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Is Youth Sports Pressure Hurting Your Child’s Mental Health? By Kelly Ann Maynes, PsyD: This article was originally published in July 2022 and was last updated in April 2026. Youth sports can be a powerful way for children to build confidence, friendships, and resilience. But when the pressure to perform becomes overwhelming, it can take a toll on a child’s mental

What to Expect During a NICU Stay: A Guide for Parents By Annmarie Golioto, MD, IBCLC, FAAP: The NICU can look and sound different from a regular hospital room. There may be monitors, soft alarms and special equipment. As a new parent, it’s normal to feel unsure about what everything means inside the NICU. Annmarie Golioto, MD, Medical Director of the NICU at Connecticut

When Is a Fever an Emergency in Children? Signs, Symptoms & Next Steps By Andrew Carlson, MD: This article was originally published in October 2025 and updated in April 2026 for relevance. While most fevers are not emergencies, some signs in children demand immediate care. This article by Andrew Carlson, MD, Division Head of Primary Care, outlines red flags, age-specific

Why Would My Child Need a Plastic Surgeon? Common Reasons for Referral By Melissa M. Condren, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC: When most people hear “plastic surgery,” they think of cosmetic procedures or enhancements. But in the world of kids, plastic surgery is very different. Pediatric plastic and craniofacial surgeons focus on reconstructive care—helping children with conditions that affect how they

Broken Nose or Just a Bump? When Kids Need a Plastic Surgeon for Nasal Injuries By Melissa M. Condren, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC: If your child takes a hit to the nose from sports or activity, one of the first questions parents ask is: Is it broken—and will it heal on its own? It can be hard to tell the difference between “just a bump” and a broken nose. Connecticut Children's pediatric plastic surgery team

Fevers in Children: When to Worry and When to Stay Calm By Saima N. Jafri, DO: This article was originally published in 2022 and last updated in April 2026 for relevance. Do we need to be worried when our kids spike a low- or high-grade fever? Dr. Saima Jafri, pediatrician with Connecticut Children’s Care Network, lays out the facts on fever in kids. What

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Pediatric Plastic Surgery Visit By Melissa M. Condren, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC: If your child has been referred to pediatric plastic surgery, or if you're thinking of an evaluation, it’s completely normal to have questions. In most cases, a first visit to Connecticut Children’s is focused on evaluation and discussing management options. Many kids do not need

Scoliosis in Kids Mythbusters: What Parents Need to Know By John Stelzer, MD: If your child’s school nurse or doctor mentioned scoliosis, it can feel scary. Many parents worry they missed something or did something wrong. The truth is, most worries about scoliosis in kids are based on myths. John Stelzer, MD, pediatric orthopedic & spine surgeon, clears

High-Risk Pregnancy: What to Do and How to Cope By Jennifer Humphrey, MSN, RN: This article was originally published in April 2023 and last updated in April 2026. If your pregnancy is high risk, it’s natural to have a mix of emotions ranging from joy and anticipation—to fear and even sorrow. Even though every woman’s high risk pregnancy is different, you’re

Understanding the Impact of Child Sexual Abuse on Youth Mental Health By Cara During: In conversations about youth mental health, we often notice what shows up on the surface — changes in behavior, mood, or functioning. But some of the most important contributing factors are less visible and harder to name. Child sexual abuse is one of those factors, with impacts

It’s Not You By Scott Orsey: There’s a certain kind of situation where you start to wonder if the problem is you. You push. Nothing happens. You try again, harder this time. Still nothing. You adjust. Try from a different angle. Maybe you’re just not hitting it right. At some point, you stop trying to figure

Cleft Lip or Cleft Palate Diagnosed During Pregnancy? What Parents Should Know By Timothy Crombleholme, MD: Finding out your baby has a cleft lip or cleft palate during an ultrasound can feel scary. You may have many questions. You may also feel worried or overwhelmed. The good news: Most babies with a cleft lip or palate do very well. With the right fetal care and craniofacial teams