Parenting and caregiving

University of Minnesota Extension works across the lifespan. We foster resilient, healthy and secure futures for families and seniors. Extension works with Minnesotans to make informed decisions leading to better health and wellbeing.

Features

Family-focused webinars

Extension's family-focused webinars support greater health, resilience and wellbeing for all.

About the Parents Forever program

Explore this educational program for parents experiencing a family transition such as divorce, separation, or change in custody.

Teens online and social media use

Understand the role of social media in your teen’s life. And help them use it wisely.

Supporting family transitions

Divorce and other family transitions

Find resources and information about the impact of family transitions including divorce or separation.

Stress and change

Tips, online courses and resources for understanding and coping with stress.

About the Parents Forever program

Explore this educational program for parents experiencing a family transition such as divorce, separation, or change in custody.

Parents Forever Online

Parents Forever is an educational program for families experiencing divorce, separation, or a change in custody.

Care for self and others

Developmental Affirmations

Download the e-book "Words that Help: Affirmations for any age" by Jean Illsley Clarke and Extension educators.

U Got This! | ¡Usted puede!: Text message support for parents and caregivers

University of Minnesota Extension offers a free text messaging program that supports parents and caregivers of children birth to 18 years of age, called U Got This. Available in both English and Spanish.

What is mental health?

Learn about mental health interventions, how to begin conversations about mental well-being, and find resources for professionals.

The 40-Day Project

The 40-day postpartum period can be one of great joy, significant change and sometimes struggle for parents. The 40-Day Project promotes mental wellbeing and social support for new parents before birth and during the first five weeks after birth.

Talking with teens

Understanding teen development

Learn about the biological and physical changes, social and emotional changes, teen brain development of teens and more.

Alcohol, tobacco and drugs

Advice on teen parties, talking with your teen about substance use including alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, and dealing with the "everybody's doing it" attitude.