Family and Community Resources

Woman washing her hands at the sink

Talking to your children about the coronavirus

March 12, 2020

Learn more about the do’s and don’ts of talking to your children about the novel coronavirus.

Girl playing the piano with laptop open in next to her

Ways 4-H volunteers can support youth when not in person

March 16, 2020

4-H volunteers can still support youth in their project work even when it can’t be done in person .

Person wearing facemask

Managing stress and anxiety during the novel coronavirus pandemic

March 18, 2020

You and your family may be feeling more stressed or anxious than usual. This is normal. Learn strategies to identify and manage stress and anxiety in you and your children.

Baking bread is one of several fun and  educational activities to keep your children busy when forced to stay inside. Photo credit: Pixabay.

Too cold to go out? Here are five indoor activities to enjoy with your children!

January 28, 2019

With temperatures plummeting below zero, record lows are keeping children home from school and driving families indoors. Looking for something fun to do? Here are five indoor activities to help keep your children entertained during the next polar vortex!

A rite of passage for young teenagers is that first time of staying home alone.

Is my child ready to stay home alone?

May 4, 2016

Advice for parents and youth on staying safe while home alone.

There are many activities you can do with your child on a rainy day. Photo credit: Pixabay

Ten fun rainy day activities to enjoy with your children

March 26, 2015

April showers bring… lots of fun activities!

Photo by Carrie Shrier, MSU Extension

Why won’t they just get along?

April 22, 2016

Strategies for helping siblings cooperate and get along with each other.

Talk to your children about feeling words.

Helping children learn about emotions

April 1, 2016

Mad, sad, happy, glad – we all experience a wide range of emotions every day. Learn more about how to help children with their emotions.

It is important to help children feel safe and secure in light of tragic events.

Look for the helpers: Talking with young children about tragedy

May 11, 2013

When disaster strikes, young children will have questions about what is happening and why. Take time to plan ahead and be prepared before you begin those tough discussions.

Participants on a Zoom call

Facilitating distance meetings with youth

March 17, 2020

Technology offers a venue for youth voice and discussion.

Girl looking at her phone

Best practices when connecting with youth by text message and social media

March 19, 2020

Social media and texting are alternative ways to connect with youth, but volunteers must consider some best practices.

Girl on jungle gym

Social distancing and getting outside

March 30, 2020

There are lots of great ways to get outside and still practice social distancing.

Three kids sitting on stairs

Managing Youth Stress

March 27, 2020

MSU Extension provides the opportunity for people to understand and help the youth with managing stressful moments within their life.

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Importance of positive parenting in times of crisis

April 1, 2020

New research indicates parents’ financial concerns, worries and sadness are getting in the way of parenting during the novel coronavirus pandemic, the virus that causes the infectious disease COVID-19.

MI Money Health

MSU Extension provides resources and education on money management, foreclosure prevention, buying your own home, retirement planning and more to help you and your family be more financially healthy.

65 icebreaker questions for online meetings

March 31, 2020

Interesting questions make for great icebreakers, especially virtual ones.

Icebreakers for online meetings

March 31, 2020

Even when you aren’t meeting face-to-face, icebreakers are important for groups. Here is a list of icebreaker options especially for virtual meetings.

Youth in a 4-H club meeting

How can we have a virtual Michigan 4-H club meeting when the bylaws say you cannot?

March 31, 2020

Host a virtual Michigan 4-H meeting even when you have bylaws prohibiting this.

Boy at computer

Host a virtual Michigan 4-H meeting

March 30, 2020

Don’t stop having 4-H meetings when you are not able to meet face to face. Host them virtually!

Thank-you card

Ensuring volunteers feel valued

February 22, 2024

There are several ways volunteer managers can ensure volunteers feel valued throughout their volunteer experience.

Scrabble letters spelling out support

Supporting volunteers through no face-to-face contact

April 2, 2020

There are several ways volunteer managers can support volunteers while not having face-to-face contact.

Laptop

Top 5 tips in keeping youth safe in virtual environments

April 2, 2020

As youth spend more time engaging with others in virtual environments, parents and volunteers need to consider youth safety.

The document page front

Virtual 4-H Programming Guidelines for Volunteers

May 19, 2020

This resource provides volunteers with expectations for leading virtual programs with youth.

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