Families and youth

Parents holding a child showing her blocks.

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

Father and son looking at each other lovingly while walking.

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.

Parenting

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.

Developmental affirmations and overindulgence

Developmental affirmations are messages of hope and direction. Learn practical tools for parents and caregivers to praise and set limits for children.

Parenting teens

For parents of teenagers focusing on parent-teen communication about challenging topics.

Working with youth

Building 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.

Youth development curriculum library

Individual lessons and curricula on social and emotional skills, healthy living, college readiness, STEM and more.

Tough topics with kids

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.

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.