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7 Ways to Introduce Your Child to Wearing a Mask By Kathryn Robbins: As part of Connecticut Children’s Safe and Sound program, every team member, visitor and patient over age 2 wears a face mask. To prevent the spread of coronavirus, masks should be a habit for your family too, especially as you venture out to public places for summer fun . But it

Grow Focused: Michael’s Story At indoor track practice this past winter, Derby High School shot putter Michael Hyder, age 15, was hit in the back of the head with a shot put – a metal ball about the size and weight of a small cannonball. It knocked him unconscious, and he fell face-forward onto the gravel

Meet Emma: A Journey from the Adult Surgery Unit to the Pediatric ICU Emma got her start working in adult healthcare, but always knew she wanted to work with children. Now a nurse in the Pediatric ICU, Emma knows firsthand the incredible fulfillment and inspiration that comes with a career in pediatrics.

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

6 Reasons Why It’s Important to Cook With Your Kids By Nancy Trout, MD: By now, you and your child may be discovering the fun of cooking together. Want to make kitchen time even more meaningful? Primary care pediatrician Nancy Trout, MD, MPH, co-director of the Kohl’s Start Childhood Off Right program at Connecticut Children’s, joins the blog with

The Office’s Three Roles By Scott Orsey: By: Scott Orsey Promoting the optimal healthy development of children. That’s what we do here at the Connecticut Children’s Office for Community Child Health (the Office). It sounds fairly straightforward, right? Getting kids programs and services to help them achieve their best

5 Healthy, Easy Lunchbox Snack Ideas By Stacy Chandna, MS, CIP: Healthy snacks are a great way to keep your kids energized and boost their essential nutrient intake – but sometimes, it’s hard to come up with ideas that are both interesting and easy. Luckily, Stacy Chandna, MS, CIP, has lots of tips.

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

GROW Thoughtful: Danny’s Story One day, when Danny Sullivan was 8 years old, he began to feel very tired. Everyone thought it was allergies, maybe, or a growth spurt. He’d always been a healthy kid, with nothing more than the occasional cold. But this time, it got worse. Suddenly, he could barely stand up. His

Changing How We Talk to Kids About Wearing Masks During COVID-19 By Melissa Santos, PhD: Our kids have been through a lot during this pandemic. Many have lost people in their own families due to COVID-19. Because of this, we’ve told them that masks are how they help to save people’s lives—and they did a good job at taking this mission seriously. On March 1, 2022, the

8 Tips to Help Kids With Special Needs Adjust to a New School Year By Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett, MS, CCC-SLP: Kids with autism and other special needs can have a tough time getting used to new routines, people and places. And of course, a new school year includes all of the above. This year, your child may need extra help with transitions. After all, they aren’t just adjusting to school

7 Things To Do When Your Child Doesn’t Want to Go Back to School By Bradley S. Jerson, PhD: This article was originally published in July 2021, updated in December 2023 and again as of August 11, 2025. If your child is dreading going back to school this fall, or is having a series of "off" days about going to school at all, how can you help? Connecticut Children’s