top of page
Find a Child Life Specialist - Search our HCAN Directory
Our Blog
Guiding and supporting parents with information to help kids navigate life's difficult moments.


Life After Your Child’s Medical Diagnosis
Hearing a child’s medical diagnosis is a moment most parents never forget. You may remember the room, the doctor’s words, the way time seemed to stretch and collapse at once. Whether the diagnosis was expected or came as a shock, the days that follow often bring a swirl of emotions, like fear, confusion, grief, numbness, or a deep worry about the future. No matter what you’ve been told, these reactions are human, valid, and shared by many parents walking the same path as you
Carissa Menard, CCLS
Feb 2


How To Prepare Your Child for Their First Hospital Stay
Facing a child’s first hospital experience can feel overwhelming for families. Uncertainty, fear of the unknown, and emotional stress are all common. However, with thoughtful preparation, children can enter their stay feeling informed, supported, and comforted. At Hearts Connected, we walk families through this journey as trusted partners, offering compassionate pediatric hospital preparation rooted in emotional well-being. Check out our step-by-step first hospital stay guide
Carissa Menard, CCLS
Jan 13


A Practical Guide to Explaining a Sibling’s Medical Needs to a Child
When one child in a family has medical needs, parents often face a difficult question: how do we help their sibling understand what’s happening without overwhelming or frightening them? It’s a delicate balance. Children deserve honesty, but they also need reassurance, clarity, and space to express their feelings. As providers of pediatric family guidance, we’ve seen how thoughtful, compassionate conversations can ease confusion, strengthen sibling bonds, and create a sense of
Carissa Menard, CCLS
Jan 6


What Is Anxiety in Children?
All children worry from time to time. It’s natural for kids to feel nervous about school, making friends, or trying something new. For some, however, these worries become so frequent or intense that they start to interfere with daily life. If you’ve noticed your child avoiding activities, experiencing unexplained stomachaches, or becoming overwhelmed by small changes, you might be seeing signs of anxiety in children. Fortunately, help is closer than you think. We’re diving de
Carissa Menard
Nov 5, 2025
bottom of page
