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Tag: Positive Relationships

Better Brains for Babies Train-the-Trainer ─ Coming to Beloit!

Posted on by Marci Metz

Train-the-Trainer Experience for Early Childhood Professionals

February 27, 2019 in Beloit, KS

Complete details at www.postrock.k-state.edu

Register by February 20th!

The mission of the Better Brains for Babies initiative is to improve the potential of young children by promoting the use of early brain development research in everyday life experiences. Better Brains for Babies is a collaboration of national, state and local, public and private organizations dedicated to promoting awareness and education about the importance of early brain development in the healthy growth and development of infants and young children. The initiative began in Georgia, and has become available to Kansas professionals through a partnership between University of Georgia Extension and K-State Research and Extension.

Train-the-trainer participants will learn about brain development, adult-child interactions, toxic stress, and other elements of young child development. After completing the training, attendees will be eligible to disseminate information on early brain development throughout their communities. The Better Brains for Babies curriculum is a tool which provides a clear and consistent science-based message about the impact of early brain development on children’s overall growth and development. To learn more, visit www.bbbgeorgia.org.

By:  Nora Rhoades

Caring for Yourself to Care for Others

Posted on by Marci Metz

Taking care of yourself makes it easier to care, share, and connect with your partner and your family. Here are some tips:

  • Avoid accusatory statements so the listener is more willing to respond positively.
  • To feel good and have more energy for family activities, make healthier choices about what to eat. Try to eat more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables and fewer foods with sugar listed as one of the first three ingredients.
  • Use humor to lighten the mood during challenging times. Humor can help manage stress and ease tension for you and those around you.
  • Think positively about your life to improve both your well-being and your relationships. Try to view roadblocks as opportunities to learn and be optimistic about the future.
  • For more tips to help improve your self-care, see the Caring for Yourself to Care for Others fact sheet at http://www.fcs.uga.edu/docs/01_CFS-F2.pdf

By:  Nora Rhoades

12 Tools for Your Wellness Toolbox in times of Farm Stress

Posted on by Marci Metz

The most important asset on a farm is a healthy farmer. Farm and ranch families experience more stress during challenging economic times. In a profession where the farmer has little control over stressors like the weather, policy or prices, having a wellness strategy can make difficult times more manageable. Check out 12 Tools for Your Wellness Toolbox as you examine your strategy. Contact, Nora Rhoades at nrhoades@ksu.edu or 785-346-2521, for assistance developing a personal strategy or exploring more resources.

By:  Nora Rhoades

Experience a Low-Stress Holiday Season

Posted on by Marci Metz

As you gear up for the holiday season, take a moment to think ahead about possible stressors. Explore and practice healthy management strategies. Positive strategies can help you find more enjoyment throughout the holiday season and limit the ways stress exhausts your health and wellness. Contact Nora Rhoades at 785-346-2521 or nrhoades@ksu.edu to discuss your experience and to explore healthy strategies that can work for you!

By:  Nora Rhoades

Love Maps

Posted on by Marci Metz

A “love map” is information you know about someone’s likes and dislikes, hopes and dreams, joys and fears. Much like being sure you have an up-to-date road map, you need to be sure your love map also stays current.

“Know what’s weird? Day by day, nothing seems to change. But pretty soon, everything’s different.” – Bill Watterson

This is a great activity for couples who are beginning their journey together or for those who have experienced a lot throughout their partnership. The activity also opens the door to great conversations with children and grandchildren of all ages. Discuss a question over family dinnertime. You can also have a “love map” conversation throughout a walk.

Answer the questions below about yourself. Then answer the same questions about your partner. Compare your answers. How well do you know each other? Did you learn anything new?

Life Experiences and Memories:

  • Who is your best friend?
  • What do you like most about yourself?
  • What relative did you feel closest to as a child?
  • What person has had the greatest impact on your life?
  • If you had a nickname as a child, what was it?
  • What is your favorite childhood memory?
  • What song reminds you of your relationship?
  • What is your favorite memory of an activity, event, or vacation you and your partner share?

Interests and Favorites:

  • What is your favorite hobby?
  • What is your favorite sport? Favorite team?
  • If you could go anywhere, where would you go?
  • What is your favorite food?
  • What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
  • What is your favorite television show? Favorite movie?

Preferences

  • Where do you like to go when you need to relax?
  • Are you a morning person or an evening person?
  • Do you prefer dinner out or dinner at home?
  • Do you prefer hugs, gifts, or when your partner says “I love you”?
  • How do you prefer to spend your free time?

Source: Elevate: Taking Your Relationship to the Next Level developed in collaboration between Auburn University and the University of Georgia.

By:  Nora Rhoades

Farm Stress

Posted on by Marci Metz

Ag producers’ stress management is the focus of two September workshops in Dodge City and Manhattan.

Stress levels continue to climb in agriculture: Several years of low commodity prices, slipping farmland values and potential trade disruptions take a toll not only on balance sheets but farmers’ well being.

To help farmers, family members and others manage stress, K-State Research and Extension is hosting two one-day workshops.

North Dakota State University extension specialist Sean Brotherson will present “Managing Stress and Pursuing Wellness in Times of Tight Margins” on Thursday, September 20, at the Western State Bank Expo Center, 11333 US-283, in Dodge City. Lunch will be provided.

The next day, Friday, September 21, Brotherson will present the workshop in Manhattan at Kansas Farm Bureau, 2627 KFB Plaza. Lunch will be provided.

“You don’t have to be a farmer to benefit from this workshop,” said Debra Bolton, K-State human ecology extension specialist based in Garden City. “All are welcome, including farm family members, businesses, and anyone who wants to learn about managing stress.”

Each workshop day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. The cost of the workshop is $20, which covers meals and materials.

To register online go to https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8H7DrdrHNhHWaNL. Contact Nora Rhoades at your local Post Rock District Office with questions.

By:  Nora Rhoades

Enough with the “Blame Game”

Posted on by Marci Metz

We have all dealt with a spouse, friend, child or co-worker who has a behavior or attitude that drives you crazy. Sometimes these behaviors and attitudes break policy or laws while other times they just bring negativity into the environment. Simply ignoring these annoyances is not the answer, especially if they reoccur on a regular basis. Addressing differences can be stressful, but not addressing them can result in unproductive work environments, strained relationships, and many bad moods.

How you address behaviors and attitudes that ‘push your buttons’ is very important in gaining the outcomes you desire. Blaming language brings out defense mechanisms, often steering the conversation away from the concern. Avoid using the word “you”. “You” statements accuse actions, ideas, and people to be in the wrong. Blaming language not only takes longer to reach a resolution, it rarely makes a relationship stronger through the process.

Instead, use “I” statements. “I” statements keep your responses focused on how the concern affects you. Meanwhile, the other party will feel invited to explain how they are affected by the concern. “I” statements seek to understand and respect both party’s opinions and experiences. These types of conversations may provide values clarification, likely pointing towards a compromise that will benefit everyone.

                         Communicate with “I” Statements

I feel: (label your feeling: betrayed, proud, anxious, vulnerable, etc…),
When: (give specific example)      _                                              .
Because: (briefly explain ‘why’)                                                    .
What I want/need is: (describe what would make you feel better)    .

By:  Nora Rhoades