Back to school: it can be the most wonderful time of the year! It’s perfectly common, however, to feel all the feelings from excitement and curiosity, to nervousness and uncertainty. In this toolkit, Connecticut Children’s pediatric experts share helpful, age-appropriate tips to navigate the start of the school year and set kids up for success. Get answers to questions about tackling tough conversation topics, powering through peer pressure, preventing sports injuries and a whole lot more.

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Health and Safety 101

School age boy holds "Back to School" sign while friends and parents wave in the background

Ask a Pediatrician: Do Kids Need a Back-to-School Exam?

From the early pre-K years to senior year, school is about so much more than pens, books and friendships. Here's why kids should also have a clean bill of health before starting a new year of learning.

Crossing guard and four preteens crossing street in front of school bus. Back to school bus, road and bike safety

Bus, Bike and Road Safety

"Look both ways before you cross the street!" There's more to it than that. Here are ways to make sure kids heed these very important safety rules.

Young boy packs his backpack

How to Buy the Right Backpack... And Wear it Correctly

Backpacks—customizable and colorful—are the ultimate in self-expression. But—when not worn properly, they can cause problems in kids’ muscles, joints and—well—back. Learn how to nip that in the bud.

3 Steps to a Safe School Year for Children with Asthma

Does your child have asthma? It's time to complete their asthma treatment plan. An updated treatment plan should outline how to handle asthma symptoms, whether your child should carry their inhaler, and if they need assistance using it. 

Learning and Development

Young girl playing with blocks

6 Ways to Raise Kids with a Growth Mindset

Those with a growth mindset focus on learning from their failures rather than worrying about being judged by them. For years, researchers have looked into the effects of a growth mindset. See what the evidence says.

Teenage girl side headshot with AI technology in background

How Does AI Affect the Way Teens Learn?

AI is shaping how teens think about technology and absorb information all around them. There are pros and cons to this—and some mental health considerations, too.

Hearing Test being performed

Ways to Support School-Aged Kids With Hearing Loss

What should parents and educators know about school-aged kids with hearing loss?  Our pediatric ear, nose and throat experts weigh in.

Sports Performance

Group of teen female athletes drinking water on field

Sports Pre-Season Training: Answers to Popular Questions

Learn surprising facts about hydration, nutrition, stretching, running and weight training. Get answers to the questions, “Is distance running safe for kids?” and, “Is it ok for kids to focus on multiple sports at a time?”

Teenage girl eating cereal

Foolproof Nutrition Tips for Athletes

Athletes need to feel and perform their best, and they can't do so without proper nutrition. Here are tips from our pediatric nutrition experts.

Group of teen soccer players with coach, cheering

Getting Back into the Game After a Break.... Safely.

The body is a machine that adapts. It doesn’t just turn on or off. You have to listen to it, and ease it back into activity gradually.

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Mental Health

Preteen girl leaning against locker, not thrilled

"I Don't Want to Go Back to School!" What to Do...

When is more than just the "back to school blues" and how can you help? The first, and most important step, is to acknowledge their feelings. Then, go from there. Pediatric psychologists share some tips.   

Stressed out highschool student

6 Tips to Help Kids Deal With Peer Pressure

TikTok dares. Drug and alcohol abuse. Bullying. Peer pressure can lead to a lot of difficult and dangerous situations for kids and teens. Here's how adults can help navigate.

A girl kissing her boyfriend on the cheek

How to Talk to Teens About Dating Safely

Everyone, at every age, deserves healthy, positive relationships. For teens who are just starting out, it’s not always easy to know what that means. Turn to our pediatric psychology experts.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

Father and son talking

How to Talk About Racial Inequality and Social Justice With Kids

Did you know you can start talking to children about racial inequality and social justice at any age? Get the conversation going with these tips and talking points by age group, from developmental pediatric experts.

Girl with piebaldism drawing

7 Challenging, But Crucial, DEI Conversation Starters

In recent years, many diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI for simplicity) topics around social justice, racism and more have bubbled to the surface. How can we educate ourselves and our kids? Heed this expert advice.

Young couple laughing and hugging in kitchen

How to Support LGBTQIA Loved Ones

How can we make our LGBTQIA loved ones feel comfortable during times of transition or heard during times of hardship? Listening and having an open discussion can be the first steps in helping them.

Interested in Community Child Health?

Our Advancing Kids Newsletter, through Connecticut Children's Office for Community Child Health, provides insight on advancing children's optimal healthy development.