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Barbara Dunn Swanson
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As August arrives, families begin to think about “back to school” routines. Barbara Dunn Swanson, an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach human sciences specialist, suggests making family meetings a routine all year long.
Teenagers may view getting a job simply as a way to earn money, and that’s a valid reason to work. However, employment may bring additional benefits to teens and perhaps a few concerns for their parents, say the Science of Parenting bloggers from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
As more adults and children want or already have a cell phone, tablet or other device, families may begin to wonder: How much technology is too much – or not enough? This is a decision every parent needs to make, say the Science of Parenting bloggers from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
A visit from family and friends during the holidays can make life better for older adults in care facilities. Barbara Dunn Swanson, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, suggests planning ahead to make the most of these visits.
Punishing children and disciplining children are not the same thing. Human sciences specialists and researchers are exploring the differences between the two approaches in the Science of Parenting blog from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Educators today are more aware of bullying as a problem and have measures in place to help prevent and deal with it. But no matter how good these measures are, parents and other adults can teach children useful strategies to help them cope with bullying behavior, says Barbara Dunn Swanson with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
During the holiday season, instead of giving gifts that need to be purchased, consider giving gifts of experience -- sharing a skill or offering a helping hand, says Barbara Dunn Swanson, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Besides buying school supplies, another necessary item for back-to-school planning is open communication, which will ease parents' and children’s first-day nerves, says Barbara Dunn Swanson, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
One of the goals many parents have for their children is to watch them grow into independent young people. However, independence brings its own set of challenges, says Barbara Dunn Swanson, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
The holidays can be stressful for caregivers, other family members and loved ones who need care. Barbara Dunn Swanson, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, offers tips to help families navigate caregiving concerns during the holiday season.