder, MD: We hear it all the time: Kids are resilient. But what does that mean, and why does it matter so much right now? Developmental pediatrician Robert D. Keder, MD, joins the blog to explain.

8 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month with Kids February is Black History Month. The month honors the cultures and contributions of Black Americans in the United States. It provides a great opportunity to teach children about the history of the month and try out new activities to build appreciation and allyship for others