Family relationships matter!
The Division of Extension is your source of well-researched, quality information about families and relationships. Visit our state-wide Parenting & Family Relationships website for a variety of topics:
Online Resources
Parenting…Behind the Behavior
Short research-based, positive parenting videos from University of Wisconsin – Madison/Division of Extension’s Human Development & Relationships Institute available in Facebook Video Library
Talking About Race
Many parents are asking how they can talk to their children about race. Please check out the following resources. The most important advice is to realize that parents can influence their children and provide the reassurance and information that is appropriate for their development.
- How to Talk to Your Children about Race (CNN)
- Talking to Kids About Race (Video) (Division of Extension)
- 10 Tips for Talking to Kids About Race (Embrace Race)
Pandemic Topics
- 12 Tips for Helping Your Kid through a Pandemic
Provided by: Wisconsin Alumni Association
“We are in the midst of chronic stress,” says Marcia Slattery ’83, MD’88, who is a pediatric psychiatrist, UW professor, and director of the UW Anxiety Disorders program…Adults are feeling the impacts of this chronic stress, certainly, but so are children. - Childcare During COVID-19
- COVID-19 Co-Parenting Tips
Provided by Parenting and Family Relationships: UW-Madison Division of Extension
- Parenting 24/7 During COVID-19
- COVID-19 Parenting: #1 One-on-One Time
- COVID-19 Parenting: #2 Keeping it Positive
- COVID-19 Parenting: #3 Structure Up
- COVID-19 Parenting: #4 Bad Behavior
- COVID-19 Parenting: #5 Keep Calm and Manage Stress
- COVID-19 Parenting: #6 Talking About COVID-19
- Family Budgeting in Times of Financial Stress
- Family Harmony at Home
- Keeping Children Safe Online
- Learning Through Play
- Parenting in Crowded Homes and Communities
- When We Get Angry
- These Parenting 24/7 resources are available online in 90 different languages at “Parenting for Lifelong Health”
- COVID-19 Parenting: #1 One-on-One Time
Provided by “Parenting for Lifelong Health” who is providing open-access online parenting resources during COVID-19 in partnership with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, the Internet of Good Things, USAID and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Family Activities
- Ultimate Outdoor Summer – 250+ Things to do this Summer
Provided by: Go Valley Kids
- 250+ Creative Ways to Keep Your Family Sane During the COVID-19 Crisis
Provided by: Kids Out and About (Milwaukee Region) - Warm Weather Rituals of Connection: Ideas for Couples and Families
Provided by: The Gottman Institute: A Research Based Approach to Relationships - How to Have a Safe – and Fun – Summer Close to Home
Provided by Be Safe Wisconsin
- Ultimate Outdoor Summer – 250+ Things to do this Summer
The Parent Outlet
A resource for parents in Calumet, Outagamie and Winnebago counties. All parents have questions and need support…now is the time to PLUG IN! Parenting is the most difficult but most rewarding job we will ever experience. The Parent Outlet website is a resource to connect parents with children ages 0 to 5 to topics including:
- Child Development
- Parenting
- Child Safety
- Health and Nutrition
- Early Learning
- Community Resource Guide
Provided by the Fox Valley Early Childhood Coalition…supporting parents so that children can be safe, healthy and ready to learn!
Programs, Groups & Workshops
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Many grandparents or relatives who are raising their grandchildren are turning to each other to find the comfort and help they need.
The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Network of Winnebago County focuses on the roles grandparents/relatives play and provides an opportunity to meet others who share similar experiences, knowledge, strengths, and hopes. The support group provides a place to belong and a network of support.
Triple P – Positive Parenting Program
The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program is one of the most effective evidence-based parenting programs in the world, backed up by more than 35 years of ongoing research. Triple P gives parents simple and practical strategies to help build strong, healthy relationships, confidently manage children’s behavior, and prevent problems from developing. Triple P is used in more 30 countries and has been shown to work across cultures, socio-economic groups, and in many different kinds of family structures.
Parents participating in the Triple P seminar receive specific developmental and child development advice to optimize their child’s development. Each seminar or discussion group can be taken as a stand-alone or as part of an integrated series.
Examples of seminars and discussion groups are:
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- The Power of Positive Parenting
- Raising Confident, Competent Children
- Raising Resilient Children
- Dealing with Disobedience
- Developing Good Bedtime Routines
- Managing Fighting and Aggression
Triple P seminars and discussion groups are offered in many counties across Wisconsin (visit the events page to see when Triple P is being offered across the state). In many cases, classes are offered virtually and can accommodate parents outside of the county offering the program. For local available classes or more information, contact the Extension Winnebago County office at (920) 232-1973.
Block Party Program
Researchers have found that children develop a variety of skills through block play, including: Math, Physics, Early Engineering, Creativity, Social Skills, Physical Skills, and More! Block Parties are scheduled free-play time with a variety of blocks for families with children ages 0 – 10 years. View/download more information about Block Parties here.
If you would like to learn more or schedule a block party, please call Mandi Dornfeld (Extension Winnebago County) at 920-232-1973 or email amanda.dornfeld@wisc.edu.
Home Alone
Is your child ready for self-care? As children grow more independent, parents begin to consider the possibility of having them stay home alone rather than being cared for by others. This can be a rewarding experience for children and parents, but only if the children are ready and prepared.
Extension Winnebago County offers an online program that educates parents and their children on readiness for self-care, home alone plans, safety, and alleviating fear and boredom when children are home alone.
Visit our Home Alone online program for more information or to register and begin the lesson plan. Parents and children should complete this entire program together.
