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Kids who care

March 25, 2024

Recently, I was supposed to attend a family night at a local preschool where I would work with the youth about what it means to care and be kind to each other. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it at the last minute, but I wanted to share a tip sheet that I was also going to share with the parents....

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Celebrate Brain Awareness Week

February 27, 2024

Family Files

Brain Awareness Week (BAW) is the global campaign to foster public enthusiasm and support for brain science. BAW was founded by the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives (DABI) and the European Dana Alliance for the Brain (EDAB), and is coordinated by the Dana...

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Two people walking together on a snowy trail.

Staying active and socially connected in winter

February 12, 2024

Family Files

During the winter months, I usually notice a significant downward shift in my energy level and motivation to get out and socialize with friends. The cold, dark, snowy weather often makes me want to curl up on the couch to watch a movie or read a book in my free time. Can anyone else relate?...

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Managing holiday stress

November 27, 2023

Family Files

The American Psychological Association has conducted a nationwide survey in its Mind/Body campaign since 2007. The focus is to examine the state of stress nationwide and understand its impact. The study in 2023 indicated that 55% of Americans are stressed during the day. Managing stress can help...

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Building traditions as part of a "family night in"

November 17, 2023

Family Files

The holiday season is approaching, and many families are feeling the pressure building. How can everything get accomplished? Do I have a low-fat recipe for pumpkin pie? Instead of trying to do it all, set aside a “family night in” to enjoy the season. In previous articles, I have...

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woman kissing forehead of older grandaughter

Celebrate National Family Caregiver Month this November

October 25, 2023

Family Files

Families are often the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities. In fact, today in America, more than 53 million family caregivers provide unpaid care. That's an economic value totaling more than $470 billion. The caregiving population is greatly diverse...

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house in grassy hill surrounded by trees

Making social connections in rural or suburban communities

October 9, 2023

Family Files

“A good friend is a connection to life – a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world." – Lois Wyse. Friends are people we can rely on, talk to, and spend time with. Think about your own friendships, how does that person(s) make you feel? Now take a second...

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Making family mealtimes happen

August 25, 2023

Family Files

With many families in back-to-school busy mode, it can sometimes be difficult to enjoy having meals together. However, research shows that having meals together is beneficial for individuals as well as the whole family. Family members who eat together tend to eat healthier – they eat more fruits...

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Please don't go: Separation anxiety and children

July 30, 2023

Family Files

School will be starting before we know it, and with the start of school, we see preschoolers and even older elementary school-age children having a difficult time with the transition and being away from home and loved ones. The Illinois Early...

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Tips for a fun family night in July

June 25, 2023

Family Files

It’s hard to think about the 4th of July without visions of flags and fireworks appearing. The holiday event is rich with traditions that help us celebrate our country’s heritage with pride and a sense of belonging. Families also have a wealth of traditions that help us feel special and...

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Family Life