Connecticut Children's Blog

Academic performance, behavior and mood are all dependent on good sleep. Kids need more sleep than we do (9-10 hours per night for children ages 5-12, and 8-9 hours per night for teens). Here are some helpful techniques to help get your child’s back-to-school sleep schedule back on track. Want more articles like this from […]

You ask, we answer. In each edition of “Ask a Pediatrician,” Connecticut Children’s pediatric experts respond to a question from our community. This week, infectious disease pediatrician John R. Schreiber, MD, MPH, tackles a popular topic this cold and flu season, especially with the new threat of the Omicron variant. My child has a runny nose but no […]

By Amy Watkins, MPH It’s back to school time, and that means school buses, crowded drop-offs and bicycling or walking along busy roads. Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the United States, so it’s important to talk to your child now about being safe around buses and cars.  Amy […]

You can help your child embrace diversity, equity and inclusion at any age. One way is to choose books and other entertainment featuring characters with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. Wondering where to find age-appropriate suggestions? Try these resources. Where to Find Children’s Books About Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Common Sense Media: Commonsensemedia.org […]

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 should call your child’s pediatrician today to schedule. […]

By: Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett, MS, CCC-SLP, CCRP 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 calendar for your child’s school schedule (especially for hybrid […]

By: Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett, MS, CCC-SLP, CCRP 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 Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett, MS, CCC-SLP, shares […]

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 are tips for […]

If your child is returning to the classroom this fall, it’ll be even more of an adjustment than usual. How do you talk to younger kids about big changes at school in a way that makes them feel safe and supported? Developmental pediatrician Robert D. Keder, MD, shares these steps and some general tips. 1. Check […]

If your child is returning to the classroom this fall, they’ll need some new supplies. Pediatrician Patricia Garcia, MD, MPH, shares her list. School Supplies for a Pandemic Mask or face covering: Use permanent marker to label all masks with your child’s name, as well as to indicate the mask’s top, bottom, front and back. Here’s […]