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Iowa Tax Credits for Families
(Posted on 1/27/2012)
Iowa Tax Law includes tax credits to help families. The Tuition and Textbook Credit has no income restrictions and can result in an Iowa Tax Credit of up to $250 per student in grades K-12. Parents of children age 3-5 may be eligible for the Early Childhood Development Credit.

Sleeping Young Child

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.

Girls Fighting

When Siblings Fight, Teach Healthy Ways to Handle Conflict
(Posted on 12/29/2011)
“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.

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New Early Learning Webinars
(Posted on 11/4/2009)
Have you heard about our webinars?

Keep Your Marriage Strong in Stressful Times
(Posted on 5/21/2009)
Iowa State University research on strong marriages suggests that men and women truly can vary in the ways they handle highly stressful times. “Don’t give up on your spouse because he or she acts differently than you. Instead, look at the many ways that differences can strengthen your relationship,” says Donna K. Donald, Iowa State University Extension Family Life Field Specialist. “You can use the differences in your couple relationship to help you handle stressful times.”

News from Iowa State University Extension

Kids Learn Healthy Habits from Caring Adults
(Posted on 2/1/2012)
Adults need to adapt healthier lifestyles and be role models for kids if Iowa is going to be the healthiest state in the nation, says Ruth Litchfield, an Iowa State University associate professor and state nutrition extension specialist.
Science of Parenting: How to Parent Spirited Children
(Posted on 2/1/2012)
When it comes to temperament, some kids are as dependable as pickup trucks, while others are as touchy as high-end sports cars. This month’s Science of Parenting podcast from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach examines the “engine” that drives a child and how parents can manage spirited children.
Connect to Nature at February Virtual Eco Family Conference
(Posted on 1/25/2012)
“When we love the place where we live, we take better care of it,” said Kristi Cooper, a family life specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. She will discuss how to develop a sense of place and build communities that connect people with nature during the Virtual Eco Family Conference on Feb. 2.
Parent-Child Cell Phone Debate Continues
(Posted on 1/17/2012)
Parents can exert a measure of control over their child’s mobile phone use by limiting use, checking its contents and using it to monitor the whereabouts of their offspring. However, with a few exceptions, these activities by parents do not seem to impact patterns of cell phone use by teens, according to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach family life specialists.
Women: Register for Money Talk Online Class by Feb. 1
(Posted on 1/13/2012)
At some point in many women’s lives, they will have to make major financial decisions. Money Talk, an online class offered through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, gives women the knowledge to make those decisions and improve their lives. The registration deadline is Feb. 1 and the class begins Feb. 6.
Science of Parenting: Using Technology to Help with Parenting
(Posted on 1/3/2012)
From podcasts to text messages and Skype, many parents are adding technology to their parenting toolkit. This month’s Science of Parenting podcast from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach takes a closer look at how parents can use information and communications technology for parenting.
Virtual Eco Family Conference Connects Families to the Environment
(Posted on 12/22/2011)
Iowa families throughout the state will be getting together — virtually — once a month from January through June for an Eco Family Conference from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. It’s an opportunity for families to improve the environment, reduce their carbon footprint and create community close to home.
Extension Offers Free Monthly Parenting Newsletter
(Posted on 12/16/2011)
Any parent, new or seasoned, may have questions regarding his or her children. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers a free monthly newsletter, Just in Time Parenting, with helpful information on parenting young ones.
Phone App Is Winter Preparedness Tool for Motorists
(Posted on 12/14/2011)
A new smartphone application from the North Dakota State University Extension Service will help motorists prepare for winter weather travels. And should they get stuck in winter weather, the app provides on-the-spot assistance.
Parents Can Help Kids Deal with Bullying
(Posted on 12/1/2011)
Relational aggression in children is another way of saying that kids can be mean to one another. Parents may not be able to stop this bullying, but they can help their children learn how to deal with the behavior, says Kimberly Greder, an extension specialist and associate professor of human development and family studies at Iowa State University.

Staff

Donna Donald - Families
Phone: (641) 446-4723
Fax: (641) 446-6142
Email: ddonald@iastate.edu

Joyce Lash - Families
Phone: (641) 464-3333
Fax: (641) 464-3333
Email: lash@iastate.edu

Resources from ISU Extension