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

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

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

Tantrums are a familiar part of parenting, but when they’re rooted in anxiety, they can feel especially overwhelming for both parent and child. Understanding the connection between anxiety and explosive behavior is essential for responding in a way that calms the situation. By learning how to recognize triggers and apply age-appropriate techniques, parents can support their child’s emotional development and reduce the frequency and intensity of these episodes. Below, Hearts C

Helping a child manage anxiety is one of the most delicate and challenging parts of parenting. For anxious children, everyday moments can...

Grief is never simple, but when it touches a child, it can be especially hard to navigate. Whether they’ve lost a parent, grandparent,...

As a parent, you want your child to feel confident navigating life’s changes, but when they’re facing a new school, moving homes, or...

The start of a new school year can be a time of excitement, but it can also bring a wave of anxiety for many children. Perhaps you’ve...

Change is a constant in life, but for children, even seemingly small transitions can feel overwhelming. Moving to a new home, starting...

Parenthood is one of the most rewarding and demanding journeys an individual can embark on. This experience is full of highs and lows,...

If you notice a   decline in their school performance, regular worry or anxiety, hyperactivity, aggression, or sadness , learning how to...

Mental health is a big deal, no matter your age. For little ones, mental health is incredibly challenging to navigate because their minds...

Tips and tricks to help your child take their medicine when they are resistant. We share strategies to make medication taking stress-free!

Raising children comes with countless joys but also challenges. From the toddler years to adolescence, behavioral issues can test even...

With   around two billion young souls worldwide , children form the heartbeat of humanity. Each child navigates a complex world of...

Grief is complex for people of all ages, but it can be especially challenging for children. Unlike adults, children have less experience...

Children aged   six months to three years  often struggle with separation anxiety. In this developmental stage, they can feel distressed...

Dealing with challenging behaviors in children can be a daunting and stressful experience for parents and caregivers. It’s common to feel...

As parents, we want to see our children happy and confident. However, when anxiety creeps in, even the simplest of challenges can feel...

For children, resilience is a vital skill that helps them navigate life’s ups and downs, fostering emotional well-being and overall...

Learn video game ratings and how to decide which games are best for your child. Learn gaming benefits and how it can actually be supportive!

Summer break often leaves children with less sensory input at home. Here we share sensory activities to help them stay regulated!

Learn how to support your child with developing social skills and navigating peer relationships.

Learn how child life services enhance pediatric mental health and why these clinicians should be viewed as crucial mental health providers.

By employing these strategies with some patience and practice, parents can equip children toward healthier ways to handle anger.

March is recognized by the Association of Child Life Professionals as Child Life Month. As child life specialists aim to maximize coping...

As many caregivers know, children thrive off consistency and routines, and bedtime is no different. A bedtime routine is especially...

All children have unique needs when it comes to experiencing something stressful, uncomfortable, or painful. By helping your child...

A list of ways to promote emotional health and well being, and activity ideas for your kids during the winter months.

It’s always exciting as we countdown the final days of December and welcome January 1st as a chance for a new start. Often we are quick...

First and foremost, for optimal success wait until your child is ready. There is no single “right age” to start potty training. Remember,...

Coping skills are strategies we use to manage feelings and handle stress. Coping is not something we are born knowing how to do; it’s...

Play is not just an enjoyable pastime for children; it is a fundamental aspect of their growth and development. As parents, educators,...

For many, there are seemingly endless questions, thoughts, and worries surrounding how to approach the year of firsts after the death of...

Mental illness is an important, yet often a difficult discussion to tackle with children. Since mental health is an essential component...

September marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall. Did you know that September is also designated by Congress as National...

Me: “Does your school have a zero-tolerance policy on bullying.” Caregiver: “Yes! I went down to the school, the kids are constantly...

Research shows that child life specialists decrease procedure time and fear in children receiving an outpatient lab draws.

It’s not just okay to cry in front of your children – it may be necessary. Show them what it looks like to FEEL.

According to a recent study, many children and teenagers who seek help for an anxiety disorder receive medication, and not counseling (2023)

Learn how to advocate for your child and support them with the transition back to school after a new diagnosis or serious illness.

Many children living with a chronic illness face various challenges that can impact their overall well-being. Understandably, the journey...

What exactly is child-centered play, and more importantly, why does it matter? Child-Centered Play (and language) Play is the natural...

Talking and playing with your child before surgery reduces the stress and fear often associated with the hospital by helping them...

Children's books are a developmentally-appropriate way to explain difficult topics like cancer, grief, and emotions to a child.

Just like the rest of the body, a child's mental health also needs to be supported and nurtured! Here we have listed 5 easy ways to do this.

Making shots "easier" does not mean the child does not have an emotional reaction, but rather, it creates an experience that encourages

During the school year children may experience feelings of anxiety from academic pressures such as testing, presentations, being called...

What are temper tantrums and why do toddlers have them? We discuss how to manage these difficult moments and ways to support your toddler.

Tips for helping kids with good sleep. Getting enough rest is important for mental health and well being. Help your child with good sleep.