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Parenting Horizons, LLC, Julie. Ross@ParentingHorizons. com, New York, NY (2025)

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Julie. Ross@ParentingHorizons. Com

10/05/2024

Not All Disabilities Are Visible: Parenting Neurodiverse Children

The Parenting Horizons Podcast with Julie A. Ross M.A. and Gregory Abbey

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-all-disabilities-are-visible-parenting-neurodiverse/id1542426353?i=1000671877883

In this episode we talk with author Rebecca Vitsmun about her new book “Eliza Dee’s Universes.”
(https://www.amazon.com/Eliza-Universes-Rebecca-Finch-Vitsmun/dp/1839195258)

As an autistic mother with neurodivergent children, Vitsmun was inspired by her personal experiences to provide an accessible story that inspires creative imagination in readers of all ages and backgrounds.

You’ll not only learn more about autism but also EDS, hyperphantasia and other “invisible” disabilities and how to spot them in your children. And while you shouldn’t rush in to diagnose or label your child, an accurate and timely diagnosis can be VERY helpful. We’ll also discuss what to do first, before getting your child diagnosed.

Kids do well, if they can. If they aren’t doing well, there is something standing in their way. From a practical standpoint that means:

Focusing on your child’s strengths, not their weaknesses
Leaning in with compassionate curiosity instead of pulling back
What a shame spiral looks like and how to avoid it

Finally, we’ll address how to advocate for your child in a school system that may not provide services for neurodiverse children.

Podcast Episode · The Parenting Horizons Podcast · 10/05/2024 · 50m

03/14/2024

Watch my interview with Darshaun McAway about resolving conflict with your Ex.

Author Julie Ross and co Author Judy Corcoran wrote- Joint Custody with a Jerk: Raising a Child with an Uncooperative Ex- A Hands-on, Practical Guide to Comm...

11/13/2023

It’s Okay To Be Not Okay: Self-care vs. that never ending, ever expanding TO DO list

The Parenting Horizons Podcast
with Julie Ross M.A. and Gregory Abbey

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-okay-to-not-be-okay/id1542426353?i=1000633872324

Being a parent is A LOT of work and often very stressful. But there’s stress and then there’s STRESS, and a parent’s relationship to that stress can occasionally dip into unhealthy territory. But if that happens, there are ways to get back into balance and find a healthy way to cope.

In today’s episode we talk with Meredith Ethington, author of “The Motherload: Surviving the daily grind without losing your ever-loving mind.”

We start by debunking the idea that men and women are “wired” differently, and focus instead on how the pressure to conform to societal norms about men and women contribute to the fact that mothers typically bear the majority of the mental, physical and emotional load in families. We offer suggestions as to how mothers can learn to share that load so they don't feel so overwhelmed all of the time.

Finally, we talk about how it’s okay to not be okay. The mental load placed on mothers can sometimes lead to mental health issues and it’s important to talk about this. Destigmatizing mental health issues is critical and parents (partnered or not) do not need to feel shame about needing help. (And don't necessarily have to spend money to get that help.)

‎Show The Parenting Horizons Podcast, Ep It’s Okay To Not Be Okay - Nov 6, 2023

10/03/2023

The “School Of Hard Knocks”: Fostering Resilience In Your Kids

The Parenting Horizons Podcast
with Julie Ross M.A. and Gregory Abbey

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-school-of-hard-knocks-fostering-resilience-in-your-kids/id1542426353?i=1000628609638

It’s a fact of life; at some point in their life, your kid is going to get knocked down by circumstances out of their control. But as uncomfortable as that truth may be, there are concrete steps you can take as a parent to foster resilience in your kid, the kind of grit that allows them to get up, dust off and get back on the horse.

In this episode we interview Kate Lund, the author of “Bounce: Help Your Child Build Resilience and Thrive In School, Sports and Life”

We’ll identify the pillars of resilience and ways to help your kid identify and build upon the tools to reduce stress and increase confidence, even in the face of setbacks and disappointment.

Finally, we’ll talk about ways you can model resilience for your kid and how both your child (and you!) can learn to tolerate discomfort.

‎Show The Parenting Horizons Podcast, Ep The “School Of Hard Knocks”: Fostering Resilience In Your Kids - Sep 20, 2023

08/16/2023

Liar Liar Pants On Fire.
Why do kids lie?

The Parenting Horizons Podcast
with Julie Ross M.A. and Gregory Abbey

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/liar-liar-pants-on-fire-why-do-kids-lie/id1542426353?i=1000624261779

It’s going to happen sooner or later; you catch your kid in a lie. But what do you do? Is it a teachable moment or a warning sign? In this episode we talk with Colleen Doyle Bryant (https://colleendoylebryant.com), the author the book “Rooted in Decency: Finding Inner Peace In A World Gone Sideways.”

We’ll tackle the big questions: Why do kids lie? What are the 4 myths that parents buy into that cause kids to lie MORE? What’s the difference between calling kids out on a lie vs. punishing them for a lie? And what’s the difference between punishment and consequence?

Finally, we unpack why shame never works and we’ll reveal the single most effective phrase to help your child become a good person.

‎Show The Parenting Horizons Podcast, Ep Liar Liar Pants On Fire: Why Do Kids Lie? - Aug 12, 2023

06/20/2023

Is TikTok eating my child’s brain?

The Parenting Horizons Podcast with Julie Ross M.A and Greg Abbey

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-tiktok-eating-my-childs-brain/id1542426353?i=1000617294160

Technology is not a “one size fits all” proposition. Children’s developing brains process digital media differently at different stages. The challenge for parents is how to embrace their role as “gate keeper” for younger children and then how to navigate into the role of “support system” as they get older.
In today’s episode we talk with Dr. Katie Davis, (https://katiedavisresearch.com) psychologist and author of “Technology’s Child: Digital Media's Role in the Ages and Stages of Growing Up”
We’ll discuss an effective two-step decision tool that will help you provide support across the full arc of your child’s development, from toddlers to young adults.
We’ll also talk about some of the fears that parents have today that technology can interfere with and disrupt an otherwise healthy attachment between parent and child and how to keep the lines of communication open to find out what your child is experiencing online (hint: no interrogation!)

‎Show The Parenting Horizons Podcast, Ep Is TikTok Eating My Child's Brain? - Jun 16, 2023

04/27/2023

The Squeamish Parent Part 2: Talking to Your Kids About Po*******hy

The Parenting Horizons Podcast with Julie Ross M.A and Gregory Abbey
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-squeamish-parent-part-2-talking-to-your-kids/id1542426353?i=1000610895583

In even the most s*x positive families, talking particularly about po*******hy can be tricky at best. In this episode we continue our conversation with Amy Lang (www.birdsandbeesandkids.com), about how to talk to your children about this complicated subject.

It’s important for parents to acknowledge that in today’s culture, it is unrealistic to assume your children will never see po*******hy. The average age at which most children are exposed to p**n is 9 years. In fact even 7-8 year olds have also probably seen it, but just aren’t talking about it.

As uncomfortable as these statistics may be, it does no good to stick your head in the sand. The only way to deal with it is to develop a relationship based on honest communication. If you haven't already, you need to start talking to them about s*x and s*xuality so that they will talk to you about it.

We’ll discuss ways to talk to little kids about it, as well as tweens and teens. We’ll also provide other resources including book recommendations, what to do if you discover your child is watching p**n and how to monitor and filter for p**n on your child’s devices.

‎Show The Parenting Horizons Podcast, Ep The Squeamish Parent Part 2: Talking to Your Kids About Po*******hy - Apr 27, 2023

03/16/2023

Are You A Squeamish Parent?

The Parenting Horizons, Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/are-you-a-squeamish-parent/id1542426353?i=1000604351317

Birds and bees. We all know what that stands for but why are we being so squeamish? In this episode we talk about talking about s*x. Our guest today is parenting educator Amy Lang (www.www.birdsandbeesandkids.com) who walks us through how parents can overcome their reluctance to talk openly with their kids about s*x and s*xuality.

Some of the topics we cover are:

What’s the biggest mistake parents make in talking to their kids about s*x?
At what age should parents begin the discussion?
What myths should parents stop buying into?
What to do when your kid doesn’t want to talk about it?

We’ll also talk about some terms you may have already heard about: Non-binary, Q***r, Cis-gender, Pans*xual, As*xual, Bis*xual and how do we handle all of this?

Finally, we begin the uncomfortable conversation about po*******hy and what parents can do and say to their kids about it. (This is the first part of this important discussion. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast so you’ll know when the second part drops.)

‎Show The Parenting Horizons Podcast, Ep Are you a squeamish parent? - Mar 15, 2023

02/17/2023

The most powerful gift to give your kids:
Encouraging self-awareness in yourself and your children

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-most-powerful-gift-to-give-your-kids-encouraging/id1542426353?i=1000600028836

It may be hard to believe when you watch your one year old eat paste, but the truth is that each of these little beings comes into the world with so much competence. The ultimate challenge for parents is to trust them, to let them explore the world, to get out of their way and watch them unfold. But what does “getting out of their way” look like?

Our guest today is trauma psychologist and best selling author Dr. L. Carol Scott Ph.D. (www.lcarolscott.com), who explains how current research suggests that by age 7 children have already established the relationship strategies they will take with them into adulthood. We’ll discuss what are the most significant “can’t miss” strategies for helping kids develop healthy relationships. We’ll also discuss whether parents should be worried that it’s too late and that they’ve ruined their children (spoiler alert: Don’t worry. You haven’t ruined your children!)

P.S. Email Dr. Scott ([email protected]) and receive a free summary of the techniques for encouraging self-awareness that we talk about in this episode.

‎Show The Parenting Horizons Podcast, Ep The most powerful gift to give your kids: Encouraging self-awareness in yourself and your children - Feb 16, 2023

02/01/2023

Children of Narcissistic Parents

The Parenting Horizons Podcast
with Julie Ross M.A. and Gregory Abbey

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/children-of-narcissistic-parents/id1542426353?i=1000596383208

One of the more surprising things about being a parent is that we often wind up taking a hard look at our own parents. Most of the time we uncover the unremarkable truth that our parents were just ordinary, flawed people who loved us dearly and did their very best to raise us.

But sometimes we discover a darker truth: that one of our parents may have struggled with something more serious and that in turn we, as children, may have experienced real trauma at their hands.

In this episode we welcome as our guest psychologist Dr. Stephanie Kriesberg, (www.drstephaniekriesberg.com) who specializes in toxic relationships and anxiety disorders and is the author of the book, Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers: Quiet the Critical Voice in Your Head, Heal Self-Doubt, and Live the Life You Deserve.

If you had/have a narcissistic parent, or just experienced a difficult parent, you can learn skills to break the cycle and not repeat the experiences with your own children. We’ll discuss what exactly is narcissism, how children are affected by this behavior, and how to quiet the relentless self-criticism that often afflicts children of narcissistic parents.

‎Show The Parenting Horizons Podcast, Ep Children of Narcissistic Parents - Jan 24, 2023

12/12/2022

Cutting Through The Bullsh*t

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-cut-the-bullsh-t-nsfw/id1542426353?i=1000589907648

In this wide ranging (and NSFW!) interview we talk with Dr. J.J. Kelly (www.drjjkelly.com), known as the “Punk Therapist”, about raising resilient and emotionally intelligent children. Today’s social media saturated landscape pushes several myths that hurt our children. Toxic positivity, relentless comparison, unquestioned patriarchy and a culture that routinely represses uncomfortable feelings all contribute to epidemic levels of stress and anxiety in our young people today.

We’ll talk about the benefits of DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), how to expose our “gremlins” and what are the warning signs that it may be time to step in and reach out to a therapist.

‎Show The Parenting Horizons Podcast, Ep Let's Cut The Bullsh*t (NSFW!) - Dec 12, 2022

11/18/2022

Yikes! My kid’s going out wearing a dress up to “there.”

The Parenting Horizons Podcast
with Julie Ross and Gregory Abbey

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/help-my-kids-going-out-wearing-a-dress-up-to-there/id1542426353?i=1000586318218

Today we’re discussing how to deal with your child’s growing s*xual agency, and how to discuss consent and bodily autonomy without breaking out in a cold sweat (most of the time.)

Our guest is Dr. Laura McGuire (they/them, https://drlauramcguire.com/about.html) trauma-informed expert, activist and author of the new book, The Sexual Misconduct Prevention Guidebook, (https://www.amazon.com/dp/173794393X) who is sharing how parents can have this important conversation including key takeaways vital for any young adult.

So what exactly IS consent? And while most agree that we should talk to our kids about consent, few stop to think about “why”. The bottom line is we’re giving our kids a life skill, not just a life line. The skills we teach about consent and boundaries are for a lifetime, not just until they get out of high school or college.

Despite a parent’s predictable anxiety, we want to be careful to avoid creating a climate of fear when talking about consent. To that end we’ll talk about that sometimes heart stopping process as your “sweet little baby” begins to assert their s*xual agency. And we’ll discuss practical ways parents can find the balance between two seemingly irreconcilable forces: how do I keep my kids safe and still give them bodily autonomy and confidence.

‎Show The Parenting Horizons Podcast, Ep Help! My kid’s going out wearing a dress up to “there.” - Nov 15, 2022

09/30/2022

Root canal vs applying for college: Which would you choose?

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/root-canal-vs-applying-for-college-which-would-you-choose/id1542426353?i=1000580981344

The college application process is a multi-billion dollar industry that profits from fear, uncertainty and doubt. But there are ways to take back control of the process, or at the very least take the anxiety and stress out of it.

Our guest today is Tracy Schaffzin, a guidance counselor at The Clinton School in New York City. We’ll discuss ways to determine if college is even right for your child and if so, how to navigate the sometimes oversized feelings that go with finding the right fit.

We’ll offer techniques for dealing with your child’s feelings about the process, from calming the overachiever to motivating the apathetic teenager. You’ll hear about effective search strategies that keep your kid’s self-worth intact and avoid falling into the trap of wanting to only go to high profile “name” schools.

‎Show The Parenting Horizons Podcast, Ep Root canal vs applying for college: Which would you choose? - Sep 28, 2022

09/09/2022

What, Me Worry? Anxiety vs. Anxiety Disorders

The Parenting Horizons Podcast
with Julie Ross and Gregory Abbey

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-me-worry-anxiety-vs-anxiety-disorders/id1542426353?i=1000578863919

Studies say that 1 in 3 kids between the ages of 13 and 18 will experience a diagnosable anxiety disorder. Moreover, diagnosed anxiety and depression in children 3 - 17 years old has risen significantly in the past 5 years.

So what’s the difference between “normal” anxiety and an “anxiety disorder”? And what can parents do? When there’s “normal” anxiety, how do you validate the anxiety without communicating that there is actually something to be anxious about.

In this episode we’ll discuss breaking the stigma of mental health issues and give parents some solid techniques to stay in dialogue with your child, remaining open, curious and non-judgmental.

We’ll talk about what it means to become an emotional mirror and how to talk to your kids about how they can reduce “mental load” to alleviate anxiety. We’ll also tackle the sometimes difficult decision about medication.

‎Show The Parenting Horizons Podcast, Ep What Me Worry? Anxiety vs. Anxiety Disorders - Sep 8, 2022

07/22/2022

Way Past Due: Talking with your children about diversity, equity and inclusion
The Parenting Horizons Podcast with Julie Ross and Greg Abbey

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/way-past-due-talking-with-your-children-about/id1542426353?i=1000570727974

Some people pride themselves on being “color-blind” when it comes to race, but actually there’s no such thing. In fact, studies show that kids are already noticing race by the age of 3 months and are making race based decisions shortly after. Our brains are wired to see race, so although it can be a sensitive subject, it’s important to take our heads out the sand and talk about it with our kids.

In this episode we welcome Deanna Singh, an expert in DEI and the author of the book “Actions Speak Louder.” You’ll hear about the many ways to discuss diversity, equity and inclusion with your kids in a positive and constructive way while avoiding preaching or shaming.

‎Show The Parenting Horizons Podcast, Ep Way Past Due: Talking with your children about diversity, equity and inclusion - Jul 21, 2022

06/29/2022

The Last Taboo: Talking To Your Kids About Money
The Parenting Horizons Podcast with Julie Ross and Gregory Abbey

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-last-taboo-talking-to-your-kids-about-money/id1542426353?i=1000568157968

Money is an uncomfortable, emotionally charged topic for a lot of parents. In this episode, we discuss how to overcome this last taboo with Anthony Delauney, a financial planner and author of the new book, “Dash and Nikki and the Jellybean Game.”

You’ll get practical advice on such sensitive topics as:
At what age should you start teaching your kids about money.
Spend, save and give jars — what are they and what is their value?
Should you even give an allowance and if so, should you tie allowance to chores?
Credit / Debit cards — yes or no for tweens and teens?

And what do you do when your kid wants to spend their money on something you don’t agree with? You’ll hear solid tips on how to keep power struggles out of money issues by focusing on some key principles:

Patience
Collaboration
Compassion
Win-win solutions

‎Show The Parenting Horizons Podcast, Ep The Last Taboo: Talking To Your Kids About Money - Jun 29, 2022

06/13/2022

Talking To Your Kids About Gun Violence
The Parenting Horizons Podcast with Julie Ross and Greg Abbey

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-to-your-kids-about-gun-violence/id1542426353?i=1000566264452

As of 2020, guns are the leading cause of death among children in the United States. This horrific fact has placed American families in a no-win situation: how and when to talk about it with your kids.

In this episode we discuss how and when to talk to your kids about the epidemic of gun violence. Feelings of anger and despair are prevalent so you can assume your child has heard something, or at the very least, has picked up on feelings.

Like many sensitive subjects, the rules remain the same:
Open and keep open the door to communication. Keep it simple. Keep it truthful. Only answer the questions that you've been asked.

Since emotions about this topic obviously run high, it’s okay to show your feelings in moderation as long as you model recovery as well. You don’t want your children feeling like they have to comfort you.

Finally, we suggest donating to organizations dedicated to countering gun violence like SandyHookPromise.org or Everytown.org

‎Show The Parenting Horizons Podcast, Ep Talking to your kids about gun violence - Jun 13, 2022

05/23/2022

Divorce and Compassion: Do They Have To Be Mutually Exclusive?

The Parenting Horizons Podcast
with Julie Ross and Gregory Abbey

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/divorce-and-compassion-do-they-have-to-be-mutually/id1542426353?i=1000563324866

Emotions can run high when a marriage ends in divorce, but when there are children involved, the stakes become even higher.

In this episode we’ll be talking with Andy Heller, author of the new book “Take the High Road: Divorce with Compassion for Yourself and Your Family”

Andy brings to the discussion some great insights on how to reframe divorce and the importance of bringing a business strategy to the divorce, not so that you “beat the competition”, but so that you can create a stable environment for your kids.

Divorce is a marathon, not a sprint, and just like a marathon, “winging it” is not an option. Focus on the long term: what will this all look like several years from now? Remember, kids see everything and they will remember whether you treated your ex with compassion or revenge.

‎Show The Parenting Horizons Podcast, Ep Divorce and Compassion: Do They Have To Be Mutually Exclusive? - May 23, 2022

Parenting Horizons, LLC