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.

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.

Parents and caregivers

Divorce and other family transitions

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

How to counter overindulgence in parenting

Learn practical tools for parents and caregivers to praise and set limits for children.

Care for self and others

Learn how to use kind words to affirm others and ourselves. Get text message support around many family and health topics.

OneOp for service providers who support military families

OneOp is a single-point-of-entry professional development resource for family service providers who work with military families.

Working with youth

Building high-quality youth programs

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

Youth development 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.

Department of Youth Development

We support youth development programs and families across the state.

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.