Family Life

Each September is national Suicide Prevention Month. In 2023, 12.8 people seriously thought about suicide and 1.5 million people attempted it. Over 49,000 people died by suicide in 2023. That is one death every 11 seconds. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The...

The beginning of school means changes from the “free flowing” days of summer to regular daily routines. Here are some tips from West Virginia University Extension to help boost your children’s attitude, confidence and school performance.Re-establish school time biorhythms. Get back into regular...

Grief is a difficult experience for people of all ages, but navigating grief and loss can be especially challenging and confusing for young children. August 30 is National Grief Awareness Day, and I wanted to share this tip sheet from the Illinois Early...

Summers at home can often feel like a full-time job of having to find constant entertainment for the kiddos. The good news? You don’t need an elaborate vacation or expensive outings to create a summer that’s filled with memories. Thinking of new, fun, and engaging activities can be difficult, but...

The Illinois State Fair is just around the corner—happening from August 8–18—and while the National Weather Service is predicting a Heat Advisory, that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying all the fun, food, and festivities the fair has to offer.Yes, it’ll be hot. But with a little planning and a few...

Many things affect sibling relationships when caring for a parent:Do all the siblings want the same thing for the parent?What do past relationships look like?How should care be divided?What kind of care is needed?Who provides amount/type of care among siblings?Where will the parent live if they...

Summer is here and many families are packing up for a memorable family vacation.   Sometimes families arrive home from their trip exhausted and irritable. Planning relaxed family time together at home can be an alternative.  Slow down the pace and plan for a family night in...

June is Men’s Health Month—a month dedicated to raising awareness about the health challenges men face and encouraging early detection and treatment of disease among men. It’s the perfect time to take a step back, reflect on your health, and make positive changes that can lead to a longer,...

Purpose is defined as a strong stable sense of commitment to something that is meaningful to you and makes a difference in the world around you. It can be found in all aspects of life and can change over time.Why is purpose important?Purpose increases well being. People with higher levels of...

Gardening season is almost here! It is a great family activity and beneficial to get children interested when they are young. Have you wondered if gardening outdoors with preschoolers would be too challenging? The Illinois Early Learning Project (IELP)...