Rolin Forward

Why do toddlers suddenly refuse foods they used to love? In this episode of Rolin Forward , Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin break down the science behind picky eating. We talk about why picky eating is actually a normal developmental phase, what research says about helping kids expand their diets, and which common parenting strategies may backfire. This is not intended to be medical advice and the...

In this episode, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin unpack the history of Daylight Saving Time, the science of circadian rhythms, and what the research actually shows about sleep loss, health risks, and cranky kids. This is not intended to be medical advice and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the views of their employers or funders.

In this episode, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin unpack why kids often struggle on vacation -- and why it’s not “bad behavior,” but a predictable nervous system response to travel and change. We explore what’s happening beneath the surface, why meltdowns show up when you least expect them, and how a small shift in expectations can make trips with kids feel a lot more manageable. This is not intend...

With so many milk options, it’s easy to feel confused. Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin walk through what the science actually says about milk for kids, so parents can make choices that fit their family.

In this episode, sisters and physicians Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin talk about kindness and service through a child-development lens. They walk through what kids at different ages actually understand about helping others. Practical, research-grounded, and designed for real families trying to do something thoughtful together. This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitu...

It’s school choice season, and “diversity” is often treated as a buzzword. In this episode, Drs. Rolin break down what research from developmental psychology and education actually shows about how diverse schools shape kids’ learning, fairness, and mental health, and why inclusion and belonging matter more than optics.

The holidays have a way of putting fairness front and center. Gifts, cousins, friends, and comparisons - all at once. In this special holiday bonus episode, we unpack what kids really mean when they say, “That’s not fair,” and what helps regulate emotions instead of escalating them. Grounded in developmental science, with practical language you can actually use during a busy, emotionally loaded se...

With new headlines suggesting the U.S. could model its vaccine schedule after Denmark’s, many parents are asking what that actually means. In this episode, we explain how vaccine schedules are built, how Denmark’s system really works, and why public health context matters as much as the number of vaccines on a list. This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical ad...

Measles is back in the headlines - again... In this episode, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin review what’s new in measles activity and why public health officials are increasingly concerned. Tune in to learn what it means for families right now. This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily...

Winter viruses are here, and families are feeling it. We unpack the latest on flu, including the fast-growing H3N2 subclade K, RSV patterns, COVID updates, and what this all means for kids. Pediatrician Dr. Alicia Rolin and psychiatrist Dr. Stephanie Rolin translate the science into simple takeaways and a realistic plan for the months ahead. This episode is for informational purposes only and does...

As the holiday season begins and gratitude fills the air, we take a moment to look deeper into your brain. This week on Rolin Forward, we explore how gratitude isn’t just a warm feeling but a real force in the brain: changing neural circuits, boosting resilience, and helping shape emotional health. Drs. Stephanie and Alicia Rolin break down the latest research on how thankfulness affects mood, str...

This week, we break down what youth sports actually do for kids’ brains, bodies, and mental health - beyond the trophies and team photos. We dig into the neuroscience of movement, the research on belonging and resilience, and what helps kids thrive without burning out. This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed here are our o...

The CDC’s vaccine advisory panel ACIP delayed a vote on changing when newborns get the hepatitis B shot, a move that could reshape how infants are protected from a virus once common in children. In this episode, Drs. Stephanie and Alicia Rolin explain what’s behind the proposal, why timing matters, and what parents need to know before leaving the hospital. This episode is for informational purpose...

Halloween is the perfect time to talk about fear & why kids need it. Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin unpack the neuroscience of fear and anxiety, how children learn to self-soothe, and what exposure, empathy, and candy can teach growing brains about courage. This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and do...

.California will ban ultra-processed foods from school meals by 2035, while the USDA’s new national standards cut added sugar and sodium starting 2025. Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin explain what’s changing on the lunch tray and why it matters for kids’ health. Note: This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily rep...

When the government shuts down, parenting doesn’t. Stephanie and Alicia walk through how the federal shutdown touches kids’ care — vaccines, prescriptions, WIC, Head Start, even research. The systems that keep families healthy are still standing, but stretched thin. What to expect this week, and how to prepare. This episode is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or legal...

.This fall, families are running into a vaccine patchwork: the FDA pulled key COVID authorizations in August, the American Academy of Pediatrics is still recommending shots for little ones, and states are making their own rules. Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin untangle the mess including why pharmacies are turning some kids away, how state alliances are filling the gaps, and what parents can do ri...

.Phones are everywhere in kids’ lives: classrooms, bedrooms, buses. This week on Rolin Forward , Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin unpack the evidence on phones, social media, and teen health. Because in 2025, the debate isn’t just about distraction, it’s about mental health, community, and safety in a world where every crisis goes viral. Note: This is not intended to be medical advice, and the cont...

Scary headlines claim Tylenol in pregnancy may be linked to autism - but what does the science actually say? In this episode, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin cut through the noise. We explain the anticipated report from HHS, what the strongest studies show, and why professional groups like ACOG still recommend acetaminophen as the safest option for pain and fever in pregnancy. Note: This is genera...

Backpacks packed, alarms set, and … chaos everywhere? It’s back to school season, and with it come the challenges of shifting sleep schedules, first-day jitters, parent stress, and the pressure to do it all. In this episode, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin break down what this transition means. From sleep deprivation to forgotten pajama days, we share strategies (and some laughter) to make the ret...

Oklahoma tried to launch the nation’s first publicly funded religious charter school. And the Supreme Court jumped into action and delivered ... a split decision!? How? This episode is the latest in our SCOTUS Summer series, where we tackle Supreme Court cases, and deliver a song that explains it all. NOTE: This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of...

This week on Rolin Forward , Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin break down A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools , a 2025 Supreme Court case with major implications for students with disabilities. At the heart of the case: whether students face a higher burden of proof when suing schools for discrimination under the ADA and Section 504. We explain what the Court ruled, why this decision matters for civil righ...

****Episode Evidence versus Ideology. This is Kennedy v. Braidwood, the 2025 Supreme Court Case challenging the authority of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. We break down the case, explain what the Court ruled, and what powers now rest with the HHS Secretary. ***Series: This episode is part of our SCOTUS Summer, where we unpack the recent Supreme Court cases reshaping health in America. *...

This week as part of SCOTUS Summer, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin unpack FDA v. Wages and White Lion , a unanimous 2025 Supreme Court decision affirming the FDA’s authority to regulate flavored e-cigarettes. At first glance, this case might seem like it’s just about mango vapes, but it’s really about science, safety, and how far public health agencies can go to protect youth from addiction. And...

This week as part of SCOTUS Summer , Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin unpack Mahmoud v. Taylor , a landmark 2025 Supreme Court decision on parental rights in public schools. The case centers on how much control parents have over what their children are taught, and how much discretion school systems retain to support diverse student needs. We break down what the Court decided, why it’s generating de...