Families and youth | UMN Extension

Extension is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions.

Parents holding a child showing her blocks.

Teen girl on cell phone

Army mother reading to her daughter while sitting on a chair.

Father and son looking at each other lovingly while walking.

Kids in computer lab

kids and youth worker in a group

University of Minnesota Extension works across the lifespan. We create and support positive non-formal learning opportunities for youth. We foster resilient, healthy and secure futures for families and seniors. Extension works with Minnesotans to make informed decisions leading to better health and well-being.

On this page

Working with youth

Success in school

Tough topics with kids

Child and adolescent development

Parenting

Encouraging positive behavior

Strengthen your relationship with your children.

Overindulgence

It's important for parents and caregivers to identify and prevent overindulgence in their homes.

Communication and screen time

Get resources and tips about how to communicate with your children about technology.

Divorce and other family transitions

Find resources and information about the impact of family transitions including divorce or separation, change in employment, families experiencing parental incarceration, and the cycle of deployment affecting military families.

Teen Talk Fact Sheet series

A series of fact sheets for parents of teenagers focusing on parent-teen communication about challenging topics.

Working with youth

Building blocks of high-quality youth programs

Essential elements and effective practices you can use to build your program.

Youth worker training

For adults who work with and on behalf of Minnesota's young people.

Youth Development Insight blog

Advice and opinions from our faculty on current events and issues.

Youth Development Podcast

Our faculty discuss research, theory and best practices.

Center for Youth Development

We support youth development programs and families across the state.

Children, Youth & Family Consortium

We bridge research and practice to promote mental well-being and health in children, youth and families.

Tough topics with kids

Alcohol, tobacco and drugs

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

Changing relationships

Learn about how to talk with young people about some of the challenging moments in their adolescent years.

Bullying and violence

Information on bullying, school violence, and more.

Success in school

School transitions

Resources to help you help your child through a school transition.

Supporting learning

Provide positive and constructive learning experiences for children outside of school.

Success in school research

Our research and evaluation about success in schools.

Parent-school partnerships

Meaningful dialogue between parents and teachers creates mutual understanding and enhances both parents’ and children’s experiences with school.

Child and adolescent development

Child development

Learn to make informed decisions about what's best for your children.

Teen development

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

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