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/

Unstuck by Barbara Dee - 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

Watch part two: https://youtu.be/Pl7VQSMmnf8

This episode on YouTube: 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/

🎙️ 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

Watch part one: https://youtu.be/uhz0wtLZiKk

This episode on YouTube: 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/

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
The Kissing Hand - https://www.amazon.com/Kissing-Hand/dp/1933718005

This episode on YouTube: 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/