For many years, I have held workshops for caregivers and just recently hosted a webinar on caregiving for U of I Extension staff. Based on the interactions with participants, I get the feeling that these caregivers are not only searching for information, but also support and validation of what they...
I recently ran into a former colleague who told me that she had retired from the job at which she and I had worked together. She "hated, absolutely hated" retirement so went back to work doing virtually the same thing, but at a different organization. Although I can't say for sure, I...
View infographic here.Parents have many resources when it comes to developing, growing, nurturing, and cultivating empathy in their children. Empathy is the foundation for developing good relationships, for loving well, and...
For most children, biting is usually short-lived and does not become a habit. Nevertheless, it is usually a big deal for everyone - the child bitten, the adults present, and the parents. (If you have ever been bitten, you know that it HURTS!) Continued biting is one of the reasons that...
It's severe weather season here in the Midwest. All families need a plan for what to do in the case of an emergency or natural disaster.
Be Prepared
Preparation for any emergency or disaster is key. First, you need to look at what could affect your family home. Illinois is prone to many weather-...
When parents possess six protective factors, the risk for abuse and neglect diminish. These factors are: Nurturing and attachment Knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development Parental resilience Social connections Concrete supports for parents Social and emotional...
The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) to shed light on the needs of young children (birth through age 8) and their families. In support, the Family Files blog articles for April will focus on...
You may have noticed that all of the Family Files blog entries this month have been about brain health and memory in honor of Brain Awareness Week. We have emphasized that exercise, a healthy diet, good sleep, socialization and stress management are all major contributors for a healthy...
"The name of the restaurant is on the tip of my tongue and it is just not coming to me." Does this sound familiar? Everyone experiences trouble now and again recalling information when needed. It is most often proper nouns like the name of a person or place. Usually the more anxious you are in...
Recently a woman in one of my programs asked me about a diagnosis that her husband had received - Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). According to the Alzheimer's Association website, MCI "causes cognitive changes that are serious enough to be noticed by the individuals experiencing them or to...
