Parenting Through Food Allergies and Anxiety with Vanessa Weisbrod

Robyn talks with Vanessa Weisbrod about celiac disease, food allergy anxiety, and how parents can raise confident kids by replacing fear with facts and empowering children to advocate for themselves.

In this episode, I’m joined by Vanessa Weisbrod, Chief Programs Officer at the Celiac Disease Foundation, for a conversation about the intersection of food allergies, chronic illness, and childhood anxiety. Vanessa not only brings more than two decades of professional experience supporting families affected by celiac disease, but she also shares her personal perspective as someone living with celiac disease herself and raising a son with the diagnosis.

Early in our conversation, we talk about something that surprised me when we first met. Vanessa immediately recognized that our work overlaps because families navigating food allergies often experience many of the same fears and anxieties that I see in my practice. From worrying about birthday parties and school lunches to navigating restaurants and social events, parents are constantly balancing safety with helping their children build confidence and independence.

One of the biggest themes throughout this episode is learning to separate facts from fears. Vanessa explains how gathering reliable information and making decisions based on data, rather than worst-case scenarios, can help reduce anxiety for both parents and children. We discuss why it's natural for parents to become overprotective after a diagnosis, but also why children benefit when they gradually learn to understand their condition and advocate for themselves in age-appropriate ways.

We also talk about the importance of building independence over time. Rather than trying to eliminate every possible risk, Vanessa shares how families can prepare children to ask questions, communicate their needs, and confidently navigate situations involving food. We discuss practical strategies for helping kids feel included in social settings and why living with celiac disease does not have to prevent children from participating in school, sports, travel, or celebrations.

One of my favorite takeaways from this conversation is Vanessa's reminder that a diagnosis does not have to define a child's life. With education, support, and thoughtful preparation, children can grow into capable, resilient adults who know how to care for themselves while still embracing new experiences.

By the end of this episode, I hope parents feel less overwhelmed by the "what ifs" and more confident that it is possible to protect their children while also helping them build independence, resilience, and a full, joyful life.

Shared Resources:

• Follow Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaweisbrod
• Educational Resources from Celiac Disease Foundation
• Listen to Boston Children’s Answers: Raising Celiac Podcast
• Check out Vanessa’s Gluten-Free Cookbooks
• Follow Robyn on Instagram @parentingtheanxiouschild
• Parenting the Anxious Child Membership
• Sign up for Robyn’s Newsletter and find additional resources

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