Back-to-School Stress & Anxiety in Teens: What Parents Can Do

Back-to-School Stress & Anxiety in Teens: What Parents Can Do

Today, Dr. Blair Rolnick shares practical strategies for supporting high school students facing anxiety as they transition back to school. Anxiety in teens often shifts from separation fears to performance and social worries—like academic pressure, public speaking, and fitting in. Dr. Rolnick explains how to recognize the signs of unhealthy anxiety, including: Persistent stomachaches, headaches, or sleep issues Avoidance or withdrawal from friends and activities Declining grades or loss of enjoyment in school She also highlights effective ways parents can help, such as: ✅ Validating feelings without minimizing them ✅ Keeping routines predictable ✅ Partnering with schools and pediatricians ✅ Teaching coping skills & role-playing challenges ✅ Praising small acts of bravery The goal isn't to eliminate anxiety—it's to help teens face it, building resilience, confidence, and lifelong coping tools. Books: Growing Pangs by Kathryn Ormsbee - https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Pangs-Kathryn-Ormsbee/dp/0593301315/ [https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Pangs-Kathryn-Ormsbee/dp/0593301315/] Unstuck by Barbara Dee - https://www.amazon.com/Unstuck-Barbara-Dee/dp/153448986X [https://www.amazon.com/Unstuck-Barbara-Dee/dp/153448986X] 👂 Tune in to hear how empowered parents can make a real difference during this pivotal stage. 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe to The Beehive for more expert advice on parenting, mental health, and resilience. Watch part one: https://youtu.be/uhz0wtLZiKk [https://youtu.be/uhz0wtLZiKk] Watch part two: https://youtu.be/Pl7VQSMmnf8 [https://youtu.be/Pl7VQSMmnf8] This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xMa1pvr0H1Un [https://youtu.be/xMa1pvr0H1Un] This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always seek medical advice from a qualified physician. For Dr. Rolnick's practice and more content, visit: https://beekindpediatrics.com/ [https://beekindpediatrics.com/]

School Anxiety in Kids: How Parents & Teachers Can Help

🎙️ In this episode of The Beehive, Dr. Blair Rolnick explores school avoidance and separation anxiety in elementary-aged kids. Learn how anxiety can appear as stomachaches, headaches, or worries about friends and classrooms. Dr. Rolnick shares practical tips for parents—like routines, prep strategies, and encouraging bravery—plus how teachers can help with warm greetings and predictable classroom structures. ✨ Key takeaway: When parents and teachers work together, kids build confidence and adjust smoothly to the school year. The Color Monster Goes to School - https://www.amazon.com/Color-Monster-Goes-School/dp/0316537047 [https://www.amazon.com/Color-Monster-Goes-School/dp/0316537047] Watch part one: https://youtu.be/uhz0wtLZiKk [https://youtu.be/uhz0wtLZiKk] This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Pl7VQSMmnf8 [https://youtu.be/Pl7VQSMmnf8] This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always seek medical advice from a qualified physician. For Dr. Rolnick's practice and more content, visit: https://beekindpediatrics.com/ [https://beekindpediatrics.com/]

School Drop-Off Tips for Managing Pre-K and Kindergarten Anxiety

Worried about your child's first day of pre-K or kindergarten? In this week's episode of The Beehive Dock Talks, pediatrician and mom Dr. Blair Rolnick shares expert guidance on easing separation anxiety during this big transition. ✅ Why separation anxiety is a normal developmental milestone (linked to object permanence) ✅ Simple, practical strategies to make goodbyes easier—like short practice separations, fun routines, and teacher involvement ✅ When to seek extra support (e.g., if anxiety lasts 4+ weeks, disrupts daily life, or causes frequent physical complaints) ✅ Why separation anxiety is actually a sign of secure attachment, not school unreadiness With the right mix of confidence, consistency, and collaboration, your child can thrive in their new classroom. 🌟 If you're preparing for the first drop-off, this episode will reassure you—and give you the tools to help your child feel safe, supported, and excited for school. Books that can help with the transition: Llama Llama Misses Mama - https://www.amazon.com/Llama-Misses-Mama-Anna-Dewdney/dp/0670061980 [https://www.amazon.com/Llama-Misses-Mama-Anna-Dewdney/dp/0670061980] The Kissing Hand - https://www.amazon.com/Kissing-Hand/dp/1933718005 [https://www.amazon.com/Kissing-Hand/dp/1933718005] This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uhz0wtLZiKk [https://youtu.be/uhz0wtLZiKk] This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always seek medical advice from a qualified physician. For Dr. Rolnick's practice and more content, visit: https://beekindpediatrics.com/ [https://beekindpediatrics.com/]

Ear Infections in Kids: When Are Antibiotics Really Necessary?

Do All Kids with Ear Infections Need Antibiotics? In this episode of The Beehive, pediatrician Dr. Blair Rolnick breaks down one of the most common questions parents face: when do kids actually need antibiotics for ear infections? Learn: ✅ The 4 specific groups of children who should get antibiotics right away 💊 Why pain management is just as important as treatment 🕒 How long antibiotics should be used—based on your child's age 👂 When to consider ear tubes 📹 How tools like video otoscopy and AI are improving diagnosis Dr. Rolnick dives into the latest, research-backed guidelines to help parents make informed decisions—because not all ear infections need antibiotics, and overuse can do more harm than good. 👩‍⚕️ Empower yourself with expert knowledge and find out why, sometimes, less really is more. 👉 Subscribe for more parenting advice, pediatric insights, and real talk from experts! This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/INPHg0H3uew [https://youtu.be/INPHg0H3uew] This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always seek medical advice from a qualified physician. For Dr. Rolnick's practice and more content, visit: https://beekindpediatrics.com/ [https://beekindpediatrics.com/]

Parenting Advice for First-Time Campers: Easing Separation Anxiety and Building Confidence

Is your child heading to summer camp for the first time? In this episode of The Beehive, Dr. Blair Rolnick—a board-certified pediatrician and mom—shares expert tips to help parents prepare their kids emotionally and practically for overnight camp. 🎒 Learn how to: - Normalize nerves & build excitement - Involve kids in planning & pack with purpose - Practice overnights at home - Encourage independence & problem-solving - Handle homesickness with confidence Dr. Rolnick explains when homesickness is normal—and when it may be a sign of something deeper like anxiety. With the right support, summer camp can be a major milestone in your child's emotional growth and resilience. 👉 Subscribe for more parenting advice, pediatric insights, and real talk from experts! This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/N8_ordEsvns [https://youtu.be/N8_ordEsvns] This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always seek medical advice from a qualified physician. For Dr. Rolnick's practice and more content, visit: https://beekindpediatrics.com/ [https://beekindpediatrics.com/]