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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.

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

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

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

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

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.