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 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’ 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.

Help Your Children Succeed At Learning
(Posted on 9/25/2007)
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.

Parenting Teens: Love and Limits Still Important
(Posted on 8/6/2007)
“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.”

Reading Readiness Starts Early
(Posted on 8/1/2007)
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 (ISU) Extension family life specialist.

Helping Teens Make Good Decisions
(Posted on 2/23/2007)
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 FiveTM: Teaching Your Preschooler About Spending and Saving
(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.

Free On-line Course for Taking Control of Your Money!
(Posted on 10/23/2006)
Free On-line Course for Taking Control of Your Money! Don’t let money-or lack of it-control YOU! ISU Extension’s free web course offers tools and strategies to help you take control of your money.

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 that you are truly there for them. As they learn to manage the “little things,” they become better at tackling the bigger ones.

Emergency Planning for Families
(Posted on 9/7/2006)
Family Emergency Plan--A major storm, tornado, flood, fire, or accident can leave your family vulnerable. Planning ahead for the unexpected can make a difference in the impact those events will have on family members.

Time With Grandparents Still Can Be Grand
(Posted on 7/11/2006)
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 3/1/2006)
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.

A new look for farm safety-Using Reflective Tape
(Posted on 2/2/2005)
Road safety is a critical issue for farmers as people move to rural subdivisions, farm equipment gets larger, and farm operations include fields in numerous locations. The key to a farmer’s safety on the road is being able to be seen by other motorists both during the day and at night.