Help Children Handle Stress During Natural Disasters
(Posted on 7/2/2008)
When parents are experiencing major stresses, they may have difficulty recognizing stress in their children.

Help Children Grow Up Fit
(Posted on 5/30/2008)
Today's children are growing up in a visually oriented, high-tech society with too much observation and not enough participation in physical activities. However, Donna Donald, a family life specialist ith Iowa State University Extension, says it's not too late to get these kids on the road to physical fitness. Adults can play an important role in helping their children become physically fit.

Put Some 'Fun' in Your Relationship
(Posted on 3/28/2008)
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 Plan Ahead for Air Travel
(Posted on 2/6/2008)
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.

Television Signals Changing
(Posted on 1/30/2008)
Users of old indoor antennas and rooftop antennas will need converter boxes when TV signals change to digital signals in 2009.

'Time Out' Isn't Just for Football Teams -- It Works for Kids, Too
(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.

Traveling With Children
(Posted on 7/2/2007)
Some people say children and car trips don’t mix, But the secret is simple – plan ahead. The adoption of a few basic ideas can result in happier children and less stressed parents.

Parenting Teens: Love and Limits Still Important
(Posted on 3/29/2007)
"Parents DO make a difference when their children are in the teen years!" Mrs. Donald says. "It's never time to stop being a parent. It's always time to use authoritative parenting by demonstrating love and setting limits with warmth."

Helping Teens Make Good Decisions
(Posted on 2/22/2007)
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.

Family Meetings - The Gift That Keeps On Giving
(Posted on 11/7/2006)
Starting family meetings will help with decision-making and can become a new tradition to prevent family conflict before it ever begins.

Improving the Quality of Urban Daycare
(Posted on 11/7/2006)
When the Childcare Task Force of Pottawattamie County identified a need for training to improve the quality of daycare in the area, Iowa State University Extension responded. Through collaboration with Iowa Western Community College, they sought and received a working grant from the Pottawattamie County Empowerment Board.

Help Your Child Deal With Daily Stress
(Posted on 9/19/2006)
Often the "little things" that go wrong during the day have the largest impact on how your children feel. By teaching your children how to cope with daily stress, you let them know you are truly there for them. As they learn to manage the "little things," they become better at tackling the bigger ones.

Say "Yes" to Family Mealtime
(Posted on 8/16/2006)
When families eat and talk together, relationships get stronger. Family mealtime is possible even with today's busy family schedules. Be creative and family mealtime can work for your family.

Sibling Fights: A Parent's Survival Guide
(Posted on 2/10/2006)
One of the most important lessons people of all ages learn is how to get along with others.

Child Care Plays a Key Role in Iowa's Economy
(Posted on 6/29/2005)
Iowa’s employers and workforce depend on the services that child care providers offer to families with young children. A recent study by Iowa State University Extension and several partner organizations found that of the 570,000 children in Iowa from birth to age 12, nearly 67 percent are in some type of paid child care.