School Avoidance, Anxiety, and Helping Kids Return to School with Kristen McNeely

Robyn and Kristen McNeely discuss school avoidance, why it happens, and how parents can support children in returning to school by addressing the root causes rather than simply focusing on attendance.

In this episode, Kristen McNeely joins me for an in-depth conversation about one of her areas of expertise: school avoidance. While I often work with children whose anxiety shows up through school refusal, Kristen has spent years helping families navigate these incredibly complex situations. I wanted to approach this conversation not only as a clinician, but also as a parent asking the questions I know so many families have.

We begin by talking about the urgency parents feel when a child stops attending school. When school avoidance begins, it can feel like the only goal is getting your child back into the classroom as quickly as possible. Kristen explains why slowing down long enough to understand what's driving the avoidance is often one of the most important first steps. Rather than treating every child the same, she encourages parents to look beneath the behavior and identify the unique "why" behind their child's struggle.

Throughout the conversation, we discuss the many factors that can contribute to school avoidance, including anxiety, learning differences, sensory needs, social challenges, and school environment. Kristen explains why identifying the underlying cause allows families and schools to create much more effective intervention plans. We also compare the differences between public and private schools, discussing the resources and legal responsibilities that can influence the support families receive.

One of the biggest themes in this episode is collaboration. Kristen shares why successful outcomes almost always involve parents, educators, and clinicians working together instead of trying to solve the problem independently. We also talk about balancing compassion with accountability, helping children feel supported while continuing to build the confidence and skills they need to return to school.

We also share stories of families who have successfully worked through school avoidance, offering hope to parents who may feel overwhelmed or discouraged. While every child's path looks different, Kristen reminds us that progress is absolutely possible when families begin with understanding instead of fear or urgency.

By the end of this episode, I hope parents feel less alone and more equipped to take the next step. School avoidance can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, thoughtful intervention, and collaboration, children can regain confidence and reconnect with learning.

Shared Resources:

• School Capable, Kristen McNeely's program designed to support families navigating school avoidance and school refusal.
• Follow Kristen on Instagram @childhood.empowered
• Follow Robyn on Instagram @parentingtheanxiouschild
• Parenting the Anxious Child Membership
• Sign up for Robyn’s Newsletter and find additional resources

Building Resilience, Managing Anxiety, and Raising Well with Dr. Michael Milobsky and Kristen McNeely

Robyn talks with pediatrician Dr. Michael Milobsky and Kristen McNeely about childhood anxiety, resilience, and how parents can better support their children's mental health by first understanding themselves.

In this episode, I’m joined by pediatrician Dr. Michael Milobsky and returning guest Kristen McNeely for a conversation about the growing mental health challenges facing children today and the important role parents play in helping kids build resilience. As a pediatrician with nearly 30 years of experience who also specializes in adolescent mental health and addiction, Dr. Milobsky brings a unique perspective on the intersection of physical and emotional health.

We begin by talking about what mental health really means. Dr. Milobsky shares a definition that immediately resonated with all of us: mental health isn't about feeling happy all the time. It's about understanding your emotions and having healthy ways to cope with them. That simple shift sets the tone for a conversation that encourages parents to move away from perfection and toward practical support.

Throughout the episode, we explore why anxiety has become one of the most common concerns Dr. Milobsky sees in his practice and how it often shows up as physical symptoms, especially in younger children. We discuss the importance of taking a whole-child approach by looking at factors like sleep, nutrition, exercise, family dynamics, and even technology use before jumping to conclusions. Dr. Milobsky also shares why conditions like sleep disorders can sometimes masquerade as anxiety or ADHD, reinforcing the importance of thorough evaluations.

One of my favorite parts of this conversation is our discussion about boredom, waiting, and resilience. Dr. Milobsky explains how today's constant access to entertainment has reduced opportunities for children to develop creativity, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. We talk about the neuroscience behind boredom, why children need safe opportunities to experience discomfort, and how allowing them to face manageable challenges helps build confidence over time.

We also spend time talking about parents. Dr. Milobsky shares that one of the most important things parents can do for their children's mental health is examine their own emotional triggers and unhealed experiences. Our own anxiety often shapes how we respond to our children's discomfort, making it harder to give them the space they need to grow. It's a powerful reminder that supporting our kids often begins with doing our own work first.

By the end of this conversation, I hope parents feel encouraged to embrace a little more discomfort, both for themselves and for their children. Resilience isn't built by removing every obstacle. It grows when children are supported through challenges by calm, connected adults who trust that they are capable of doing hard things.

Shared Resources:

• Raising Well, Dr. Michael Milobsky's parent membership community
• Your Kids Will be Fine with Dr. Milobsky Podcast
• Dr. Jonathan Haidt's book, The Anxious Generation
• Follow Dr. Milobsky on Instagram @drmichaelmilobsky
• Follow Kristen on Instagram @childhood.empowered
• Follow Robyn on Instagram @parentingtheanxiouschild
• Parenting the Anxious Child Membership
• Sign up for Robyn’s Newsletter and find additional resources

Medication, ADHD, and Mental Health Support for Kids with Rachel Jones and Kristen McNeely

Robyn talks with psychiatric nurse practitioner Rachel Jones and Kristen McNeely about ADHD, medication, mental health treatment, and how parents can make informed decisions about supporting their children.

In this episode, I’m joined by Rachel Jones, psychiatric nurse practitioner, along with returning guest Kristen McNeely, for a thoughtful conversation about one of the most common and often emotional topics parents face: medication and mental health treatment for children. We talk about the questions, fears, and misconceptions that often come up when a child is struggling with anxiety, ADHD, or other mental health challenges.

Rachel shares her approach to pediatric psychiatry and explains why thorough assessment is such an important part of the process. We discuss the role psychiatric nurse practitioners play in evaluating children, collaborating with therapists, and helping families understand both the risks and benefits of treatment options. One of the themes that comes up repeatedly is the importance of looking at the whole child rather than focusing on a diagnosis alone.

We also spend time talking about medication. Many parents worry that medication will change their child’s personality or become a permanent solution. Rachel offers a different perspective, describing medication as a tool that can help children access the skills they are already working to build. We explore how treatment decisions should be individualized and why open communication between providers, parents, and children is essential throughout the process.

Another important part of the conversation focuses on ADHD. Rachel discusses the challenges surrounding diagnosis, the importance of comprehensive evaluations, and how factors like sleep, anxiety, environment, and technology use can sometimes complicate the picture. We talk about why quick diagnoses can be problematic and why ongoing assessment matters just as much as the initial evaluation.

By the end of this episode, I hope parents feel more informed and empowered to ask questions, seek comprehensive evaluations, and make decisions that align with their child’s unique needs. Mental health treatment is rarely one-size-fits-all, and this conversation offers a balanced, thoughtful look at how families can navigate these decisions with confidence.

Shared Resources:

• Rachel Jones’s Website and Psych NP Network
• Follow Rachel on Instagram @psychnpbestie
• Check out Rachel’s intensive course Pediatric Psych Intensive
• Kristen McNeely’s Website
• Follow Kristen on Instagram @childhood.empowered
• Follow Robyn on Instagram @parentingtheanxiouschild
• Parenting the Anxious Child Membership
• Sign up for Robyn’s Newsletter and find additional resources