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couple

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.

plane

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

‘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.

learning

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.

teens

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

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.

teen love

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.

five

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.

dollar sign

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.

childstress

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

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.

grandparents

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.

clock

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.

tractor

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.

News from Iowa State University Extension

Care for Yourself/WISEWOMAN Helps Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
(Posted on 4/30/2008)
Care for Yourself/WISEWOMANThe community-based intervention program empowers low-income, primarily rural women to make lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.
Have Trailer, Will Demonstrate Universal Design
(Posted on 4/30/2008)
trailer with portable display showing universal designGive ISU Extension specialist Mary Yearns a trailer and she’ll figure out a way to demonstrate how universal design makes a home more useful and accessible.
Iowans Worry Their Paychecks Won’t Cover Basic Costs in 2008
(Posted on 4/23/2008)
A new survey shows nearly one-third of Iowans worry family income won't meet expenses. Horizons communities are a step ahead. They have ISU Extension-trained leaders working on poverty and economic decline.
ISU Extension Book Receives Arbor Day Foundation Award
(Posted on 4/21/2008)
The Forest Where Ashley Lives“The Forest Where Ashley Lives,” a children’s book published by Iowa State University Extension, has received an Education Award from this nonprofit education and conservation organization.

Events


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Staff

Joyce Lash-Family Resource Management Field Specialist
Phone: 641-464-3333
Fax: 641-464-3333
Email: lash@iastate.edu

Donna Donald-Family Life Field Specialist
Phone: 641-446-4723
Fax: 641-446-6142
Email: ddonald@iastate.edu

Marilyn Jackson-BASICS grant coordinator/Nutrition Coalition
Phone:
Fax:
Email: jacksonm@iastate.edu

Pat Jones-Growing Strong Families Program Assistant
Phone: 641-872-1755
Fax: 641-872-1648
Email: pajones@iastate.edu

Pat Swartzlander-County Extension Education Director
Phone: (641)872-1755 or (641)774-2016
Fax: (641)872-1648
Email: pswartz@iastate.edu

Resources from ISU Extension