Connected Kids

Connected Kids introduces and reinforces positive youth development concepts in a systematic way for the pediatric population. The program emanates from the AAP Violence Intervention and Prevention Program, funded by the US Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Connected Kids emphasizes topics that are, developmentally, the most important for parents to anticipate and incorporate into family routines. Connected Kids provides a schedule based on the child’s age/health supervision visit. The Connected Kids brochures are designed to provide information to parents and youth about specific topics important for the development of strong, resilient children.

An initial visit with a toddler whose family just moved to the community:

“I know you’re new to town, and I understand you moved here to live closer to your sister. It’s great that you have that close relationship and that you can ask your sister to watch your child or call her if you’re feeling stressed.”

“I see here on the People Who Care About Worksheet (see page 83) that your babysitter and sister are the only other people who help care for your child and that there isn’t anyone else you can call if you’re feeling stressed. Every parent needs this kind of support. Can we talk about how you might form new connections?”

• Are there other children your child’s age in your neighborhood? Can you get to know some of the parents through play dates or at the playground?
• Our local library has a great story hour and book club. And the park district has parent-child music classes. Your child can get a chance to interact with other toddlers while you can meet other parents.

Taking care of yourself is important, too. A lot of my patients belong to the local YMCA. They have a great fitness center for adults and a really nice child care facility. This is another way for you and your child to make new friends.