Growing Forward with the SALTy Psychs
By Sheeba Abraham and Laura Tracey
We're the SALTy Psychs—Sheeba Abraham and Laura Tracey—and yes, SALTy is both our initials but also what we stand for: Support, Advocacy, Learning, and Teamwork. As school psychologists with over 2 decades of experience, we've worked with countless kids, families, and educators navigating everything from learning differences to mental health challenges to the everyday chaos of growing up. But we're also a little salty—and we own it. We keep it real, we don't sugarcoat the hard parts, and we're not afraid to challenge the status quo when kids need something different. Whether we're doing evaluations, running groups, consulting with parents, or hosting our podcast 'Growing Forward with the SALTy Psychs,' our approach is the same: honest, relatable, thoughtful, and always centered on what's best for kids. No jargon, no pretending we have all the answers—just real talk from two professionals who genuinely care and aren't afraid to add a little spice to the conversation.
The conversation explores the cultural differences in gratitude, the impact of individualism, and the expression of gratitude in various cultures. It also delves into personal experiences of gratitude and moments of growth and reflection. The hosts reconnect after a long hiatus, discussing the challenges of returning to recording. They introduce the concept of 'growing forward' and share personal growing forward moments. The conversation transitions to the topic of gratitude, exploring its definition, neuroscience, and cultural significance. The conversation delves into the practice of gratitude and its impact on daily life, mindfulness, and resilience. It explores the significance of recognizing joy, reframing thoughts, and expressing gratitude in the face of hardship. The discussion also highlights the neurological and psychological aspects of gratitude, as well as practical ways to incorporate gratitude into daily routines. Takeaways Cultural differences in gratitude Impact of individualism Personal experiences of gratitude. Gratitude is a practice of acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of life, even in small moments. Gratitude is deeply woven into cultural practices and varies across different cultures, emphasizing community and relational aspects. Gratitude as a daily practice The neurological and psychological impact of gratitude
The conversation covers the changing platform, introductions, growing forward, summer reflection, back to school nostalgia, the stress of back to school, and the impact of routine and structure. It delves into the emotions and experiences associated with the transition from summer to the new school year, highlighting the importance of routine and structure during this time. The conversation covers the challenges and preparations for the back-to-school season, including managing stress, organizing school lunches, managing school supplies, transitioning to a new school, and preparing for a successful back-to-school week. The conversation covers various aspects of preparing for the new school year, including practical tips, stress management, and the impact of comparison and competition. It also delves into myths and truths about back to school, the role of teachers and school staff, and concludes with parental advice and takeaways. Takeaways Emotions and experiences associated with the transition from summer to the new school year Importance of routine and structure during the back-to-school period Managing stress as a parent Preparing for a successful back-to-school week Preparation is key for the new school year Avoid unnecessary stress and comparison The role of teachers and school staff is crucial Focus on progress, pick your pain point, and be present and patient Chapters 00:00 The Changing Platform 02:22 Introductions and Growing Forward 02:59 Summer Reflection and Growing Forward 04:52 Back to School Nostalgia 16:14 The Stress of Back to School 26:11 The Impact of Routine and Structure 28:20 Preparing for Back to School 29:10 Managing Stress as a Parent 30:43 School Lunches and Routines 34:18 School Supplies and Transitioning to a New School 58:38 Preparing for a Successful Back to School Week 01:04:05 Preparing for the New School Year 01:05:24 Avoiding Unnecessary Stress 01:06:39 Comparison and Competition 01:11:32 Myths and Truths About Back to School 01:14:27 The Role of Teachers and School Staff 01:23:27 Parental Advice and Takeaways
The Salty Psychs discuss the impact of screen time on children's brain development, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions and language development in the early years. They explore the different types of screen time activities and their effects on children's brain development, highlighting the risks of excessive screen time on reasoning, critical thinking, and emotional regulation. The conversation delves into the rapid growth of neural connections in infants and toddlers, emphasizing the significance of physical play, eye contact, and conversation in healthy brain development. The conversation explores the impact of screen time on child development, emphasizing the importance of unstructured play, social interaction, and family engagement. It delves into the effects of screen time on attention span, impulse control, and sleep, highlighting the need for parental guidance and setting boundaries. The conversation concludes with practical tips for managing screen time and fostering family engagement. Takeaways Screen time can impact children's brain development, particularly in the early years, by limiting face-to-face interactions and reducing sensory exploration. Excessive screen time can affect reasoning, critical thinking, and emotional regulation in children, leading to potential long-term consequences. Physical play, eye contact, and conversation are crucial for healthy brain development in infants and toddlers, contributing to language development and social interaction. Unstructured play and social interaction are crucial for child development Screen time can impact attention span, impulse control, and sleep Parental guidance and setting boundaries are essential for managing screen time Family engagement and joint activities can mitigate the effects of excessive screen time Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Growing Forward 05:58 Growing Forward Moments 18:34 Understanding Brain Development 21:32 Impact of Screen Time on Brain Development 32:04 Early Brain Development and Language 34:58 The Importance of Unstructured Play 35:46 Impact of Screen Time on Child Development 38:01 Effects on Attention Span and Impulse Control 39:07 Screen Time and Sleep Hygiene 55:09 Managing Screen Time and Family Engagement
The podcast episode begins with an introduction to 'Growing Forward with the Salty Psychs' and the hosts' mission. They welcome Lauren Wukovitz, a special guest, and share their growing forward moments. The conversation then delves into the topic of food allergies in kids and adults, exploring the challenges and experiences of managing food allergies in daily life. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating food allergies, advocating for food allergy safety, and addressing the complexities of school environments. It emphasizes the importance of allergy action plans and the significance of building community and inclusion for children with food allergies. Takeaways Growing forward moments reflect personal growth and resilience. Food allergies impact daily life and require vigilance and support. Navigating food allergies requires vigilance and proactive measures. Advocating for food allergy safety involves educating and empowering children to be their own advocates. Schools play a crucial role in creating a safe and inclusive environment for children with food allergies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Growing Forward with the Salty Psychs 17:24 Food Allergies in Kids and Adults 40:52 Navigating Food Allergies 50:57 Advocating for Food Allergy Safety 01:10:06 The Importance of Allergy Action Plans
The podcast 'Growing Forward with the Salty Psyches' discusses the importance of teaching kids ownership, responsibility, and independence. It emphasizes the value of independent thinking and decision-making, encouraging parents to empower their children to make choices and solve problems on their own. Takeaways Teaching kids ownership and responsibility Empowering children to make choices and solve problems independently Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Growing Forward with the Salty Psyches 19:18 Empowering Children to Make Choices
The podcast episode begins with an introduction to the concept of 'Growing Forward' and the philosophy of embracing imperfection and growth. The hosts then delve into a discussion about anxiety, exploring the characteristics of normal anxiety and differentiating it from problematic anxiety. The conversation further explores various types of anxiety disorders, providing insights into their symptoms and manifestations. The conversation delves into the understanding and addressing of anxiety, highlighting the impact of fear and anxiety on individuals. It also explores the role of parents in modeling behavior and providing support to children dealing with anxiety. Strategies for managing anxiety and the influence of environmental factors are discussed, emphasizing the importance of parental modeling and addressing anxiety in children. Takeaways Growing Forward is about constantly moving forward in life, embracing imperfection, and growing with families and children. Anxiety is a natural response to imminent threats and is characterized by physiological and psychological symptoms. Understanding and addressing anxiety Parental modeling of behavior Chapters 00:00 Differentiating Normal and Problematic Anxiety 30:52 Understanding Anxiety and Fear 37:24 Social Anxiety and Parental Response 44:26 Strategies for Managing Anxiety 53:01 Modeling Behavior and Environmental Factors
The podcast episode features a conversation about personal growth, communication, and effective parenting. The hosts and guest discuss the importance of communication, healthy communication practices, and the challenges of communicating with children at different ages. They also explore the impact of nonverbal communication and the need for emotional regulation in communication. The conversation explores the importance of clear and specific communication with children, the impact of modeling behavior, the significance of genuine apologies, and the value of effective listening in parent-child interactions. Takeaways Personal growth is about progress, not perfection Healthy communication is essential for building relationships and navigating different life stages Clear and specific communication is crucial for children's understanding. Modeling behavior is essential for children to learn appropriate conduct. Genuine apologies and the ability to admit mistakes are important for building trust and understanding. Effective listening without the need to fix or solve problems is valuable in parent-child interactions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Growing Forward with the Salty Psychs 19:23 Communication: Importance and Foundations 26:04 Healthy Communication Practices 31:29 Challenges of Communicating with Children 42:21 Clear and Specific Communication 50:13 Genuine Apologies and Admitting Mistakes 01:13:25 Effective Listening in Parent-Child Interactions
Growing Forward with the Salty Psyches is a podcast that delves into topics related to kids, mental health, education, and real-life experiences. In this episode, the hosts discuss personal growth, reflection, and the differences between 504 plans and IEPs, providing valuable insights for parents and educators. Takeaways Growing forward with the Salty Psyches focuses on discussing kids, mental health, education, and real-life experiences. Understanding the differences between 504 plans and IEPs is crucial for parents and educators. Chapters 00:00 Beginning with Basics: 504 Plans and IEPs
Two school psychologists, Sheeba and Laura, discuss personal growth, academic and behavioral interventions in schools, and the importance of understanding RTI and MTSS. They emphasize the fluid process of intervention and the need for progress monitoring. The conversation provides insights into the support provided to students and the role of parents in the intervention process. Takeaways Personal growth and reflection are essential for educators and parents. Understanding RTI and MTSS is crucial for effective academic intervention. Behavioral intervention in schools requires a structured and teaching-based approach. Chapters 00:00 Growing Forward: Personal Growth and Reflection 34:04 Behavioral Intervention in School 42:05 Takeaways and Conclusion
Sheeba Abraham and Laura Tracey, school psychologists, discuss the importance of tutoring for children who need extra help. They cover the benefits of tutoring, signs that tutoring isn't enough, where tutoring can happen, and realistic expectations of tutoring. The conversation emphasizes the role of tutoring in providing extra practice, reinforcement, and confidence-building for children. Takeaways Tutoring provides extra practice, reinforcement, and confidence-building for children. Signs that tutoring isn't enough include minimal to no progress, concerns from the classroom teacher, and the need for additional support in school. Chapters 00:00 The Benefits of Tutoring for Children 17:59 Where Tutoring Can Happen: Resources and Options 25:13 Realistic Expectations of Tutoring
The conversation delves into the importance of mindset, the distinction between fixed and growth mindsets, the power of belief and effort, the impact of instant gratification, the role of accountability and resilience, reframing self-talk, persistence, and strategies for building resilience through gratitude and reflection. Modeling behavior and practicing gratitude emerge as key takeaways from the discussion. Takeaways Mindset is crucial Modeling behavior is important Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mindset 10:27 The Power of Belief and Effort 16:34 Accountability and Resilience 25:57 Persistence and Overcoming Setbacks 31:24 Practicing Gratitude and Reflection
The first episode of Growing Forward with the Salty Psychs features a face-to-face conversation between Laura Tracey and Sheeba Abraham, the Salty Psychs and provides an overview of the role of school psychologists, emphasizing assessment, early intervention, collaboration, crisis response, and community engagement. It highlights the importance of empowering parents and families through education and advocacy, with the Growing Forward Collective. Takeaways School Psychologists: The Role and Responsibilities Early Intervention and Support for Children Empowering Parents through Education and Advocacy
Laura Tracey shares her journey from discovering school psychology to founding the Growing Forward Collective podcast. She emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to child wellbeing and the impact of personal experiences on her professional journey. Takeaways Holistic approach to child wellbeing Personal experiences shape professional journey Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 05:19 Personal and Professional Journey
Sheeba Abraham, a school psychologist, shares her journey and the birth of Growing Forward Collective, a private practice aimed at supporting families through their child's educational journey. The podcast, 'Growing Forward with the Salty Psychs,' aims to bridge the gaps and have conversations about education, real-life scenarios, and navigating challenges. Takeaways Supporting families through the educational journey Bridging gaps and having honest conversations Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 05:19 Podcast Content and Purpose
Laura Tracey and Sheeba Abraham, two school psychologists, introduce their podcast 'Growing Forward with the Salty Psychs' where they engage in real talk and honest conversations about kids, mental health, education, and human behavior. The podcast aims to provide experience, heart, and authentic discussions without sugarcoating, serving as a valuable resource for parents, educators, and anyone interested in understanding psychology. Takeaways Real talk Honest conversations Chapters 00:00 Growing Forward Together