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

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

Protecting Kids Through Prevention, What Every Parent Should Know About Child Sexual Abuse with Dr. Bronwen Carroll and Kristen McNeely

Robyn talks with Dr. Bronwen Carroll, MD, and Kristen McNeely about childhood sexual abuse prevention, recognizing grooming behaviors, and creating the kind of open communication that helps keep children safe.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Bronwen Carroll, pediatric emergency medicine physician and child sexual abuse prevention advocate, along with returning guest Kristen McNeely, for a conversation about a topic that many parents find difficult to discuss but cannot afford to ignore. We talk about childhood sexual abuse prevention, the misconceptions that often surround it, and what parents can do to create safer environments for their children.

Dr. Bronwen Carroll shares how her advocacy work began and why she believes prevention needs to become a much larger part of the conversation. We discuss the reality that most children who experience abuse are harmed by someone they know, not by strangers. This challenges many of the messages parents grew up hearing and highlights the importance of understanding behaviors rather than relying on assumptions about who can be trusted.

Throughout the episode, we explore grooming behaviors, secrecy, boundary violations, and the subtle ways predators often gain access to children. Dr. Bronwen Carroll explains why open communication is one of the most powerful tools parents have and how creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment can make it easier for children to share uncomfortable experiences. We also talk about the importance of teaching body safety, helping children understand boundaries, and giving them language to communicate when something does not feel right.

One of the most important themes in this conversation is empowerment. Rather than approaching these topics from fear, Dr. Bronwen Carroll encourages parents to focus on awareness, preparation, and connection. We discuss how small, ongoing conversations can be far more effective than a single uncomfortable talk and why parents do not have to be perfect to make a meaningful difference.

By the end of this episode, I hope parents feel more informed, more confident, and better equipped to have conversations that can help protect their children. These discussions may feel uncomfortable, but they are an important part of creating safer communities and supporting healthy, open communication within families.

Shared Resources:

• Dr. Bronwen Carroll’s Website
• Follow Dr. Bronwen Carroll on Instagram @bronwencarrollmd
• Dr. Bronwen Carroll’s upcoming book We Need To Be Talking About This
• 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

Dyslexia, Reading Struggles, and Helping Kids Build Confidence with Anne Wahlgren

Robyn talks with dyslexia advocate Anne Wahlgren about early signs of dyslexia, common reading misconceptions, and how parents can support struggling readers without damaging their confidence.

In this episode, I’m joined by Anne Wahlgren, dyslexia advocate, educator, and parent coach, for a conversation that I think will be incredibly valuable for any parent who has concerns about their child’s reading development. Anne shares her journey from classroom teacher to becoming a passionate advocate for children with dyslexia and literacy challenges. Along the way, she has helped countless families better understand how children learn to read and how to support them when reading does not come easily.

We talk about what dyslexia actually is and some of the common misconceptions that often leave parents confused. One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that reading to your child is wonderful, but it is not the same thing as teaching a child how to read. Anne explains why foundational literacy skills matter so much and how avoidance, frustration, or resistance around reading can sometimes signal a deeper issue that deserves attention.

Throughout the episode, we explore practical ways parents can support reading development at home without turning reading into a battle. Anne shares why play-based learning can be so effective, how games can help children build skills and confidence, and why it is important to meet each child where they are instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all approach. We also discuss the importance of early intervention and why it is never too late to seek support if a child is struggling.

One of my favorite parts of this conversation is how Anne reframes dyslexia. Rather than viewing it as a deficit, she encourages parents to recognize the unique strengths that often accompany dyslexia, including creativity, problem-solving, and big-picture thinking. The conversation offers a hopeful perspective while also providing practical tools families can use right away.

By the end of this episode, I hope parents feel more informed, more empowered, and less afraid to trust their instincts if something about their child’s reading development feels off. Support exists, progress is possible, and every child deserves the opportunity to experience success and confidence as a learner.

Shared Resources:

• Anne Wahlgren’s Website
• Follow Anne on Instagram @printableparents
• Follow Robyn on Instagram @parentingtheanxiouschild
• Parenting the Anxious Child Membership
• Sign up for Robyn’s Newsletter and find additional resources

The Mental Load Revolution, Raising Kids Who Notice and Contribute with Sam Kelly and Kristen McNeely

Robyn talks with Sam Kelly and Kristen McNeely about sharing the mental load at home, teaching kids responsibility, and helping families move from constant reminders to meaningful contribution.

In this episode, I’m joined by Sam Kelly, feminist coach for mothers and creator of the Notice and Do method, along with returning guest Kristen McNeely, for a conversation about one of the biggest challenges many parents face: carrying the mental load of the entire family. We talk about the invisible work of managing a household and why so many parents feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and stuck doing everything themselves.

Sam introduces the idea that the mental load is not just a parenting issue or a motherhood issue. It is a family issue that needs family solutions. Instead of relying on constant reminders, nagging, or frustration, she shares how parents can teach children to notice what needs to be done and take action independently. The goal is not simply getting chores completed. It is helping kids develop responsibility, confidence, and a sense of belonging within the family.

Throughout the conversation, we explore Sam’s Notice and Do method and how it helps children build skills over time. We talk about why responsibility is closely tied to autonomy, how structure supports learning, and why flexibility is often more effective than perfection. Sam also shares practical ways parents can begin implementing these ideas at home, even when their children are not used to taking initiative.

We discuss common parenting experiences like rage cleaning, resentment, and feeling like no one else notices the work that needs to be done. Rather than focusing on blame, the conversation shifts toward teamwork and helping children understand the deeper purpose behind contributing to family life. Kristen also brings valuable insight into how responsibility, independence, and skill-building connect to emotional well-being and long-term confidence.

By the end of this episode, I hope parents feel encouraged to take small steps toward sharing responsibility more intentionally. Building capable, confident kids does not happen overnight, but teaching children to notice and contribute can create meaningful change for the entire family.

Shared Resources:

• Sam Kelly’s Website and Free Resources
• Follow Sam Kelly on Instagram @samkelly_world
• Sam Kelly’s new book: Notice and Do
• 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

Marriage After Kids, Staying Connected Through Parenting Stress with Dr. Lindsay Cavanagh and Kristen McNeely

Robyn talks with psychologist and marriage expert Dr. Lindsay Cavanagh and Kristen McNeely about communication, intimacy, parenting stress, and how couples can stay connected after having kids.

In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist and marriage expert Dr. Lindsay Cavanagh along with returning guest Kristen McNeely for a conversation about something so many parents feel but do not always talk openly about—how much parenting can impact a marriage. We discuss the ways exhaustion, stress, and the constant demands of raising children can slowly erode connection between partners if those challenges are not acknowledged and addressed.

Dr. Lindsay shares insights into the most common struggles couples face after becoming parents, including communication breakdowns, resentment, emotional disconnection, and misunderstandings around intimacy. Kristen also brings perspective from her work with families and emotional regulation, helping connect how parenting stress impacts both individual well-being and relationship dynamics. One of the biggest themes throughout the episode is the importance of validation, understanding your partner’s experience, and recognizing that parenting stress often affects everyone differently.

We also explore the invisible mental load many parents carry and Dr. Lindsay introduces the “three H’s” of mental load: head, heart, and hands. The conversation highlights how emotional labor and unseen responsibilities can create tension and resentment when they are not openly discussed. Rather than focusing on blame, we talk about how couples can become more curious about each other’s experiences and communicate more clearly about what they need.

Another important part of the discussion centers around redefining connection in busy family life. Dr. Lindsay shares practical reminders that intimacy does not always have to look big or dramatic. Small gestures, moments of appreciation, emotional check-ins, and intentional communication can all help couples feel more connected over time.

By the end of the episode, I hope listeners feel reassured that relationship struggles after kids are common, understandable, and something couples can work through together with more communication, teamwork, and compassion.

Shared Resources:

• Dr. Lindsay Cavanagh’s Website and Free Resources
• Follow Dr. Lindsay on Instagram @marriedafterkids
• Dr. Lindsay’s Podcast: Married After Kids
• 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