Listen to the podcast:Family factors involved in making long term care financing decisions

Written by: Jo Turner and Donna Davis

When visiting friends recently who had purchased a new condominium in a retirement community, they told us that when they made the move, their kids thought they were nuts. The children continued to fight the decision until they discovered that mom and dad were actually quite happy in their new home. This scenario is not uncommon among families who are dealing with changing life stages.

Multiple factors are known to influence family decisions related to financing long-term care.

Marlene Stum, Ph.D. Family Social Scientist with the University of Minnesota Extension Service suggests families consider the following: take time to identify and clarify individual and family later life financial goals. It’s also important that families are realistic about what resources are available to achieve those goals.

Families should also be aware of competing life demands. At the same time that someone needs long-term care, other family members may be facing their own life events such as a divorce, job layoffs, or the birth of another child.

Additionally, when it comes to financing long-term care individual family members may have very different interpretations regarding the costs of long-term care, who should be making the decisions, who can be trusted with the family’s resources and what are appropriate financing options. The more family members involved, the greater the potential for conflict within the family. Finding a trusted professional to help navigate the process may help some families make decisions with less conflict and greater confidence.

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Resources

Wilken, Carolyn, "Housing As We Grow Older: Taking Stock," EDIS, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/HE705

"Aging in the 21st Century," coordinated by Carolyn Wilken, PhD, MPH,. EDIS, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. First published: May 2003.

long-term care, finances, money, housing, elderly, retirement, aging, FAR

Written By: Amy Simonne , Assistant Professor, Food Safety and Quality

Question: When stocking up on water for the upcoming hurricane season) is there are difference between commercially bottled “drinking water” and bottled “spring water?” I’m just not sure.

According to the FDA rules, bottled water are classified into different categories including artesian water, mineral water, purified water, sparkling water, and spring water. For a specific definition, please see table one in Bottled Water Regulation and the FDA .

Bottled water may be treated (processed) in various manners to eliminate microbial hazard. However, one should keep in mind that bottled water is not sterile, unless otherwise indicated. This does not mean that bottled water will cause illness. There has not been a documented major outbreak of illness from bottled water in the U.S. However, every so often, there are some recalls of the product for various reasons. Check for FDA recalls often.

As for quality issues, water differs widely from one location to the other, and in some case tap water may actually have lower amount of specific chemicals than some bottle water. To know your local water qulaity, check local provider annual report.

According to the statistics, bottled water is a pretty safe item. Therefore, choosing bottled water depends on the personal preference, taste, price and other factors.

Resources

Ronald H. Schmidt, Keith L. Schneider, Renée Goodrich, Amarat Simonne, and Douglas L. Archer, "Safe Handling of Food and Water in a Hurricane or Related Disaster", EDIS, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FS131.

United States Food and Drug Administration, "Bottled Water Regulation and the FDA", Reprinted from Food Safety Magazine August/September 2002 issue

Florida Bureau of Water Programs

Phil Lempert, "Is Your Bottled Water Coming From a Faucet?" MSNBC, July 21, 2004, (accessed May 26,2006)

Bottle Water Drinking Standards, U.S. Code (08/18/2005) TITLE 21 , CHAPTER 9, SUBCHAPTER IV , § 349.

International Bottled Water Association

water, food safety, hurricanes, disaster, Florida, regulations, bottled water, spring water

Listen to the podcast: Taking Care of Your Parents' Finances

Written by: Jo Turner

If you’ve had to make the possibly difficult decision to take care of your parent’s finances, there are a number of steps you need to take to get things in order. Financial educators recommend that the first step is to track their cash flow. This may be difficult because parents often hide money from their children, may not rememberwhere they’ve put their money, or may not have kept records. Typically, income exceeds expenses until age 70, after which savings are usually needed to meet expenses.

Once you’ve determined where the money is coming from and how it’s spent, check your parents’ bills and expenditures to identify errors. If you find transactions that aren’t clear, you can request information in accordance with the “Fair Credit Reporting Act.” And, if you discover any suspected fraud or financial abuse, you should also report it to appropriate authorities immediately.

Finally, if they haven’t already done so, prepare a net worth statement. This will help you determine how long your parent’s savings will last. Identify ratios that will help you in planning their finances. For example, you should set a goal that for each dollar of debt, they should have $25 of assets. For retirees, no more than 10% of their income should be going to debt and they should have 70 to 90% of their net worth in investment assets, although that ratio can be lower for homeowners. If necessary, seek the help of a qualified and trusted financial professional to help you navigate what’s best for your parents.

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Resources

Jo Turner, "Managing & Transferring Assets" Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida.

money, aging, financial, net worth, savings, FAR

Listen to the podcast: Osteoporosis Prevention
Written by Stacy Daniels; Edited by Linda Bobroff

People sometimes kid about women shrinking as they get older, but unfortunately it’s all too true for millions of Americans who suffer from the bone-robbing disease, osteoporosis.

The U.S. Surgeon General recently reported that ten million Americans over the age of 50 suffer from osteoporosis, and 34 million are at risk of developing the disease. The physical and fiscal costs can be devastating to families. Although building strong bones begins when we are very young, it’s never to late to work to prevent osteoporosis.

First, eat foods that are good sources of calcium and vitamin D. Calcium is found in dairy products as well as leafy green vegetables and fortified foods and drinks – even orange juice!.Vitamin D also is found in fortified foods and drinks and is produced when our skin is exposed to sunlight. As we age, ourneed for vitamin D increases and supplements may be needed.

For bone health, strive for a healthy weight and exercise regularly. The Department of Health and Human Services suggests at least 30 minutes a day for adults, and 60 for children. Weight bearing exercises like walking, dancing and strength training, are recommended.

Bone health begins when you are young, but maintaining it is a lifelong goal. So, whether it’s your 3-year-old son, teenage daughter, elderly aunt, or even yourself, make sure you and your family take steps to protect yourselves from osteoporosis. As Health and Human Services Secretary Thompson has said, “You are never too old or too young to improve your bone health.”

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Resources

Linda B. Bobroff and Joan Grabel Papadi, "Prevent Osteoporosis: Catch the Silent Thief" EDIS, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Science, University of Florida. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY4699

Sergio Romero, "Fall Prevention: Who's at Risk?" EDIS, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Science, University of Florida. (accessed May 25, 2006)

osteoporosis, bone health, women, aging, milk, elderly, exercise, weight, health, Family Album Radio

Listen to the podcast: Stress from caregiving
Written by: Donna Davis

As caregiving for the elderly continues to increase in the future, almost everyone will either care for or know someone who’s caring for an elderly relative. Adult caregivers can find the task exhausting and overwhelming taking a toll on their physical and emotional health.

Experts say it’s important to remember to take care of yourself first. Eat nutritious meals and get enough sleep. Exercise often and get regular medical checkups. If you begin to experience symptoms of depression such as deep sadness, hopelessness or have trouble concentrating, speak to a doctor right away.

When possible, involve other family members in the caregiving process. Make a list of things that need to be done, including household chores, paying bills, shopping, home repairs and more. Also, ask friends and family to help by giving you a break to take time for yourself. Some communities have respite programs that give caregivers a few hours off to do things like shop, exercise and attend special events.

The quality of care you provide can only improve with the quality of care you provide for yourself!

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at Familyalbumradio.org.

Resources

FCS2083/HE018 Guidelines for Caregivers Suzanna Smith and Jennifer E. Gove, EDIS publication

FCS5252/FY592 Elder Companion: Lesson 6 Stress Management Elizabeth B. Bolton, EDIS publication

caregiving, seniors, aging, stress, FAR

Listen to the podcast: Promoting Healthy Appetite in Elders
Written by: Linda Bobroff

Decreased appetite (or anorexia) is a topic we typically associate with headlines about teenage girls with s clinical condition called anorexia nervosa. Anorexia among the elderly is a very different situation which can result from a number of causes such as changes in taste, smell or gastric function; dental problems; overmedication or drug interactions; illness; loneliness; or depression.

One complication of loss of appetite among the elderly is that the reduced calorie intake in older persons can affect their energy level, immune function, and overall quality of life. Also, unintended weight loss can be a risk factor for frail older persons.

There are steps that aging adults and/or their families can take to promote a healthy appetite, and improve food intake. Prepare and serve flavorful foods to stimulate appetite and improve enjoyment of food. Use a variety of herbs and spices in cooking rather than salt to avoid unwanted effects on blood pressure. Dental researchers recommend tongue brushing to improve taste acuity in older persons.

Since older family members may get full more quickly than they did when they were younger, small meals and snacks are appropriate. If loss of appetite is severe, have the pharmacist check all medications to see if they may be the cause. Perhaps one or more medications can be changed or adjusted.

Finally, help the elderly fight loneliness and depression. Sharing meals with friends or family members can promote healthful appetites in older persons who may spend a lot of time alone.

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Resources

Healthy Eating For Elders Series, EDIS, University of Florida/IFAS Extension

anorexia, aging, elderly, appetite, FAR

Listen to a Family Album Radio Podcast for more tips on caregiving.
Written by: Donna Davis
Reviewed by: Suzanna Smith

As the U.S. population continues to age, many families are starting to ask, “Who’s going to take care of mom… or dad?” Typically, caregiving continues to be provided by friends or family members assisting another adult who is disabled, ill or needs help in some way. This may be a neighbor who checks in on an older friend, a daughter who is living with an ailing parent, or a husband tending to his sick wife. Experts estimate that more than 22 million caregivers work full or part-time. Seven million of them care for someone who lives at least one hour away and the National Council on Aging predicts that number will more than double over the next 15 years.

This has created a circumstance similar to the childcare debate that occurs in many homes when working takes time away from caregiving. This creates stress on the caregiver who may worry that he or she is not giving enough time to the person they’re caring for. Likewise, caregiving takes time away from working and may affect job performance. As a result, many caregivers leave their jobs in order to take care of family members at home… a cause for concern for employers who will be addressing the impact of caregiving on employee leave and productivity… just one of many questions raised by this growing phenomenon.

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family,
Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more,
please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Resources

Living Day to Day Administration on Aging

caregiving, aging, seniors, FAR

Written by: Suzanna Smith

Often when we hear about family violence, we think about child abuse and neglect. Yet, “each year hundreds of thousands of older persons are abused, neglected and exploited,” according to the U.S. Administration on Aging.

An estimated 1 to2 million Americans 65 or older have been abused “by someone on whom they depended for care or protection” (Committee on National Statistics, 2003).

Older adults may be physically, sexually or even emotionally abused. Most often, they are neglected when the caregiver fails to provide the food, shelter, and health care the elder needs. Another form of abuse is financial or material exploitation, where the caregiver or someone else illegally takes or misuses the funds or assets of an older person (APA 2006; National Center on Elder Abuse, 2002).

In an estimated 90% of cases, the perpetrator is a family member, usually the adult children or spouse of the victim who may be exhausted and stressed from taking care of the elder and doesn’t have the information, skills, or help she or he needs There may also be a history of violence
in the family, or tension from having the older person in the home (APA, 2006).

If you think you know an older person who may be abused, call your state’s Adult Protective Services unit or the state’s abuse hotline. If you are a caregiver, watch your own stress, ask someone to give you a needed break, and contact your local Area Agency on Aging or elder care services for help getting the resources you need. If you are being abused, talk to someone you can safely confide in, such as a member of the clergy or your doctor (Administration on Aging, 2004; APA).

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family,
Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more,
please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Resources

Carolyn Wilken, "Elder Abuse: A National Disgrace", EDIS Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida.

Administration on Aging (2004). Elder abuse prevention fact sheet. Retrieved May 10, 2006.

American Psychological Association (2006). Elder abuse and neglect: In search of solutions. APA Online. Retrieved May 17, 2006.

Committee on National Statistics (2002). Elder mistreatment: Abuse, neglect, and exploitation in an aging America. Retrieved May 17, 2006.

elder, abuse, seniors, aging, FAR

Listen to the podcast:
Effect of Hospitalization on Older Couples
Written by: Donna Davis
Reviewed by: Suzanna Smith

Very often the tale is told of an elderly couple for whom the loss of one spouse is more than what the other can bear—and the other partner dies relatively soon thereafter. Referred to as the bereavement effect, this phenomenon has been well studied and documented. Likewise, research has explored the weighty effect that a spouse’s illness has on the caregiving partner, also called caregiver burden. Studies have shown that declines in physical and mental health of a spouse are often linked to a decrease in their partner’s health.

While we might romanticize that these couples suffer or die from a “broken heart,” new research reported in The New England Journal of Medicine has revealed a number of factors that may have serious consequences for spouses who are widowed or caregiving. For example, researchers have discovered the type of illness can have a significant impact. Additionally, spousal illness or deathmay deprive a partner of emotional, economic, social and other practicalsupport. Lack of support and related stress can also adversely affect a surviving or caregiving spouse’s immune system, placing them at higher risk.

Finally, the widowed spouse may begin to exhibit harmful behaviors such as drinking, poor eating habits, or high-risk activities after the illness or loss of a loved one.

Better understanding the potential problems elderly couples face when one spouse becomes ill or hospitalized can help families, healthcare providers, and policy makers better prepare to help them.
Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Source

Christakis, Nicholas A., Allison, Paul D. (2006) Mortality after the Hospitalization of a Spouse, The New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 354:719-730, February 16, 2006, Number 7

Listen to the podcast:
Caregiving: Legal Issues

When care for an elderly or sick relative begins, discussions on financial and legal topics can be uncomfortable for both the caregiver and their relative. As hard as this may be, UF researchers say talking about legal matters is important.

As a caregiver you should know the location of your relative’s important legal documents. This includes their birth certificate, social security card, insurance papers and property deeds. Are these kept at home or in a bank box? Where would your relative prefer them to be kept? If something should happen to your relative, will you have access to these items?

If your relative has a will, or other such documentation, find out where they keep it and who helped them to create it. You might want to meet with a lawyer to review what the will says and to make sure it is up to date. If your relative does not have a will, ask if they would like to create one and help them find a professional who can help them do so.

Also, discuss with your relative who will have power of attorney to make legal and medical decisions if something were to happen to them. If they have made this decision, speak with their lawyer to review the paperwork.

Asking your relative these simple questions now can prevent potentially catastrophic problems down the road. There are too many sad stories of families caught off guard and dealing with picking up the pieces at an already difficult time.

Resources

University of Florida/IFAS Extension Solutions for Your Life: Aging and Caregiving

wills, money, estate planning, caregiving, FAR

Listen to the podcast: Working and Caregiving
Written by: Patricia Bartlett

You’ve been at your job for eight years, and it looks like that promotion may come your way soon. But, you’re worried that your caregiving duties for your parents are taking more and more time.

You’re worried about how caregiving is affecting your performance at work.Last week you left work early twice and this week you came in late. But you can’t afford to leave your job. As you struggle to balance the demands of working and caring of your parents, you wonder if you’re the only one doing this.

Take heart. A study conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons or AARP reveals that nearly 22 million American workers are caregivers for their parents or other elderly family member.

Some workers find the demands of taking care of their loved ones and working at the same time too great and they give up their paying job. Others, fearing for their job security, are reluctant to tell their supervisors about their care giving responsibilities.

But, many employers are willing to help. They may be able to refer you to community programs for respite care, legal assistance or case management. A few employers offer financial help for adult day care, paid leave for caregiver activities, job sharing, or flex time. The family medical and leave act gives eligible workers unpaid leave for family care giving without loss of job security. You’ll need to check into any restrictions that apply to you such as the size of the company; and how long you’ve worked there. Don’t be afraid to ask… you may find the help you need for the balance you’re seeking.

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM.If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Resources

AARP Caregiving is a Second Job for Many
AARP Caregiving Research
Medline Plus Caregivers

eldercare, seniors, AARP, caregivers, FAR

Written by: Suzanna Smith

My 90-year-old grandmother lived with my mom and dad in her final years. She was comfortable there and had the help, support and affection she needed.
My parents prepared healthy meals for her, took her shopping, to doctor’s appointments, and to visit friends. My grandmother knew she was safe, secure, and loved.
My family is a lot like many other families in the U.S. who are taking care of older adults. In fact, families are more likely to provide long term care than nursing homes, social service agencies, or government programs.

Caring for family members brings many rewards, such as the sense of giving back to a parent, and the chance for families to grow closer. However, many caregivers experience immense stress and feelings of burden, high rates of depression, and feelings of anger and anxiety (AoA, 2004).

As with any demanding job, especially one that is 24/7, sometimes, “even the caregiver needs a break, a rest, or a breather” (Administration on Aging, 2003, p. 1). For caregivers this break from their daily responsibilities is called “respite.” Typically respite care is a service provided by an agency or facility that allows the caregiver time away. Depending on what the caregiver and loved one need, it might take place in the home, an adult day-care center or over a longer period of time, in a nursing home or an assisted facility” (AoA, 2004, p. 1).

This break gives the caregiver time to do what they need, such as go shopping, take care of their own health care needs, or simply visit with friends. This often enables the caregiver to continue to care for loved ones.

Available respite care varies from state to state. To find out more about what is available in your state, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or your local elder care services provider.

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Notes

Local AAA’s are generally listed in the city or county government sections of the telephone directory under “Aging” or “Social Services.” AoA supports a nationwide, toll-free information and assistance directory called the Eldercare Locator, which can locate the appropriate AAA to help an individual needing assistance for their loved ones, relatives, or friends. Older persons and caregivers can call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

References

Administration on Aging (2003). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

National Family Caregiver Support Program. Retrieved May 11, 2006 from http://www.aoa.dhhs.gov/press/fact/pdf/ss_nfcsp.doc.

Administration on Aging. (2004). Respite: What caregivers need most. Retrieved May 11, 2006 from http://www.aoa.dhhs.gov/press/fact/alpha/fact_respite.asp

eldercare, seniors, AOA, respite, caregivers, respite care

Provided by: Dr. Jo Turner
Everyone needs to make plans for transferring their estate. Don't make the mistake of thinking you don't have enough money or property to need to worry about a will. Don't put it off until "tomorrow."

For more information, check out this new presentation from Dr. Jo Turner on Transferring your Estate: PDF version or download the PowerPoint.

wills, money, estate planning

Listen to the podcast: Double Day Work: How Women Cope with Time Demands
Written by: Suzanna Smith and Diana Converse

In the last 30 years women have entered the work force in record numbers, yet, even as they have taken on employment outside the home, their household duties have usually remained the same. Several expressions have been coined to describe this double duty--double day, second shift, or double burden (Beaujot & Liu, 2005; Berk, 1985; Hoschchild, 1990). Men and women do seem to be sharing tasks more, especially when they both work outside the home and have young children(Beaujot & Liu, 2005; Baxter, Hewitt, & Western, 2005). However, across all families, women still carry out most of the unpaid work, including houseworkand household management, child care, and elder care (Baxter, Hewitt, & Western, 2005; Lee & Waite, 2005; Shelton, 1996), putting in anywhere from 5 to13 hours more per week than men on these activities (Lee & Waite, 2005).

As women face the demands of combining work and family, they develop strategies for organizing their lives and accomplishing many tasks (Shriner, n.d.). For example, while paid employment takes priority in scheduling time, women do negotiate with their employers and adapt their work hours when necessary, to make themselves available for their families.

Working mothers often use weekends to catch up on household chores from the previous week and prepare for the coming week. Sometimes they lower their expectations of what absolutely must be done and reduce their housework so they can spend free time with their families, and they ask their partners and children to share with the load. Double day work provides many time management challenges for women. However, by using various strategies, women can successfully meet the demands of their busy lives.

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of the University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.com.

References

U.S. Census Bureau (September 20, 2005). American time use survey summary.
Author. Retrieved November 1, 2005 from http://stats.bls.gov/news.release/atus.nr0.htm.

Baxter, J., Hewitt, B., & Western, M. (2005). Post-familial families and the domestic division of labor. Journal of Comparative Family Studies, 36, (forthcoming).

Beaujot, R. & Liu, J. (2005). Models of time use in paid and unpaid work. Journal of Family Issues, 26, 924-946.

Berk, S. (1985). The Gender Factory: The Apportionment of Work in American Households. New York: Plenum Press.

Hochschild, A. R. (1989). The second shift. New York: Avon Books.

Lee, Y-S. & Waite, L. (2005). Husbands’ and wives’ time spent in housework: A comparison of measure. Journal of Marriage and Family, 67,

MacDonald, M., Phipps, S. & Lethbridge, L. (2005). Feminist Economics,11, 63-94.

Shelton, B. A. & John, D. (1996). The division of household labor. Annual Review of Sociology, 22, 299-322.

Shriner, J. (n.d.) Double day work: how women cope with time demands. Ohio State University Extension Publication HYG-5163-96. Columbus, OH. Retrieved November 1, 2005 from http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/5163.html

mothers, women, work, time management, gtd, FAR

Listen to the podcast: Maternity Leave for First-Time Mothers
Written by Donna Davis

The birth of a child, especially the first child, brings dramatic changes to any family. Among the many new challenges couples address is whether or not mom will work outside the home. As mothers struggle with the decision of whether or not to go to work after their child is born, they might find the most recent information from the U.S. Census enlightening.

In a 2005 report on maternity leave and employment patterns of first time mothers, Census Bureau analysts traced the history of working mothers over the past 40 years.

Among their findings, about 57 percent of new mothers worked full time during their pregnancy in the late 1990s to 2000, up from 40 percent in the early 1960s.

In addition, the number of women who returned to work within a year of giving birth more than doubled from the late 1980s to the end of the 1990s, to 65 percent.

The Census report concluded that a number of factors have contributed to women’s work experience since the 1960s, including increased levels of education and waiting until later to have their first child.

With these changes, women are staying at work longer during their pregnancy, are returning more rapidly after the birth of their first child and are choosing to blend work and childrearing more than women did in the 1960s.

Of course, today more couples are also asking whether or not dad will work outside the home when mom is the primary wage earner, but that's for another page in the Family Album.

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of the University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and ofWUFT-FM.

If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Sources:
Maternity Leave and Employment Patterns of First-Time Mothers: 1961–2000
http://www.census.gov/prod/2005pubs/p70-103.pdf

mothers, working, maternity leave, babies, pregnancy, parenting, FAR

Listen to this via podcast: Motherhood by the Numbers
Topic:
Written by: Donna Davis
Reviewed by: Suzanna Smith

We don’t have to wait for Mother’s Day to think about our moms. Of course, now when that special day DOES come around I not only think about my mother and my mother-in-law, I can only hope my children are thinking loving thoughts about me. And as we think of the many mothers we come in contact with every day, you might be interested to know the following information about mothers today:

According to current statistics, there are more than 80 million mothers of all ages in the United States. According to the recent U.S. Census, 81% of women 40-44 years old are mothers, compared to 90% of women in that age group who were mothers in 1976. Today’s U.S. mothers can expect to have 2 children in their lifetime (CDC), compared to only 1 child for the moms in Italy and Spain.

The average age of the U.S. mother who is giving birth for the first time is just over 25 years old; a record high (CDC) while the teen birth rate has dropped to 4%.

Most mothers today, 5.6 million of them, work outside the home, with just over half of all moms going back to work within four months of delivering their first child (Census.gov). In addition to when to have children and whether to work, mothers today are also having more children outside of marriage and more mothers are raising children as single moms, choices that change the way we define our families.

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Source:

National Council on Family Relations, News and Announcements, “Mother’s Day: May 14, 2006".

mothers, Mother's Day, statistics, census, FAR

Listen to the podcast: Nurturing Mothers
Written by Suzanna Smith
Reviewed by Donna Davis

Did you grow up in a warm and nurturing home? Did your parents show they cared, listen and talk things over with you, teach you new things, and respect you? Recent research shows that positive parenting behaviors can be passed down from one generation to the next.

According to an international team of researchers reporting in a the journal, Child Development, mothers who were raised in a positive, nurturing home during childhood and adolescence are more likely to raise their own children that way. Few research studies are able to gather information on two generations and follow them over time. This study was based on interviews and observations of over 200 New Zealanders followed over 20 years, beginning during childhood and as participants in became parents themselves.

Researchers found that mothers, but not fathers, who were reared in supportive homes tended to support their own children in warm, sensitive, and stimulating ways. Those who were raised in a low authoritarian household as preschoolers, in sharing, low conflict homes during middle childhood, and who had trusting and close relationships with their parents during their early teen years, were more likely to engage in such positive parenting with their own young children.

This research suggests that a mother’s own experiences shape her parenting style. When parent-child relationships are positive, mothers can trust that they can bring the same positive environment to their own children. This research also suggests that parent education for all new parents, where they learn to create a positive environment for their children, can start a chain reaction that lasts across the generations.

Reference

Belsky, J., Jaffee, S. R., Sligo, J., Woodward, L, & Silva, P. A. (2005). Intergenerational transmission of warm-sensitive-stimulating parenting: A prospective study of mothers and fathers of 3-year-olds. Child Development, 76 (2), 384-397.

family, mothers, mothering, parenting, nurturing, FAR

Listen to this via podcast: 5 Ways to Show Love to a Child
Written by Kate Fogarty
Reviewed by Donna Davis

While children aren’t delivered with a “how-to” manual, there are several great resources for parents, such as Larry Steinberg’s “10 Basic Principles of Good Parenting.” Steinberg recommends a number of ways to show your children you love them. For example, shower them with affection – there’s no such thing as being “too loving”. Even teenagers benefit from this - no research has yet found praising and hugging to be harmful to teenagers!

How you walk, not talk, makes the difference. Research consistently shows that from young children to teens, youth imitate by example, not what is told them without follow through. In the presence of children, your actions matter.

Set loving limits on your child. Firm but fair rules and consequences for breaking the rules need to be set in place. Most important, following through on consequences without compromising gives children a sense of boundaries and safety.

Be consistent, but not rigid with your child’s schedule. Keep in mind areas that are non-negotiable. Have a set schedule for weekdays and weekends yet be flexible, including time for recreational activities and leisure.

Stay involved in your child’s life. The definition of involvement changes as they age, but the amount of involvement in your child’s life should not change. For example, adolescents don’t need micromanagement but do need monitoring.

Parenting can be one of the toughest, yet most rewarding and most important jobs you’ll ever have with results that last far beyond your lifetime.

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Source:
The 10 Basic Principles to Good Parenting. (2004). Steinberg, L. New York: Simon & Schuster.

parenting, teenagers, FAR, love

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of the University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.com.