Healthy Iowa
(Posted on 2/1/2012)

Help Children Get Enough Sleep
(Posted on 1/23/2012)
“If you think one hour less sleep for kids shouldn’t make much difference, you will be interested to learn how it can impact them,” says Donna K. Donald, an ISU family life program specialist. Mrs. Donald talk about reasons kids need to get enough sleep and how much is needed for each age.

Growing Strong Families program for families with young children
(Posted on 12/28/2011)

When Siblings Fight, Teach Healthy Ways to Handle Conflict
(Posted on 12/28/2011)
“Brothers and sisters spending too much time indoors this winter can result in sibling arguments and fights,” says Donna K. Donald, an ISU family life program specialist. Mrs. Donald offers some tips to help parents cope with sibling conflict.

Get Answers to Holiday Food, Stain Removal Questions
(Posted on 11/15/2011)
What’s the best way to thaw a frozen turkey? Is it safe to make pies and vegetable dishes a couple days before the big family gathering? And what’s the best way to deal with the leftovers? To get answers to these and other holiday food questions, call Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Answer Line, 800-262-3804.

Choose less sceen time and more time for family f un
(Posted on 9/9/2011)
Children often spend more hours a week with electronic devices and screens than in school. Donna K. Donald, an ISU family life program specialist offers tips for choosing less screen time and enjoying more family time.

Children and Sports: Fun or Stress?
(Posted on 6/1/2011)
Many children are involved in organized sports during the summer months. Donna K. Donald, an ISU family life program specialist, says the hours spent may be a time of fun or a time of stress.

Can You Spoil a Baby?
(Posted on 4/6/2011)
Is it possible to spoil a crying newborn? Learn what research tells us about responsiveness of parents, trust issues, and adapting to the environment. Donna K. Donald, an ISU family life program specialist, reminds parents that newborns can never get too much love.

New Credit Card Rules: What You Need to Know
(Posted on 3/26/2010)
The Federal Reserve Board’s web site will help answer consumer questions about new credit card protections that took effect on February 22. The new rules ban several harmful practices.

eXtension Just in Time Parenting
(Posted on 2/26/2010)
Check out national extension website that brings quality, reasearch-based information to families at the time it can be most useful and make the biggest difference.

Preschool tuition assisstance for Adair County children
(Posted on 6/19/2009)
Tuition assistance, in the form of FACT Empowerment need-based scholarships, is available for Adair County children enrolling in preschool this fall. A child must reside within Adair County and be at least three-years-old and no older than five to be eligible. Children must enroll in a preschool served by the FACT Empowerment area that has achieved or is working towards a quality rating. Fill out an application.

Plan for Playground Safety before Kids Play in the Backyard
(Posted on 1/2/2009)
Spring weather and backyard playgrounds are beckoning children. “But be sure the playground equipment is safe before you let them play on it,” says Donna K. Donald, Iowa State University Extension family life field specialist. Mrs. Donald offers suggestions to improve the safety of your backyard play area.

Put Some "Fun" in Your Relationship
(Posted on 3/27/2008)
When was the last time you did something together with your spouse or partner that was fun? With a little effort and planning, couples can put some fun into their relationship, says Donna Donald, a family life specialist with Iowa State University Extension.

Skies Still Can Be "Friendly" If You Plan Ahead for Air Travel
(Posted on 1/7/2008)
"Airline travel is more complicated than it used to be," says Donna Donald, a family life specialist with Iowa State University Extension. But traveling by air can be a good experience if you take time to plan ahead and prepare for those little unexpected delays.

"Time Out" for Kids
(Posted on 12/5/2007)
Football teams aren't the only ones who can benefit from a "time out," says Donna Donald, a family life specialist with Iowa State University Extension. Many parents use time outs to discipline their children. Time out can be a good way for both parents and children to cool off and prevent further misbehavior. Used properly, time out can be a learning opportunity, and that's the true meaning of discipline.

Help Your Children Succeed At Learning
(Posted on 9/26/2007)
Parents can make a big difference in the attitudes their children have about school and learning. You can model to them that learning is an ongoing and enjoyable experience. Donna Donald, Iowa State University Extension family life specialist, says one place to start is by making the home an interesting and fun learning place.

Support Children's Connection to Nature
(Posted on 8/27/2007)
In our busy society, children are often on tight schedules of school, extracurricular activities and child care. Recent research suggests that children are exposed less and less to the world of nature. “However, children who interact with nature learn a wide range of valuable skills that will help them in school and life,” according to Donna Donald, Iowa State University (ISU) Extension family life specialist.

Reading Readiness Starts Early
(Posted on 8/9/2007)
Three simple strategies can help children prepare for reading when they start school. "Using these strategies daily along with reading books and other printed materials with children will put them on the road to success in school," according to Donna Donald, Iowa State University Extension family life specialist.

Negotiating the Step-Parent Role
(Posted on 4/17/2007)
Step-parents can feel like second class citizens. An important step to family harmony is for both the biological parent and the step-parent to decide on house rules. Rules must be worked out as a partnership or they will not work. Then hold a family meeting where the biological parent presents the set of rules.

Helping Teens Make Good Decisions
(Posted on 2/26/2007)
Why don't teens and adults see eye-to-eye on "risky" behaviors involving drugs, alcohol and sexual activity? Given differences parents can still help their teens make good decisions.

Thrive By 5
(Posted on 12/13/2006)
Thrive by FiveTM: Teaching Your Preschooler About Spending and Saving--free activities and other resources for parents who want to encourage healthy attitudes about money in young children.

What About Grandfathers?
(Posted on 12/11/2006)
Grandparents play an important role in the development of their grandchildren. According to recent studies, 95 percent of people over age 65 who have adult children also have grandchildren. This means men today can expect to spend the majority of their adult years in this important role. Researchers have found that grandchildren who have a close relationship with a grandfather are likely to perform well in school, display positive emotional adjustment, have higher self-esteem and have a greater ability to develop and maintain friendships.

Impact Stories
(Posted on 10/2/2006)

Adair County Community Directory
(Posted on 9/28/2006)
Check-out the new community directory. The Adair County Community Directory has been updated with important information from Child Care to a listing of Important Phone Numbers that everyone should have at easy reach.

Time with Grandparents Still Can Be Grand
(Posted on 8/22/2006)
Being a grandparent is not what it used to be; but it is one of the greatest roles you will play, and the payoff is priceless. Grandparents remain a vital connection between the past and the future, no matter the circumstances.

Conquer Your Time Traps
(Posted on 3/3/2006)
Families tend to over commit their time and energy and end up having too much to do and too little time in which to do it. We cannot manufacture more time, but we can make better use of the time we have.