Family and Consumer Sciences

Live Smart Ohio

Ohio State University Extension

Soft Skills Across the Lifespan

Depending on the context, soft skills are also called:  Social Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Life Skills, Job Skills, People Skills, Success Skills, Essential Skills, Executive Function Skills and even Tough Skills. Different settings might have different terms such as Social Emotional Learning in schools and Emotional Intelligence in the workplace. The title of one article summarizes […]

WRITTEN BY: Patrice Powers-Barker, CFLE, Extension Educator, OSU Extension Lucas County

REVIEWED BY: Jenny Lobb, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension Franklin County

PHOTO CREDITS:

  • pixabay

SOURCES:

  • Amdurer, E., Boyatzis, R., Saatcioglu, A., Smith, M. & Taylor, S. (2014). Long term impact of emotional, social and cognitive intelligence competencies and GMAT on career and life satisfaction and career success. Frontier Psychology, 5: 1447. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4267171/
  • Brandt, B. (2016). Supercharging chaperones: A meeting toolkit for maximizing learning for youth and chaperones. Journal of Extension [online], 54(2). Retrieved from https://www.joe.org/joe/2016april/iw4.php
  • Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), https://casel.org/
  • Ebner, P. (2017). Preparing students for extension careers and expanding US Extension reach through international service learning. Journal of Extension [online], 55(4), 4FEA2. Retrieved from https://www.joe.org/joe/2017august/a2.php
  • Fisher Merkowitz, R. & Earnst, G. (2006) Emotional Intelligence: A pathway to self-understanding and improved leadership capacities. Journal of Extension, 44(4). Retrieved from https://www.joe.org/joe/2006august/iw3.php
  • Harvard University, Center on the Developing Child (2018). Activities guide: Enhancing and practicing executive function skills with children from infancy to adolescence. Retrieved from https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/activities-guide-enhancing-and-practicing-executive-function-skills-with-children-from-infancy-to-adolescence/
  • Hurrel, S. (2015). Rethinking the soft skills deficit blame game: employers, skills withdrawal and the reporting of soft skills. Human Relations. Vol 69, Issue 3, pp. 605 - 628
  • Kamenetz, A. (2015). Nonacademic skills are key to success. But what should we call them? NPR Ed Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2015/05/28/404684712/non-academic-skills-are-key-to-success-but-what-should-we-call-them
  • Slov´ak, P., Rowan K., Frauenberger, C., Gilad-Bachrach, R., Doces, M., Smith, B., Kamb, R., & Fitzpatric, G. (2016). Scaffolding the scaffolding: Supporting children-s social-emotional learning at home. AMC Conference Paper. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/310822579_Scaffolding_the_scaffolding_Supporting_children-s_social-emotional_learning_at_home
  • Trotta, R. (2015). Tackling the tough skills: A curriculum building skills for work and life. University of Missouri Lincoln University, Outreach & Extension. Retrieved from http://extension.missouri.edu/tough-life-skills/

At Least I’m not Married to That Person

My wife sometimes shares a story with me about an encounter she has had with a person whom she perceives as difficult—arrogant, insolent, and/or egotistical. She might end the story with the phrase, “At least, I am not married to that person.” I want to analyze this phrase. ‘At least’, the first part of the […]

WRITTEN BY: Joseph Maiorano, PHD, Family and Consumer Sciences, Harrison County Ohio, maiorano.2@osu.edu

REVIEWED BY: Misty Harmon, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Perry County Ohio, harmon.416@osu.edu

PHOTO CREDITS:

  • Pixabay https://pixabay.com/en/path-hiking-trail-grass-travel-18197/

SOURCES:

  • Hyntish. (March 2, 2012). How to deal with difficult people. Albert Ellis, Ph.D. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rwkU8BfVgk
  • Harris, V. (written 2012, reviewed 2015). 9 Important Communication Skills for Every Relationship. Family Youth and Community Sciences Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Found at https://ifas.ufl.edu/media/smartcouplesifasufledu/docs/pdfs/9-Important-Communication-Skills-for-Every-Relationship.pdf

REFERENCES:

  • Ellis, A. E. & Harper, R. A. (1997). A Guide to Rational Living. Chartsworth, CA: Wilkshire Book Company.
  • Futris, T. & Richardson, E. 2013. Are We Compatible? University of Georgia. Downloaded on February 22, 2018 from: https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/pdf/C%201052-09_1.PDF
  • King, A. (April 25, 2017). When dating take OFF your rose colored glasses. Huffington Post. Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/when-dating-take-off-your-rose-colored-glasses_us_58feab5de4b0f420ad99cb47
  • Spires, C. 2010. Resolving Conflict Constructively and Respectfully. Ohio State University Extension. Downloaded on February 26, 2018. https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-5196
  • Wiley, A. R. 2007. Connecting as a couple: Communication skills for healthy relationships. The Forum for Family and Consumer Sciences, 12 (1). Downloaded on February 22, 2018 from: https://projects.ncsu.edu/ffci/publications/2007/v12-n1-2007-spring/wiley/fa-11-wiley.php

Not so fast!

  So, you want to develop a committed, long term, intimate relationship with a special someone. Even though he or she might be quite the hottie, have a great sense of humor, and a love for others, you shouldn’t rush into things. Here are a couple activities that might help you decide if this is […]

WRITTEN BY: Joseph Maiorano, PHD, Family and Consumer Sciences, Harrison County Ohio, maiorano.2@osu.edu

REVIEWED BY: Misty Harmon, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Perry County, harmon.416@osu.edu

PHOTO CREDITS:

  • Misty Harmon

SOURCES:

  • Helping Hand Sock Locks. found at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Helping-Hand-Paired-Washer-Laundry/dp/B00SS1UFT4/ref=asc_df_B00SS1UFT4/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=193136497623&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9842937456833710078&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1023600&hvtargid=pla-314827111144&psc=1
  • http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/healthy-relationships.aspx

REFERENCES:

  • Bralich, C. (2017). Money and Relationships. Money $mart. Issue H. Downloaded on June 26, 2018 from https://washington.uwex.edu/files/2017/12/Issue-H-Money-and-Relationships-UW.pdf
  • Fletcher, C. N. (2008). Communication. Money Mechanics. Iowa State University Extension. Downloaded on June 21, 2018 from, https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/Communication-Money-Mechanics

A Weddinggg

Have you ever dreamt about the joy, nay, the ecstasy of a blissful romantic wedding? You can all but smell the delicate rose petals, hand-strewn along the aisle that you and Mr. or Miss Right float down on your way to the altar. You dreamily gaze into your spouse’s eyes as you say, “I do.” […]

WRITTEN BY: Joseph Maiorano, PHD, Family and Consumer Sciences, Harrison County Ohio, maiorano.2@osu.edu

REVIEWED BY: Misty Harmon, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Perry County, harmon.416@osu.edu

PHOTO CREDITS:

  • https://pixabay.com/en/human-child-girl-face-in-thoughts-745078/

SOURCES:

  • https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2017/05/08/be-prepared-scout-motto-origin/
  • https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/pdf/C%201052-09_1.PDF
  • https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-5196

REFERENCES:

  • Futris, T. & Richardson, E. 2013. Are We Compatible? University of Georgia. Downloaded on February 22, 2018 from: https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/pdf/C%201052-09_1.PDF
  • Newby, K. 2010. After You say, “I Do”: Adjusting to Marriage. Ohio State University Extension. Downloaded on February 22, 2018 from: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/FLM-FS-2-01-R10
  • Wiley, A. R. 2007. Connecting as a couple: Communication skills for healthy relationships. The Forum for Family and Consumer Sciences, 12 (1). Downloaded on February 22, 2018 from: https://projects.ncsu.edu/ffci/publications/2007/v12-n1-2007-spring/wiley/fa-11-wiley.php
  • Spires, C. 2010. Resolving Conflict Constructively and Respectfully. Ohio State University Extension. Downloaded on February 26, 2018. https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-5196

For the Sex Talk, “Er…Uhm…Well,” Might Not be the Best Reply

Studies suggest that children whose parents provide them with education about sex are less likely to participate in risky and irresponsible sexual behavior. In addition talking with children about sex may help protect children from sexual abuse, early sexual activity, and teen pregnancy.(Parent Toolkit; McCoy, 2017). So, if you have been avoiding that important topic, […]

WRITTEN BY: Joseph Maiorano, PHD, Family and Consumer Sciences, Harrison County Ohio, maiorano.2@osu.edu

REVIEWED BY: Misty Harmon, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Perry County, harmon.416@osu.edu

PHOTO CREDITS:

  • https://pixabay.com/en/silhouette-father-and-son-sundown-1082129/

REFERENCES:

  • Parent Toolkit: Talk about Sex: A guide to help parents communicate with their children on sexuality issues. Ministry of Education-Singapore. Downloaded on November 30, 2017 from https://www.moe.gov.sg/docs/default-source/document/education/programmes/social-emotional-learning/sexuality-education/files/parent-booklet.pdf
  • McCoy, J. 2017. Sex: The dreaded talk. Parenting Again. University of Illinois Extension. Downloaded on December 1, 2017 from http://extension.illinois.edu/grandparents/article.cfm?ID=5141&IssueID=5215

Thank you

When I was a kid, my mom would remind me to say “Thank you” when someone gave me a gift or did something for me. Now, as a mother, I remind my own kids to say “Thank you” for those same reasons. For some people it is simple and easy to show gratitude and appreciation, […]

WRITTEN BY: Misty Harmon, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Perry County, harmon.417@osu.edu

REVIEWED BY: Jami Dellifield, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Hardin County, dellifield.2@osu.edu

PHOTO CREDITS:

  • https://pixabay.com/en/thankful-thanks-grateful-thank-you-1081614/

SOURCES:

  • http://ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/welcome/features/2015-2016/11/20151125_gratitude.html
  • http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2012/08/health-benefits.aspx
  • http://news.uga.edu/releases/print/research-links-gratitude-positive-marital-outcomes-1015/
  • https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/tips_for_keeping_a_gratitude_journal/
  • https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/ten_ways_to_become_more_grateful1/

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