Bubbles, books, and stuffed animals are tools of the trade for child life specialists at Gillette Children's. March is Child Life Month and a time to highlight the joy and hard work these health professionals bring to hospitalized children and their families. When you come to Gillette you’ll collaborate with child life specialists who have extensive knowledge of child development and are experts at understanding how a medical environment can affect children.

Gillette Children's provides support and resources to help kids achieve their athletic goals. Our therapeutic recreation specialists take pride in helping kids improve their strength and flexibility while having the fun experience of playing sports.

You and your child can have access to the same trusted team of Gillette Children’s physical, occupational, and speech/language therapists from the safety and comfort of your own home. Thanks to technology and expanded access, Gillette Children’s has improved our virtual rehab therapy program.

From wheelchair snow blades to wintertime maintenance, we've covered all the things you need to know to travel through snowy streets and sidewalks.

Learn how to have age-appropriate conversations about pediatric surgery with your child. Our guide walks you through talking about surgery to kids of all ages.

To mark National Handwashing Awareness Week the Child and Family Services team at Gillette Children's shares tips on how to teach children to keep their hands clean to avoid germs and take precautions against COVID-19.

Many families are grateful for the opportunity to gather again this Thanksgiving as COVID-19 vaccines offer some protection from the virus. But holiday gatherings are not exactly back to the celebrations of the past. Matt Witham, PhD, manager of Child and Family Services at Gillette Children's, has some advice to modify traditions and keep our celebrations happy.

Infectious diseases have caused problems for millions of years. That’s why it’s important to wash our hands and clean surfaces we touch—especially in a health care setting. At Gillette, keeping our clinical spaces clean and sanitized is an essential part of the care that we provide.

A diagnosis of epilepsy can be a confusing time for a family and child. November is Epilepsy Awareness Month and Gillette Children's wants to remind families we're a source for expert diagnosis, treatment and support of people who have epilepsy.

It’s the moment many parents have been anxiously waiting for—COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out for children ages 5-to-11. Since the start of the pandemic in early 2020, Gillette Children's has been a strong advocate to ensure COVID vaccine access for for children with complex medical needs and their caregivers. A Gillette family shares their relief and gratitude now that vaccines are available for children.

October is bullying prevention month and a time to raise awareness about the harm created by bullies. The Director of Child and Family Services at Gillette Children's says teamwork between parents and teachers is the key to help kids feel safe. He suggests some tips to help parents discern if their child is being bullied or simply being teased.

The therapeutic recreation specialists at Gillette can help plan family summer activities to make sure children who have mobility or health challenges can have fun in the sun. COVID-19 precautions require thought and planning before venturing out of the house.

The Fourth of July and other summer celebrations are a time for enjoyment, making memories and being aware of summer safety tips. COVID-19 vaccines for people older than 12-years of age brings a bit more freedom compared to the safety precautions from last summer. The physicians at Gillette Children's and Regions Hospital remind you that preparation is the key to keeping safe.

The importance of preventing the spread of germs on surfaces had been a priority for Gillette Children’s well before COVID-19. To address some of these concerns, Gillette partnered with Ecolab, the results were remarkable.

On January 5, Amer and his son Ismail, 4, were out sledding on the hill just minutes from their home in St. Louis Park. It was a small hill, but there were a few trees at the bottom. On Ismail's final run of the day, what began as a fun outing turned into any parent's nightmare.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Gillette Children's has been focused on protecting our community—by wearing masks and protective gear, washing our hands, keeping our environment clean and social distancing. We’re proud to protect and serve our community during this challenging time.

Even in a normal year, the winter months can present challenges when it comes to getting out and staying active. In a time when many would be transitioning to doing more activities indoors, the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced additional challenges. However, there are still many ways to stay active and have fun this winter.

Going sledding is fun, but it can also be dangerous. Wearing a helmet makes it safer.

The first round of COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Pfizer is currently being given to providers and staff at Gillette Children's. You can look for many of our providers and care givers to be protected against this virus, so they can better provide you with care you need in a safe way. This is a major step in the fight against COVID-19.

This past year has been challenging and the health providers, executives and staff at Gillette Children's have a special message for our families.

​​​​​​​Halloween is quickly approaching and in a more normal year than this one, October would be a time for celebration, great costumes, trick-or-treating and hopefully, no early snowstorms or infamous blizzards. Everything is weird right now, but that doesn’t mean that time stops. Halloween can still happen. It can still be fun, but to be safe it should happen differently this year.  

The change in seasons and the start of a new school schedule can bring sleep challenges for families. Gillette Children’s has one of the nation’s only sleep medicine programs specifically designed for people who have disabilities or other complex health conditions.

Public health officials are warning about what they call a possible “dual surge” of illness as the influenza season collides into the COVID-19 pandemic. Gillette Children’s is boosting efforts to make sure children who are medically fragile get a flu vaccination.

Anxiety and stress is fueled by the unknown so it’s not a surprise that the unsettled situation surrounding COVID-19 and the start of the new school year is causing some mental health challenges. The Psychology and Psychotherapy Services team at Gillette Children’s has some advice to provide support as the school year gets underway.

At Gillette, we understand the difficult decision parents are making this fall as you consider education options for your child amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. As you receive guidance from your child’s school, we are here to support you as you make the best choice for your child and your family.

Many of us are cooped up in our homes due to COVID-19. It’s a major change for many families. Luckily, Gillette experts have some useful tips on activities families can do using simple items found in most homes.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, you are probably wondering what’s safe. Here are a few safe options for families who have a member with a complex medical condition, approved by our Infectious Disease experts.

Gillette staff members are taking every precaution to keep kids and families safe. Learn more about their personal protective equipment and why each piece is important.

Parents likely have questions about how COVID-19 affects their child, especially as new information continues to emerge. The medical staff at Gillette Children's is actively monitoring COVID-19 and the effects on children, especially as more information is reported about a condition occurring in children in the United States that may be related to COVID-19.

In the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19, we’ve heard countless stories about the brave medical professionals who are working on the frontlines of this crisis. Of course, it takes many individuals working in close concert with one another to make a hospital run, and it’s impossible to do any type of medical work that’s safe in an environment that isn’t sterile. In a time where handwashing and keeping things clean is very much top of mind, we thought it’d be good to consult the experts in such matters; the individuals who are keeping Gillette’s patients, families and staff members safe by keeping things clean.

The outbreak of COVID-19 is an unprecedented crisis that has disrupted the lives, schedules and daily routines of millions across the globe. This is a difficult time and we know that our patients and families are going through many transitions simultaneously right now. At Gillette Children’s, our number one goal is keeping you and your family safe. To help during this time, we’ll be offering virtual appointments via video whenever possible and clinically appropriate.  

Many of us will be spending more time at home during the outbreak of COVID-19 (the disease caused by coronavirus), and for those with young children, you may have to get a bit creative to keep them entertained during this time. To try to help, we sat down with the Child and Family Services Team at Gillette Children’s to get some tips on ways you can practice proper social distancing, stay home and safe without going completely stir-crazy in the coming weeks.

The COVID-19 outbreak poses new concerns, especially for children who have complex medical conditions. Gillette Children's complex care pediatrician, Art Beisang, MD answers some frequently asked questions (FAQ) from parents concerned about caring for a child who has special medical needs.

You’ve likely been hearing quite a bit about COVID-19—or coronavirus—in the news lately. Our medical staff at Gillette Children’s wants to help our patients and families better understand COVID-19 and how to stay healthy and prevent the spread of the illness.

After enduring a ruptured aneurysm, doctors told Trevor's parents were told he'd never walk again. After a six-week rehabilitation stay at Gillette Children's, Trevor strode out of the hospital doors - walking independently.

The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your child from flu-related complications. Learn why it is crucial to get everyone in your family, especially young children, vaccinated this season.

Parents traveling with family members who have a disability or special need are often dealing with extra issues and concerns. During the holidays airports are crowded, security lines long and traffic is snarled. Preparation and knowledge are the keys to decreasing stress and getting rid of your bah humbug.

Marlowe Mary Madich is eager to smile, yet surprisingly stingy with her giggles. But her penchant for dancing along to “Shake Your Groove Thing” wins over just about any room pretty rapidly.

The hospital can be a scary place for anyone, especially a child, and no matter how nice the staff is or how thoughtfully the clinical spaces are designed, it’s usually difficult for a patient to forget they’re in one. At Gillette Children’s, that’s no longer the case.

Having a sibling who is hospitalized and seeing stressed parents can bring a lot of emotions to the surface for children. Child life specialists at Gillette share their expertise on how you can help all the children in your family cope with hospitalization.

Proper medicine disposal is a very important issue for several reasons, including environmental risks, health risks, accidental use and intentional misuse. Learn more about how to safely dispose of unwanted, expired or unused medicines.

It's that time of year when darker winter days beckon us to stay indoors and we are less likely to get outside, often stuck in closed spaces where germs spread like raging forest fires. This is when we are hit the hardest by colds and the flu. Times like these can deeply affect our sense of well-being. Yet there are ways in which everyone can take the reins of their own health by boosting the immune system during the long winter months

When children also have a disability or chronic medical condition, such as cerebral palsy or neuromuscular disorders, dealing with seasonal allergies can become a more challenging situation. Learn more about how to lessen symptoms and manage allergy medications when your child has a disability or complex condition.

Every now and again, I write a new letter to my son, Landon. It’s my testament to him. To who he was, to who he is, and to who he could someday be.

Recent natural disasters in the southern U.S. in the form of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma have sparked heightened awareness of why it’s important to have a plan when natural disasters, including blizzards and tornadoes strike your area. Disaster preparedness is even more crucial for families of children who have complex conditions.

Tall, red-haired and boisterous, it’s not a surprise to learn that Connor plays on the football team back in North Dakota, or that he’s pretty popular.

With the beginning of the school year quickly approaching for many children, Gillette Children’s and Regions Hospital experts are reminding parents and educators to use extra caution on playground equipment at schools and locals parks.

Meet HAL. He has a pulse; he breathes, blinks, and speaks numerous languages. If need be, he bleeds. This will likely be one of the stranger things you read today.

The icy conditions on sidewalks and roads means more people will slip and fall and possibly sustain a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Parents of children who have a TBI know the frustration of dealing with a disability that often seems invisible to the world.

Before heading out to a sledding hill, children should strap on a helmet. That’s because sledding injuries can be just as severe as skiing or snowboarding injuries, say pediatric trauma doctors.

The onset of flu season means influenza vaccines, and for some children, vaccination anxiety. From distraction techniques to the importance of honesty, hear from child life specialist Natalie Kinsky on how to help children of all ages cope with an upcoming shot.

Gillette recently hosted a Facebook Live video Q&A featuring John Garcia, MD, sleep medicine specialist, about back-to-school sleep issues. Learn more and watch the discussion.

Now that most children are back in school for the 2016-17 year, every parent's goal is to keep them in the classroom performing at a high level. Gillette pediatric experts provide the latest health info to help this school year run smoothly.

As the Bodell family returned home from an afternoon of bowling, an intoxicated driver plowed into their car. Three-year-old Havana Bodell sustained a spinal cord injury. Less than a year later, the family is speaking out about the dangers of driving under the influence.

A new study shows that the number of trampoline injuries is on the rise. Gillette experts say there is only one way to curb that trend -- don't use them.

A Gillette physician is cautioning those who are traveling to the Olympics in Rio to take extra care and precautions due to the Zika virus’ prevalence in the region.

For many children and families, summer means plenty of fun in the sun. Parents, however, need to be cautious. Many outdoor activities can end with injuries or – even worse – a trip to the emergency room.

When Stacy Soman’s son Hunter started being bullied consistently last year, this question came up more and more. “When your kid starts coming home with bruises, it’s hard not to say: ‘You know what, maybe you should hit back, and they’ll leave you alone.’ Many children would take that advice, but not Hunter."

The arrival of the Zika virus in the U.S. has raised awareness of the hidden risk of viruses, particularly those that cause problems for pregnant women and their babies. Zika, however, is only one of several viruses and conditions that can have an adverse outcome on a child in the womb.

A few simple tips, such as wearing a helmet and taking breaks, can help kids stay safe outside during the spring and summer months.

As the parent or caregiver of a child who’s in the hospital, you play an important role in your child’s safety and well-being. Find out how you can partner with hospital staff to keep your child safe during a hospital stay. These simple tips might surprise you.