Families and youth
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Youth development programs
Training
We provide research-based training and resources for adults who work with and on behalf of Minnesota's young people.
Research
We conduct and share out-of-school time research to address important issues related to the field of youth development.
What is youth development?
Our educational programs for youth work professionals and volunteers provide the latest research on youth development and practical ways to apply it to your program.
Youth Development Insight blog
Faculty views on what's happening in the field of youth development, with an eye to evidence-based research.
Minnesota 4-H
We run the Minnesota 4-H program.
Podcast series
Youth workers discuss research, theory and best practices. Topics include: youth programs, youth issues, volunteer development, cultural diversity and social and emotional learning.