Play is a very important part of life, from infancy throughout childhood. We often think of the importance of play early in childhood, but there is value throughout childhood, even through adolescence. My children are 11 and 13 now and the way we play together has changed over time, but there are still many benefits to encouraging play at their age, including practicing self-regulation, learning to adapt and compromise, as well as just having a way to release from the stress and busyness of...

The holiday season is filled with joy! Well…usually. Except when it isn’t. The truth is, we experience all of the same emotional ups and downs around the holidays that we do any other part of the year. Some might argue that extra excitements and stresses of this time of year cause an even greater range of feelings than normal. I know I feel this way. I find that the festive season often feels like a veritable roller coaster of emotions. I might spend an afternoon frantic in the face of all...

When was the last time you received a handwritten thank you note? Or sent one to someone else? How did it make you feel? Here at Connection Corner we talk a lot about connection. We also talk a lot about gratitude. So, it should come as no surprise that any opportunity to combine both of these...

When I was in college, my grandmother made me a book of her favorite recipes – it was a labor of love as each recipe was handwritten and it is one of my prized possessions. It was especially meaningful because my grandmother was a wonderful cook and family meals were a big part of our holiday gatherings for as long as I remember. The one thing I wish I would have done is to have asked her more about the stories behind the recipes she made. Collect Family Recipes You may have cherished...

Have you ever been to a preschool graduation? They’re adorable! Especially ones where the tiny graduates are asked what they want to be when they grow up. You tend to hear lots of similar responses like “teacher,” “firefighter,” “mom,” or “Batman!” This question is a fun way to get a tiny glimpse into each child’s personality. However, it can also show how young people are often interested in pursuing careers that they’re familiar with. At this young age, students may have limited exposed to a...

November is national gratitude month and is a wonderful time to reflect on things you are appreciative of and to be more aware of the goodness around you. It seems like in recent years, there has been an increased focus on gratefulness during this month, and we see flurries of social media posts about gratitude. Why such an emphasis on gratitude in recent years? Research shows that practicing gratitude can have dramatic and lasting effects on an individual. Positive effects include physical...

Halloween is here and that means lots and lots of candy! We had many creative ways of getting rid of some of the excess candy in our house, but probably the way the kids liked best (other than getting paid to get rid of it) was Halloween Candy Experiments.  Here is one of our favorites: Skittles® Kaleidoscope For this activity, you need about 30 Skittles®, a white plate and some warm water. Arrange the skittles in a pattern around the outside of the plate in a circle. Make a prediction about...

Play is important! For both children and adults, play can contribute to social, emotional, mental, and physical wellness. It helps young people develop motor skills, learn to share and negotiate, problem solve, and conquer fears. It helps adults decrease stress, spark innovation, and boost creativity. Plus, playing with your family can help develop stronger bonds and create shared memories. There are tons of ways to play together…but family game night might be a great start! Since fall is upon...

The night sky can be full of wonder for children. I can hear all my kid’s questions from when they were little… What are the stars made of? Why are some stars brighter than others? Why do they seem to twinkle? If you have never tried out star gazing with your family - now is the perfect time! The nights are longer and weather isn’t too chilly yet! Here are some tips to keep in mind when planning your star gazing adventure. Pick a good spot Depending on your level of adventure seeking (and...

Life can be overwhelming! Sometimes, you just need to take a minute. Next time you get to that point, try this relaxing mindfulness technique to help you rest, relieve tension, or reset your body after stress. Progressive Muscle Relaxation Sit in a comfortable chair or lie down. Close your eyes or lower your gaze. Starting at your feet, slowly contract (tense) the muscle groups in each body par, one-by-one, for 4-10 seconds. Then, release the tension and try to relax that muscle group...

Fall is here, the weather is turning cooler, and it is a perfect time to head outside with your family to explore nature. However, it can sometimes be hard to think of activities that will encourage everyone to head outside. Not to worry - this summer our 4-H staff created some amazing outdoor challenges as part of our Adventures in Nature Challenge, which was designed to help kids spend more time outdoors. It was so much fun for my family and we enjoyed being able to all of them without going...

Is it an officially sanctioned holiday? Well, not exactly…though it is observed annually in some circles. But despite its informal status, it is still a great day to celebrate. Why? Because cooking with your kids has more benefits that I can list in one blog post! (Literally...I had to edit out so many great things about for the sake of time.) Here are just a few things that cooking with your kids can do! Develop Basics Skills Just the actions involved with cooking can help very young...

As we approach the anniversary of 9/11, now known as Patriot Day, it is important to take a moment to remember the significance of that day – the lives lost, the heroes of that day, and the emotional impact it had on the people and the country. It is also important to note that as time passes, many adults remember where they were on that day, however young people, especially young children today see it as a point in history-something that happened before they were alive.   As you prepare to...

In 2016, August 30 was established as National Grief Awareness Day to raise awareness about the variety of ways that people cope with loss and to promote resources to support people who are grieving. Children who have lost a family member, friend, or pet can experience various level of sadness and grief. It can often be difficult for parents and caregivers to know to know what to say or do to help. The National Alliance for Children’s Grief has some ideas to...

August 21 is National Senior Citizens Day. It’s a day to celebrate and honor the many contributions made by mature members of our community, and to bring awareness to struggles that people may face as they age. It’s also a great opportunity to help your children better interact with, understand, and appreciate older generations. This year, why not make plans for you and your family to...

Yesterday, a colleague showed me a picture that her daughter had drawn many years ago. She (my coworker) had found the picture while cleaning out her office and was moved by the memories it brought up. The picture - with its rough lines, uneven letters, and misspelled names - was an adorable memento of days gone by. Time passes more quickly than we’d like to admit, so we try to capture some of the moments before they’re gone. The start of the school year is a great time for this! Use it as an...

Summer can be a great time for family reunions and connecting with family members. Following an extended time of limited social gatherings and time apart, seeing family members face to face is especially meaningful this year. However, it takes some intentional planning to create opportunities for family members to share with each other. Michigan State University Extension shares some great reunion resources to promote sharing among family members...

Summer days seem to be going by quickly this year, but it is not too late to squeeze in some summer fun. Family road trips are a great way to explore a new place or revisit an old favorite. They can be a time for families to make great memories, play games, and have fun. The great thing about road trip adventures is they can be as short or long as you can manage, but something about packing up the car still builds a sense of excitement and adventure regardless of the length of the trip. In our...

Summer is a great time for heading to the pool, exploring outdoors, and hanging out with friends. Summer is also a great time to encourage a love of reading! Additionally, research studies show that access to books can help prevent a decrease in reading skills over the summer (Journal of Education, 2012). Here are 3 simple ways to incorporate more reading at home. Create fun spaces for reading time. My kids will find any reason to build a fort in the living room and making a reading tent is...

Happy birthday, America! On July 4, we recognize America’s Independence Day. Here are a few fun facts to help you and your family celebrate. The Second Continental Congress voted to declare independence on July 2nd, 1776 – not July 4th. It ratified the text of the Declaration of Independence on the Fourth. There were 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. Most of the signatures weren’t added to the Declaration until...

Fair season is upon us! For 4-H families, this is an important (and sometimes stressful) time. Exhibiting livestock or other projects is an opportunity for young people to showcase their hard work and learning from throughout the year. But more than that, it’s an opportunity for young people to follow their passions, practice life skills, and build relationships. As a 4-H parent,...

June is Great Outdoors Month! And there are so, so many things that are great about the great outdoors. While I am truly grateful for the time you’re taking to read our blog, I implore you (just for today) to STOP. Stop scrolling down your screen or checking your news feed. It will be here when you get back. Instead, grab your family (or just your amazing self),...

The pace of life at this point in the year can be extremely busy and it can seem like the end of the school is the finish line you just need to cross (and then collapse). However, for your children, it is the completion of a year of learning, growing and often a lot of hard work. It is important to celebrate the completion of another year with your children and to also get ready to switch gears into summer. Here are 3 simple ways to celebrate the end of the school year and get summer off to a...

Take a deep breath… Now take one more… How do you feel? Do you notice any difference in your mind or body? Maybe you feel just a little bit more relaxed. Or grounded. Or ready to continue on with the task at hand. Deep breathing can have positive effects on our mental wellbeing by triggering a relaxation response in our minds and bodies. This, in turn, can help us manage symptoms of stress,...

Teaching kids about serving others often looks like donations to a food bank or collecting items to be shared with other children during the holiday season. While there is nothing wrong with those types of community service, it often leaves the young people removed from seeing the benefit of their contribution to the people who received it.  Research has shown that young people want to know they are making a difference and one way to do that is to allow them to see the faces of the people they...

May can be a crazy month for families. End-of-year exams, concerts, projects, planting, parties, recitals, graduations, summer planning, spring cleaning, UGH! – I get exhausted just thinking about it! This spring, as you’re trying to take care of all of your family obligations, be sure to take care of yourself, too. Now, wait…Before you finish your “yeah, right!” eye roll and stop reading, try to remember that self-care doesn’t have to take all day. Here are some self-care ideas that only take...

As my children get older, one of the things I enjoy most is hearing stories from their day- their adventures, funny stories, and even the things they found challenging. I also enjoy asking them questions each year on their birthday trying to capture their thoughts and feelings at that moment in time. However, it is not often that my kids get the chance to ask me questions. But what fun that could be for the kids …learning a few things they might not know about their mom.  Mother’s Day can be...

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner on May 5. This holiday is a great time to learn about and celebrate Mexican-American culture with your friends and family. But as you do, it’s important to be mindful that some common elements of Cinco de Mayo celebrations (or really any holidays centered around specific identities) might play into hurtful stereotypes. Here are a few tips and ideas to help you and your family respectfully celebrate holidays that are from a culture different than your own...

Last month we shared some great outdoor activities you can do on sunny weather days. But what about those rainy days, which we seem to have had a lot of lately! Here are some fun rainy-day activities. Build an indoor obstacle course – use boxes, chairs, tables and blankets to create a fun course. Be sure to include things to climb over, under and...

I had to work last Saturday. As a 4-H staff person, it’s not unusual to have to work on weekends, and I generally don’t mind. However, when I got up on Saturday, I admit that I wasn’t looking forward to it. I was scheduled to meet youth and volunteers from our Peoria County 4-H clubs at Sommer Farm. Our goal for the day was to plant 25 oak trees to establish (or maybe re...

Even though it doesn’t quite feel like spring yet, the faintest hint of warm weather makes me anxious to open my windows and doors to let the fresh air in. It also makes me itch to start going through closets, cleaning out the garage and sprucing up the outdoors! But with so many tasks and often little time, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are three great strategies to help you get started organizing your home: Reduce clutter Commit to reducing the clutter in your home....

One of my favorite gardening memories from my childhood is the small square patch of the garden that my grandma let me plant with marigolds in whatever design I wanted. While the rest of the garden had evenly spaced rows of beans, tomatoes, lettuce and more, my little flower garden was a kaleidoscope of fun colors in no particular design. Being able to come out and see “my corner” made it more fun to be in the garden to do the harder work of weeding and harvesting throughout the summer. My...

Here in the United States, St. Patrick’s Day – March 17 – has become a fun way to celebrate Irish-American culture. You and your family can join in the excitement with these engaging and educational activities! Catch a Leprechaun You’re probably already familiar with Rube Goldberg machines. You know, those crazy contraptions that use a convoluted chain reaction to do a simple task? Work with your children to design, build and test one with the goal of catching a leprechaun on St. Patrick’s...

The day after Russia attacked Ukraine, when I picked my 10-year-old daughter up from school, she asked, “Is it over?” I wasn’t sure what she was talking about, so I asked her what she meant. She said, “the war with Russia and Ukraine-is it over yet?” Knowing that we hadn’t talked about it at home yet, I knew I needed to find out what she knew and how she was feeling.  Ask what your child knows Experts suggest that asking your children what they know in situations like this is a good first...

I am done with winter. DONE! I’ve spent nearly a decade living in the Midwest – but having grown up in Florida, I still struggle with the idea (and actuality) of being cold for four months of the year. By the end of February, I’m at my wit’s end, too. However, when the overcast skies, chilly weather, or 8 inches of snow make it hard to get outside, I try to find ways to stay active indoors, and I’m always amazed at the difference it makes. We all know that physical activity has tons of...

We talk a lot about relationships in February. Romance is front and center around Valentine’s Day, with hearts and flowers everywhere you look. Friendship, however, doesn’t get nearly the same recognition. And yet, few things have a greater impact on our mental and physical health than our friends. Research shows that people with strong social connections have greater longevity, have lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and faster...

These days we appreciate Valentine’s Day parties at school a bit more than we did in the past after realizing how much young children missed swapping cards with their friends and teachers when some couldn’t gather together during the pandemic. What is it about Valentine’s Day that kids love so much? My kids loved creating a fancy box, finding just the right trinket to attach to their cards, and yes, of course, there is the candy. But, also, I think they like getting to have a reason to show...

Have you ever watched a movie that was adapted from a book and thought, “Oh my goodness! The book was SO much better. I can’t believe they left that part out!” I do it all the time. I leave the theater (or more often, get up from the couch) feeling indignant. The book had so much richness, so many important details – and the movie just ignored it. They’re leaving out so much! Sometimes, I get the same feeling about Black History Month (BHM). African Americans in our country have given so much...

Winter can be tough. It’s hard to get motivated to go out and do things when the sky is gloomy and the cold seems to make everything harder. But fear not! There are tons of fun, family 4-H activities that you can do from home to help get you through the grey months. This is a great opportunity for young people to get an early start on their 4-h projects, or just try something new for the heck of it! You don’t even have to be in...

Happy New Year! After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I sometimes feel like January allows us to hit the refresh button on our lives. It’s a great time to start new routines or build habits that can make you and your family healthier and happier. And here at University of Illinois Extension, we always hope to provide you with the tools and information to help you live healthier, happier lives. So I’ve compiled just a few resources from my Illinois Extension colleagues that will help you...

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, along with some links to additional resources: Give up perfection. Set realistic expectations for family events and learn to say no and/or accept help from others. University of...

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 handmade items this season. To help, we have compiled some simple, quick ideas of gifts you can make for family and friends that don’t take much time at all to create....

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 celebrates a powerful way to encourage good mental and physical health: Gratitude. The benefits of gratitude are well documented in the research. Practicing gratitude increases optimism and happiness while...

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 exact cause of the stressor in our life or the lives of our family members. However, one thing is clear, it is important for all family members to have strategies to help cope with these stressors....

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 real life”). It’s important to be responsible, safe, and productive members of society. But often, our connected devices lure us into believing that, somehow, the internet isn’t real life. But it is!...

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 to use the celebration to connect with former members. Nationally, there are 25 million Americans who share this unique alumni bond. “Illinois 4-H is proud of both current and alumni members,” said ...

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 true for you, last week also marked the Autumnal Equinox, a date when the day and night have equal timeshare and meteorologists make it official. It’s...

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 celebrate the little things – that your child is a year older and is changing and growing every day. One great way to celebrate the start of the school year and document how much they are changing is a “First Day of...

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!” The end of summer is upon us. As summer break draws to a close, it’s easy to get caught up in the stress of an impending school year – especially as COVID cases are on the rise again. But right...

Father’s Day in the United State is celebrated on the third Sunday in June. This year it will fall on June 20, 2021. It is a time to celebrate the fathers or father figures in your life, which could include dads, step-fathers, grandpas, uncles, brothers, and other role models. Taking time out to honor the father figures in your life can really mean a lot to them, so get started now thinking of ways you can celebrate together. Here are just a few ideas of ways you could celebrate this Father’s...

Memorial Day weekend is often seen as a time to get together with family and as the unofficial start to summer. However, there is much more to the history of Memorial Day than picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings.  Our colleagues at Michigan State University wrote a great article about the history of Memorial Day and how to teach your children about it. Their Early Childhood Development team shared some great suggestions of ways to celebrate Memorial Day with your children. These are a...

The school year is coming to a close. And what a year it has been! We’ve all faced periods of isolation, bouts of anxiety, and tons of screen time – even (or especially) our kids. As things slowly return to normal, we have the opportunity to use summer break as a time for healing and re-connection. Gardening is a great way to do this! Studies show that gardening is wonderful for your mental health and social connections. Plus...

Those of you graduating in 2021 have achieved so much! You have learned to adjust your way of learning during a pandemic, found creative solutions to obstacles and challenges, and developed innovative ways to support and encourage each other. That’s a lot!  In 4-H, we often talk about the three experiential learning steps: do, reflect, apply. These steps also apply to graduates who are finishing up one stage of their learning.  So, as you graduate, it is important to take time to do three...

We’ve all been there. The family comes together at the end of a long day at school or work and you’re looking forward to connecting with the people you love most. You ask about their days, eager to hear details about the part of their lives you don’t get to see. Instead, you are met with the frustratingly ever-present response: FINE. Why does this happen? Maybe they there’s just too much information to know where to start. Maybe they genuinely think they’ve answered your question. Maybe they’...

Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the contributions of women throughout history. It began as National Women’s History Week and was set in March to correspond with International Women’s Day on March 8. President Carter first declared March 2-8 as Women’s History Week in 1980. On the day of the proclamation, President Carter stated, “From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build...

Is February making you feel gloomy or cooped-up? Take a snow day! You don’t have to have the day off work or school to have some wintery fun. Here are a few ideas to lift your spirits! Play Tic-Tac-Snow: Draw a grid on fresh snow, and use pinecones and pine needles to create X’s and O’s. Make your own sun catchers: Arrange natural objects in a shallow dish, cover them with water, and set it outside to freeze. Soon, you’ll have a beautiful decoration made of ice and natural colors! Paint...

The civil rights leader, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Everybody can be great because everyone can serve.”  Many families and organizations come together on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day) to practice service to others. Although there might not be as many community-wide activities available to gather together and serve this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to lend a helping hand to others! AmeriCorps has some great service...

Things may look different this year and traditional holiday activities you normally do may not be happening in the same way. That doesn’t mean you can’t make your own holiday memories at home. Check out the 4-H At Home Activity Guide,...