Holidays can bring forth so many emotions and whether those emotions are happy, stressful, or sad, they often seem magnified during the holidays. Several of our Extension colleagues from across the country have shared tips on reducing stress this holiday season. Here are three of my favorite ones,...
The holiday season is upon us. This season is marked by twinkle lights bedecking all the houses and festive songs playing on all the radios. You can see Santas and stars, reindeer and wreaths everywhere you look. Here in the United States, these things are customary signs of the winter holidays....
The old saying it is better to give than to receive is something that has always resonated with me. I love to give gifts and I especially love giving an item that I have created by hand. Making gifts can be time consuming, and with the holidays are upon us, time is running short to create any...
What’s your favorite holiday? Mine is Thanksgiving…hands down. I mean, how could it not be? It’s a simple celebration focused on good food, time with family, and the harvest. And if that wasn’t enough, it...
According to Feeding America, a national network of food banks, 1 in 7 people in our country rely on a local food bank to eat. This number very likely could include you or someone you know. Particularly after the wake of job loss and shortages following...
I know as I enjoy the leaves changing colors and falling to the ground, I am also reminded of the busyness of this time of year. As with any busy time, it is common for people of all ages to experience stress. With all the factors that can lead to stress, it can sometimes be hard to pinpoint the...
I love Halloween! The costumes, the decorations, the candy, the jokes (Why did the ghost starch his sheet? He wanted everyone scared stiff.) – it’s all great! But this year, why not take some time out from the spooky tricks and sweet treats to include a little learning amongst all the...
As the weather starts to cool off and thoughts turn to campfires, cool nights and holiday gatherings, it is a perfect time to gather your family or friends together and learn a bit more about each other. Here are some conversation starters to find some conversation starters to learn some great...
October 18-22 is Digital Citizenship Week! And if you’re anything like me, you might be wondering…
umm…so what?
Well, I think most of us would agree that it’s important to be good citizens IRL (that’s text speak for “in...
Each year, 4-H members across the nation celebrate National 4-H Week, joining 6 million other 4-H members of the country’s premiere youth development program. This year, the celebration runs Oct. 3 to 9.
University of Illinois Extension 4-H wants...
Social distancing during the pandemic, though necessary, has caused social and emotional side effects that have been felt by all of us – perhaps especially by our young people. Programs from University of Illinois Extension and 4-H serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell Counties have worked...
I don’t know about things in your neck of the woods, but here in Central Illinois, the indications of autumn are everywhere! The shorter days are marked with bright blue skies and a crisp breeze, mums adorn doorsteps, and there’s pumpkin spice everything! In case these tell-tale signs don’t ring...
September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM). For generations, the contributions and achievements of our Latin American communities have infused our culture and enriched our lives. This month, take time with your family to...
Allowing children to be engaged in nature has long been known to have physical and emotional benefts (Children and Nature Network, 2014), however, one area less commonly discussed is the benefit to young people academically.
Dr. Ming Kuo...
“In case of emergency” is a phrase that we’re all familiar with. So familiar, in fact, that we sometimes just ignore it. That “emergency” seems so unlikely and far off – and we have stuff to deal with right now!
But – as the past weeks and months have shown us – emergencies happen all the time. As...
Volunteering together can be a great way for families to spend time with each other. Additionally, volunteering as a family has been shown to significantly impact the amount teens volunteers. America’s Promise found that 81% of teens who had one adult family member or role model who...
The school year is here once again! It can feel overwhelming to get all the school supplies ready and schedules organized, let alone take first day of school pictures, or any of the many traditions people have for going back to school! However, it is important to take a moment and...
This week, the back-to-school shelves in every store I‘ve gone to look as though they’ve been ravaged. I’m struggling to keep up with my backyard garden harvests, and I just got notification that my favorite apple orchard will be opening for the season. And the children are “going to die of boredom...
