Connecticut Children's Blog

By: Kevin Borrup, DrPH, JD, MPA “Trauma season” – that’s how emergency medicine providers and injury prevention experts often refer to the months of May through August. That’s because of the dramatic increase in the number of children injured during the warm spring and summer months. This summer, as pandemic restrictions are lifted, people are […]

By: Stacy Chandna, MS, CIP Now that school’s out and summer’s officially here, your family may be dreaming up a summertime bucket list. A garden project is a perfect addition – and it’s not too late to start! Stacy Chandna, co-director of Kohl’s Start Childhood Off Right program, joins the blog with tips. Want more articles like […]

Listening to music and dancing are among little Laniece’s favorite activities. At 2.5 years old, the East Hartford toddler enjoys moving to the beat of her favorite songs at any opportunity. When mom Christina Smith learned about a Zumbini class for children her daughter’s age, she immediately signed up. What is Zumbini? Inspired by the […]

Fredrik was two months old when he started struggling to keep down food. No matter what parents Marie and Josh Pinheiro tried, “he was spitting up and vomiting at all hours of the day,” says Marie. “Nothing helped.” Two months later, the wheezing and coughing started. At an age when he should have steadily put […]

By Ashley Starr Frechette and Susan DiVietro, PhD Back to school season brings many new challenges this year, especially given the stress and isolation associated with COVID-19. For families experiencing domestic violence, these challenges can be devastating. In support of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Ashley Starr Frechette, the director of health professional outreach […]

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 […]

With schools closed and social distancing measures in place, children are turning to social media to stay connected with friends – through messaging and video chats, sharing photos and videos, and playing video games. For many, this is happening at a younger age than their parents originally planned. That can be okay, since it’s important […]

By: Elaine Wang, MD Elaine Wang, MD, is a pediatric resident at Connecticut Children’s and a proud advocate for children. In honor of Connecticut Children’s Family Advocacy Week, she shares ways to connect with local lawmakers, and stand up for children’s health issues. 8 Ways to Connect With Lawmakers Legislators are elected to represent your […]

By: Stacy Chandna, MS, CIP During the COVID-19 pandemic, families have been forced to find creative ways to keep kids active while still avoiding high-risk activities. With some youth sports canceled, the colder, winter months are pushing that creativity to new lengths. Stacy Chandna, co-director of Kohl’s Start Childhood Off Right program, joins the blog with tips. […]

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 […]