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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
