Child Mental Health and Wellness...
Offering on-line sessions to help YOU help YOUR child!
09/03/2025
Join us for Feed Your Body, Feed Your Mind, a FREE webinar for child life professionals! Led by Stephanie Walsh, MD, MS, FAAP, DABOM!
We will examine the connection between nutrition, mental well-being, and the role food relationships play in shaping child development. We will explore practical strategies to reduce stress and prevent burnout in child life practice.
🗓️ Wednesday, September 24, 2025
🕐 1–2 PM EST
📍1 PDU in Professional Responsibility
🔗 Register at www.heartsconnected.org/event
09/02/2025
You spend time slicing, packing, and adding that little note in their lunchbox…only to have it come home mostly untouched. 💔
It’s not you — it’s a lot of big transitions all at once.
For new kindergarteners, lunchtime can be tricky:
💛 They might be nervous in the cafeteria.
💛 The noise and crowd can feel overwhelming.
💛 They’re more focused on socializing than eating.
💛 And sometimes, they’re just plain tired.
When that lunch comes back, it’s not failure — it’s your child’s way of coping with a world that’s suddenly so big and new.
✨ Child Life Tip: Keep portions small, pack familiar favorites, and let lunch be one of the comforts in their day — a little island of calm in the middle of all the change.
Your love and patience are their safe place — even if they can’t show it right now.
You’re doing beautifully, Mama. 💛 Share with a friend who is, too!
08/28/2025
💔 Our hearts are with the victims, families, and communities impacted by today’s school shooting.
In moments like this, many of us struggle to find the right words. How do we talk to our children about gun violence with openness, while protecting their sense of safety?
✨ Comment or DM “Words” to receive our free guide: How To Talk About Gun Violence.
If you or your child are in need of space to process or grieve, our child life specialists are here for you. 💛
Click the link in our bio to schedule a free consult today.
08/27/2025
Your child says, “I want to stay home and play all day.”
It’s easy to hear that as: They don’t want to go to school.
But often, it’s really: I’m not ready to leave what feels safe.
Kids don’t have the language for “I’m nervous about new routines” or “I miss our mornings together.”
So they wrap it up in play — the one thing they know makes them feel in control.
Here’s where we can shift from convincing to connecting:
✨ Acknowledge the comfort — “You love being home and playing with your toys.”
✨ Name the change — “School is different, and it can take time to get used to.”
✨ Create a bridge — “Let’s plan a special playtime when you get home, so you know it’s waiting for you.”
When we meet the need under the words, we teach them they can handle hard things — without losing what matters most to them.
💛 As Child Life Specialists, we help parents like you turn tough drop-off mornings into chances for trust, confidence, and connection.
💌 Need more ideas for smoother mornings? Follow for child life tips that help you and your child face milestones with confidence.
08/25/2025
When one starts school and the other stays home... 💛
It’s not just your kindergartener adjusting — siblings feel the shift, too.
The little one might:
👀 Ask where their best friend went
😔 Feel left out of “big kid” life
💬 Talk about missing them all day
Here’s how to make the transition gently:
1️⃣ Talk about it ahead of time — explain where their sibling will be and when they’ll be home.
2️⃣ Create a “just us” ritual — a daily snack date, walk, or story time.
3️⃣ Keep them connected — send drawings in the backpack, plan after-school playtime, or let them keep a “connection object” to remind them they’re still close, even when apart:
• A small blanket or stuffy from their sibling
• Matching bracelets or stickers
• A sibling’s photo in their pocket
4️⃣ Validate feelings — missing someone means they love them.
The start of school changes the rhythm for the whole family.
With a little prep, you can help both kids feel secure, connected, and confident in this new season.
💌 Follow for more back-to-school tips from Child Life Specialists
08/21/2025
"You look happier." 💛
That’s what happens when a mama stops trying to carry all of her child’s big feelings alone.
When someone helps you:
🌱 Turn meltdowns into teachable moments
🗣 Find the words when your child is anxious or scared
🤍 See your calm become their calm
Working with a Child Life Specialist isn’t about “fixing” your child — it’s about giving both of you the tools to feel steady, connected, and confident in whatever life throws at you.
This season doesn’t have to feel heavy. It can feel lighter, more joyful… and yes — happier.
💌 Tag a mom who deserves this reminder.
📩 Ready to feel that shift? Click the link in the bio to schedule a free consult.
08/18/2025
You’ve got the trending parenting podcasts all bookmarked.
The top parenting books are sitting untouched on your bedside table.
Your “to read” folder is stuffed with articles promising all the answers.
You want to be the absolute best parent and soak up every bit of advice — but there just aren’t enough hours in the day.
Here’s a quick, powerful hack you can do right now:
🤗 Hug your kid.
As Child Life Specialists, we can tell you hugging isn’t just sweet — it’s scientifically proven to:
• Lower stress and calm your child’s nervous system
• Build a deep sense of safety and trust
• Help kids manage big feelings
• Strengthen your bond in ways words can’t always reach
⭐ Bonus: You get all the same benefits plus a sweet snuggle that’ll warm your heart, too.
Especially during huge moments like starting a new school year, a hug says I’m here in the most meaningful way.
So if you’re short on time, but big on love — this simple act might just be the best parenting tool you have.
💛 Hug them close today.
08/15/2025
🍬 Make talking about feelings SWEET with the M&M Feelings Game! 🍬
This game turns those tricky emotional talks into colorful, fun moments your kiddo will actually look forward to.
How it works:
Grab a small bag of M&Ms (or any colorful candy!) Each color matches a question that helps your child open up — no pressure, just fun!
🔴 What’s something that made you feel happy today?
🟡 Was there a moment you felt upset or worried?
🔵 Did you feel lonely or excited when you played with someone?
🟢 What made you feel proud of yourself?
🟠 Did you feel surprised or curious about something new?
Kids pick a candy, answer the question — and you get a window into their world without the pressure.
You can easily swap out the questions depending on what you want to explore. For example, tailor the game for back-to-school conversations to help your child share how they’re feeling about the new year!
Perfect for after school, dinner time, or bedtime chats.
💛 Save this for when you're itching to hear about your child's day!
⚠️ WARNING: May result in children requesting M&Ms daily 😉
08/13/2025
You promised you wouldn’t cry…
But then that little backpack started bouncing away and 💔😭.
If you’re a kindergarten mom feeling ALL the feelings — you’re not alone.
This big transition is just as hard on us as it is on them.
💛 We’re here to help parents and kids face these milestones with less anxiety, more confidence, and a whole lot of heart.
Follow along for gentle support and tips to make school drop-offs a little easier — for both of you.
08/05/2025
✏️ Back to School Blues...
Transitions from summer fun to school routines can be tough for both kids and parents. You might notice some changes in your child, like:
• Increased questions or uncertainty
• Trouble sleeping
• Getting frustrated or disappointed more easily
• Saying they’re bored more often
• Seeming extra sensitive or on edge
• Becoming more clingy or withdrawn
These are all signs your child may be feeling the back-to-school blues and that’s completely normal.
How You Can Help...
Big transitions = big emotions. Kids often need time, support, and tools to adjust.
💛 Listen without fixing
💤 Stick to calming routines
🎨 Use creative outlets like play or drawing
💬 Prep them with what to expect
🤗 Offer extra hugs, patience, and reassurance
We’re Here for You...
At Hearts Connected, we’re here to support emotional wellbeing through every season of change. Schedule a session to learn more ways to help your kiddo feel confident and supported.
08/01/2025
They say this is the last summer of little — that sweet, simple time before backpacks, bell rings, and new classrooms.
But what if it’s not the last summer at all?
What if it’s simply the beginning of new adventures?
Kindergarten is a big step — for kids and parents alike. It’s a time when our little ones start exploring the world with more independence, meeting new friends, and learning in ways we’ve never seen before.
And while those transitions can bring nerves, tears, and big feelings, they’re also full of magic: the thrill of discovery, the joy of trying something new, and the quiet courage that grows when we let go just a little.
This summer isn’t about saying goodbye to little.
It’s about saying hello to the next chapter — a chapter where your child begins to spread their wings, and you begin to see all the incredible adventures that lie ahead.
So, if you’re holding tight to every last moment of “little,” it’s okay to feel that tug.
But try to hold this thought close, too:
This isn’t the end.
It’s the beginning of something beautiful.
💛 Share with a parent soaking it all in — and save this for the moments you need the reminder most.
08/01/2025
If you’re deep in the “Why?” phase, this post is for you.
Why is the sky blue?
Why do I have to go to bed?
Why can’t I stay little forever?
When kids ask “why” all day long, it’s not just about facts.
It’s about feeling safe in a world that’s big, fast, and often confusing.
It’s about processing experiences — not just passively receiving them.
And it’s about connection. Not just curiosity.
🧠 Here’s what’s really going on developmentally:
Young children are rapidly building their understanding of cause and effect, emotions, relationships, and routines.
“Why” is their way of organizing the world — especially when change or stress is on the horizon (hello, new school year).
💛 Emotionally, the “why”s are often less about answers and more about assurance. They’re asking:
• Is it safe to be curious?
• Can I trust you to help me understand?
• Will you still listen even when I’m asking again…and again…and again?
And when we respond — not always perfectly, but patiently and warmly — we’re doing something powerful:
We’re telling them that their thoughts matter.
That their questions are welcome.
That they’re not alone in trying to make sense of the world.
✨ You don’t have to have all the right words. You don’t need a PhD in why-the-sky-is-blue.
You just need to be present. And kind.
And that simple, consistent presence?
It builds trust.
It builds confidence.
It teaches your child: “I’m safe to wonder. I’m safe to ask. I’m safe to grow.”
So the next time your child asks “why” for the 437th time before noon…try to hear what’s underneath it.
And, if you’re tired or short on patience — you’re not alone.
💛 Save this for the days when the questions feel never-ending.
💬 Tag a friend deep in the “Why?” phase.
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Our Mission
Hearts Connected exists to meet the unique needs of children, teens and families facing difficult situations and stressful life transitions using therapeutic play, coping interventions and supportive resources.
Our Vision
Where is is recognized that children and teens have unique needs and will have the capacity to effectively cope through difficult situations.
To:
- Serve children of all ages.
- Provide services tailored to each child and their best interest with our unique skill set
- Maintain objectivity, integrity and confidentiality
- Seek knowledge and skills for excellence
Hearts Connected, LLC was founded by DD Fritch. She is a pediatric nurse of over 30 years and mom of three. While she is now a healthcare leader and consultant, she was at the bedside for many years where she personally witnessed the impact that Child Life Specialist played on both the child and the child’s loved ones while they were facing situations during their medical care that was hard to understand.
She, along with Molly have a deep desire to bring the services that typically are only available to patients in pediatric hospitals to families while they are in their community. Connecting Child Life Specialist all over the United States with parents, caregivers, family members and most importantly, the children they love!
Providing services to help children cope, grieve and heal.
