Welcome to the online home of Connecticut Parent Magazine, the state’s leading resource for families! 

In the pages of this site, you’ll find some of the great features that you’ll find in our monthly print publication, including our amazing Party Planner, a showcase of Independent Schools throughout the state and our Enrichment Directory.

Summer has finally arrived! From local fireworks displays to kick-off 4th of July weekend to family-friendly events throughout this great month, Connecticut Parent Magazine has you covered.

This month we begin our section, featuring outstanding enrichment programs throughout the region. Read about the recent increase in participation of theatre and arts programs and great enrichment options for your child in our Enrichment Directory, which also can be accessed by clicking on the link to the left.

This is also the time to start getting ready to take a great family vacation. What better place to go than Orlando for an exciting trip filled with adventure and fun, fun, fun for every one. Read all about what’s “hot” in Orlando in this month's Family Travel article.

July is also on our Family Health quarterlies. In addition to the Spotlight on the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, which can be accessed below, we also have answers to your questions if you're looking for a new pediatrician for your family.

Whatever you are interested in, the July issue of Connecticut Parent Magazine has something for everyone and is available at a variety of locations throughout the state. So put on some sun screen, head out to the pool, sit back, relax and read about what Connecticut has to offer during these long lazy days of summer. 

Featured articles:

The Kind of Outstanding Care Kids Deserve
At Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (CCMC), every patient benefits from the care of top doctors and nurses who are devoted exclusively to children. But there are other ”specialists” who play an integral role in the health care process – family members. At Connecticut Children’s, families are critical in helping to create and maintain an environment of love and care. Each family member is an important partner in the healing process and a necessary support in achieving healthier outcomes. Family centered care integrates families throughout the entire clinical process – from initial diagnosis, to discussing options, to agreeing on the best course of action for their loved one.

Passport to Summer Fun
School is almost over and in between cleaning the outdoor pool, running errands and getting children ready for camp, parents can still make time to plan for a family vacation. Although the cost of gas prices keeps fluctuating, summer vacation does not need to break the bank. A recent survey of Connecticut residents, conducted by the Commission on Culture & Tourism, indicated that 71 percent are staying closer to home and 86 percent intend to search for discounts on the activities and attractions they visit. Thus, during this time of economic challenge, think about traveling locally instead of nationally.

On the Path to a Beautiful Smile!
Walking into Kids First Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Fairfield is like walking into Adventureland. Dr. Cass Burrell, D.M.D. describes the office as a “fun environment that is kid-oriented.” There is a Disney movie playing in the background, a playhouse for young children, a coffee bar and computer cafe for parents, and a video games area equipped with Wii, Guitar Hero and XBox 360.

Spotlight on KinderCare Learning Centers: A Strong Start for Every Childd
Children begin learning from birth. In fact, research has shown that babies begin to recognize words at seven or eight months of age. With so much capacity for learning, it is critical for parents to provide their children early on with a strong foundation to help them master the skills that will help them succeed both in school and in life.

Steps to Success: The Kumon Method
In 1954, Toru Kumon, a high school math teacher in Japan, began developing materials to help his second-grade son, who was struggling in math. As an educator, Kumon realized that a strong foundation in the basics was necessary for success in higher-level math.