Although the holidays can be a season of giving, sometimes the focus shifts to a season of getting, or so it may seem from a child’s perspective. Mackenzie Johnson, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, offers tips for parents on how to avoid overindulging their children.
Making the decision on when to leave a child home alone can be challenging. Parents should consider their child’s maturity level as well as the neighborhood environment and their own flexibility, says Malisa Rader, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
A positive perspective and some advance planning can help parents make a smooth transition from a full house to an empty nest, says Malisa Rader, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
By creating morning and bedtime routines, parents can harness the enthusiasm and tackle any concerns their children may have about going to school and can prepare them for a positive educational experience, says Kim Brantner, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Coping with a frightening event in the news or a natural disaster can be difficult for children and their families. Lori Hayungs, a human science specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, suggests actions parents and caregivers can take to help children cope.
Some children are more sensitive to scary stories in the news or may worry about their safety and the safety of their loved ones. Malisa Rader, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, suggests parents be reassuring, monitor their TV viewing when children are present and watch for signs of stress in their children.
When children don’t have time for household chores, it’s time to reevaluate their busy schedules, say the Science of Parenting bloggers from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Parenting is an important and sometimes scary job, especially for new parents. “Just in Time Parenting,” a free email newsletter from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, offers parents reliable, researched-based information to help children grow well mentally, emotionally, physically and socially.
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.
Parents have a new source for sound advice on raising kids and teens — the Science of Parenting, a new monthly radio program podcast from Iowa State University Extension. It’s available for free download.
