Connecticut Children's Blog

Last year, with schools closed due to COVID-19 and quarantine in full swing, many teens became even more glued to their screens. In many ways, that was OK: Teens are wired to be social, and social media helped them stay connected to friends. Technology was essential for remote learning. But screens of all kinds, from […]

There’s so much cumulative trauma and grief in the world right now, and it’s affecting children and teens. Many young people are struggling with anxiety or depression, but don’t know how to ask for help. They may not realize that it’s okay to talk about what they’re going through. Or they may have trouble finding […]

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, children and teens have been struggling with more anxiety and depression. To help, Connecticut Children’s has put together a Mental Health Kit for kids. But many parents and caregivers are struggling too – and to be there for their child, they need to take care of their own mental health. Connecticut […]

Recently, an 11-year-old girl in Connecticut Children’s Emergency Department was asked screening questions by her doctor, including one that seemed unrelated to why she was there: In the past few weeks, had she thought about killing herself? To her mother’s shock, the child said yes. She admitted that she had been thinking about suicide for […]

When our electronics act up, we can usually just unplug to reset them. If only our emotions were so simple. But during moments of stress, there are still some trusty methods for kids and teens – and parents – to calm themselves down. (With months still to go in the COVID-19 pandemic, we could all […]

Life with kids is rarely predictable, but COVID-19 school closures, quarantines, and shifting work schedules have taken things to an extreme. Connecticut Children’s pediatric psychologist Lauren Ayr-Volta, PhD, has tips for creating consistency in all that chaos.     Want more articles like this from pediatric experts you trust? Sign up for our newsletter. Subscribe […]

Winter darkness and colder weather can cause your child’s mood and health habits to take a dive. To help, start with the basics! Connecticut Children’s pediatric psychologist Melissa Santos, PhD, shares her top five tips. 1. Eat right. Make it easy for yourself: Decide on a meal prep day for your family and spend time […]

By: Vanessa Laurent, PhD, and Lynelle Schneeberg, PsyD As the days grow shorter and the hours of sunlight decrease, your child may feel sad or sluggish from the gray skies. For some kids and teens, this feeling may be a more serious problem known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. And the COVID-19 pandemic could […]

With all that’s changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s easy for kids (and adults) to get stuck on negative thoughts – like how they’re missing extended family, sports or friends. With Thanksgiving and the winter holidays coming up, there may be other challenges ahead. But by learning to infuse a bit of positivity into difficult […]

By: Michael Reiss, PsyD, and Melissa Santos, PhD Friendships are important for your child’s happiness – and health, too. Social interactions strengthen kids’ immune systems, increase motivation and lower stress. Unfortunately, lots of children are separated from friends right now due to social distancing, school schedules and shifting parent schedules. Want ideas to help your […]