Early Learning Webinars
(Posted on 10/30/2009)
Have you heard about our webinars? Early childhood professionals can now participate in online learning that is convenient, cost effective and easy. Visit the Early Learning Webinar Website: www.extension.iastate.edu/childcare/earlylearning for more information.

Adair County Programs for Young Families
(Posted on 10/28/2009)
“Calmer babies equal calmer parents!” Learn how to transport your baby from screaming into serenity…in minutes. Nina Utterback, Growing Strong Families Parent Educator for Adair County Extension, will share tips at a special meeting on Tuesday, December 1st at the Family Supports Center (formerly Crook’s Clothing Building) in Greenfield. The program is slated to run from 6:30-7:30 p.m. See complete listing of upcoming programs for young families here.

Emergency Volunteer Survey Being Conducted
(Posted on 10/20/2009)
Just 10 minutes of your time now can make a big difference if Adair County is faced with an emergency. Emergency Management personnel need to be able to quickly assess a situation and to quickly activate volunteers. Complete an on-line survey to help establish a data base of the skills and interests of potential volunteers. This is one small way you can make a big difference.

Family Storyteller a Big Hit
(Posted on 7/10/2009)
Family Storyteller a Big Hit Twelve families completed the Family Storyteller series at the Greenfield Library. The six week program is focused on building the early literacy skills of preschool age children though family reading and fun time. The program was sponsored by Growing Strong Families, an initiative of Adair County Extension, with funding support from the Creston Cluster Decat and FACT Empowerment. A monthly book club has been established in Adair County for graduates of the Family Storyteller program.

Talk Turkey
(Posted on 7/9/2009)
November is time to "Talk Turkey". According to Barb Fuller, Nutrition and Health Program Specialist, plan to enjoy the traditional Holiday turkey.

An Apple a Day
(Posted on 7/8/2009)
Does an apple a day, keep the doctor away? A medium sized apple has less than a 100 calories and is a good source of antioxidants. According to Barb Fuller, ISU Nutrition and Health Program Specialist, apples are also a great source of fiber and are easy to store.

Tax Returns Can Put Money in Your Pocket!
(Posted on 7/7/2009)
Filing a tax return is no fun, but the effort can be positive if tax payers make sure they take advantage of refundable tax credits!

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.

When Things Don't Go Well, Help Your Child Succeed
(Posted on 5/7/2009)
It’s natural for parents to try to soften the blow for their children when things don’t go well. But parents can help children view failures and setbacks as learning experiences. Donna K. Donald, family life program specialists suggests parents affirm feelings, listen carefully, and then encourage the child to try again.

H1N1 Virus Information
(Posted on 4/28/2009)
Adair County Health Systems provides up-to-date information about H1N1 and the symptoms.

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.

ISU Extension's Energy Tips
(Posted on 1/1/2009)
Extension’s Energy Tip for June 2009 If you have to drive, combine errands into one trip. Several short trips, each from a cold start, can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. Get more driving and car maintenance tips.

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.

Nodaway Valley Voluntary Preschool Exploration Committee
(Posted on 3/11/2008)

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.

Fall Online Course Designed for Relationship Educators, Counselors
(Posted on 9/25/2007)
Journeys is a new online course starting September 14 for professionals and non-professionals who provide education and counseling to couples. Donna K. Donald, Iowa State University Extension family life program specialist, suggests you consider this course if you want to increase your knowledge and skills in working with couples.

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.