Connecticut Children's Blog

By Kelly Maynes, PsyD, and Lauren K. Ayr-Volta, PhD Pediatric psychologists Kelly Maynes, PsyD, and Lauren K. Ayr-Volta, PhD, join the blog to help parents support teens who are going through grief and loss. For a list of warning signs of teen depression and anxiety, read Teen Depression and Anxiety: What Parents Should Look for, Ask and […]

Youth suicide has been on the rise for the past decade – and with the added stress of the coronavirus pandemic, suicide prevention is more important than ever. Dr. Steven Rogers, medical director of Emergency Behavioral Health services at Connecticut Children’s, shares important tips and resources for parents. Help and support is available. First, every […]

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 psychologist Melissa Santos, PhD, head of Connecticut Children’s Division […]

By Lauren K. Ayr-Volta, PhD, and Kelly Maynes, PsyD As we’ve weathered the ups and downs of the pandemic, some parents and pediatric experts have noticed an increase in youth anxiety and depression. For general advice on how to support your teen, check out Is Your Teen Stressed, Sad or Angry? They May Be Feeling Grief. If […]

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Connecticut Children’s pediatric psychologists join the blog with top coping tips for these uncertain times – straight from their families to yours. #1: Stay connected with others. Remember, social distancing equals physical distancing, not emotional. Find ways to stay connected! Our pediatric psychologists are spread across multiple divisions […]

As your family adjusts to the new demands and challenges of life in the coronavirus pandemic, we want to make sure you can turn to reliable resources. To help, Connecticut Children’s Division of Pediatric Psychology has put together this comprehensive list for parents and caregivers. It links to hundreds of resources – from our own pediatric […]

By now, it’s probably sinking in for your child – and you – that coronavirus school closures and social distancing aren’t simply an extended vacation. As we all deal with changes to daily life, it’s important to take stock of what your child actually understands about COVID-19 and recent developments, and how they’re feeling about […]

By Melissa Santos, PhD, Tim LaVigne, PhD, and Michael Reiss, PsyD Parenting teenagers can be hard, especially as they become more independent (or as they like to call it: I can’t wait to live on my own!). Teenage years are also the time when many children first experience mental health struggles. Research from the CDC […]

Christie Uipi, a former patient at Connecticut Children’s, recently launched a video series on YouTube called “Feelings & Stuff,” aimed at teens and adults facing common mental health issues such as fear, depression and anxiety. Christie was diagnosed with Crohn’s in middle school and remained a Connecticut Children’s patient through college. She now lives in […]