(Distributed 08/29/08) Adults are urged to assemble a “grab-and-go” box of important papers in case of a hurricane evacuation. How about making a “to-go kit” for your child? Assembling a few treasured items can help your child in times of disaster, according to LSU AgCenter family development professor Dr. Rebecca White.

(Distributed 09/07/08) You probably can’t avoid the stress coming in the wake of Hurricane Gustav, but you can manage it, says LSU AgCenter family and consumer sciences specialist Becky White.

A variety of factors should be considered when parents are attempting to find quality child care for their offspring.

Between 1990 and 2000, the number of teens, age 12 to 19 soared to 32 million, an increase of nearly 4.5 million. By 2010, the teen population is supposed to peak at 35 million. Today’s teens live in a time of sweeping technological advances, relative affluence and a flattening divorce rate. Because of the rate of change in today’s society, teens change and develop quickly.

6"x9", 32 pages, full color. Cost: $7 plus tax (shipping included). You can order this book through our online store, by using the Order Publication link below. Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards accepted.

Parents can help their children experience school success by fostering social and emotional maturity, language skills, creative thinking skills, good health, problem-solving abilities and a general knowledge of the world.

11"x17", full color, 30 double-sided durable posters and implementation guide. Cost: $40 plus tax (shipping included). You can order this kit through our online store, by using the Order Publication link below. Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards accepted.

Order your Character Critters materials through the LSU AgCenter store using a credit card or electronic check by clicking on the "order publication" link below. You can also print a copy of the order form for mail orders.

After any disaster, children are most afraid that the event will recur, that they or someone they love will be hurt or killed, that they may be separated from those they love and be left alone. Here are strategies to help caregivers help affected children.

Trying times can test family and community resiliency. Having our families and communities around us for support can go a long way in helping recover from disaster, emotionally as well as physically.

We all have days when we feel anxious or “stressed out.” On days like that, it’s good for you to take some time out for yourself. Use these suggestions to de-stress.

Television, movies, video games all increasingly vie for our children's time. But they rarely allow children the luxury of burning some of their pent-up energy. Parents can make a big difference in the amount of physical activity children experience.

Effective parenting is perhaps the most important and lasting contribution individuals give to our society. There are six broad concepts for parents to consider when raising children. The concepts include nurturance, understanding, guidance, motivation, advocation and self-care for parents.

Ten tips for parents to help in guiding or disciplining your child.

Mardi Gras is a time with lots of colorful beads and other throws that children like. Here are some tips to help keep kids safe during Mardi Gras parades.

Is your child ready to be home alone? Prepare him or her with safety tips. Try a trial run first to be sure he or she is prepared to spend time alone as long as he or she is old enough to do so.

Working families may pay anywhere from 10 percent to 15 percent of their total family income on child care, and experts say the cost frequently is related to the quality of services you and your children receive.

Although children are certainly important, they can’t substitute for relationships with other adults. Everyone, including single parents, needs and benefits from having a circle of close friends. Ten important tips for parents included.

Each of us wonders whether our children are developing appropriately and if they’re achieving as they should. These are guidelines on what to expect from your child at age four. Remember that these are only guidelines. Child development is not age-specific.

A key to children doing well in school is for parents to be involved in their education. That involvement can take many forms ranging from providing meaningful learning experiences at home to volunteering at school activities.

Want tips on parenting? Contact your parish office of the LSU AgCenter

Single parent families have hectic lives. Most single parents feel they have too little time and too much to do. The first step to making the most of your time, however, is thinking about your goals. Follow these tips to help you determine and reach your goals.

One reality of today's society is that many divorced people - particularly fathers - are faced with the task of making the most out of the limited time they get to spend with their children.

Parents want their children to be successful in school and in life. Starting early can give children a foundation for success.

Information on stress and parenting, feeling good about yourself, taking control and taking care of yourself.

Two key qualities of strong families are that they spend positive time together and share fun and laughter. What better way to combine these qualities than by playing with your children?

Parents can help children prepare for kindergarten by taking several actions before the first school bell rings.

Use an old garden glove to create finger puppets that will add life to your Character Critters story experience.

Use this link to access the following Character Critter materials all at once: Bookmarks, Hand Puppets, Masks, and Hat patterns.

Create fun masks and hats to wear featuring your favorite Character Critters.

Click image to read a cute story that teaches preschoolers about caring and good character.

Click on image to read a cute story that teaches preschoolers about respect and good character.

Click image read a cute story that teaches preschoolers about responsibility.

Click image to read a cute story that teaches preschoolers about citizenship and good character.

Click the image to read a cute story to your child that teaches preschool children about fairness.

Click image to read a cute story that teaches preschoolers about trustworthiness.

Fun Character Critter coloring sheets along with interactive drawing pages.

Print out and share Character Critter bookmarks featuring the Critters' favorite sayings.

When you think about teaching your children to be trustworthy, you must remember it does not happen overnight. Instead, trustworthiness and good character are something you should model for your children every day because you are the most important teacher your child will ever have.

Many believe that providing character education for all our children at home, in school and in our communities can help our nation. In keeping with this growing recognition that character education is critically needed for our young children and youth, Character Critters was developed by the LSU AgCenter for preschool and kindergarten children.

The LSU AgCenter has developed a resource that parents and teachers can use with young children to teach them about good character. The resource features six cute critters and the lessons they learn about personal character.

Are you in the market for child care? Do you want to find just the right setting for your child, but you don't know enough about the all options to choose one? It may be time for some expert advice.

It happens often when children receive a gift. The youngsters often are happier playing with the box than the present. Although amused at first, the gift-givers may soon suspect that their money was ill-spent.

Child-care programs have sick child policies in place for the safety and protection of the children they serve.

It is important to ask about all the policies a child-care center may have in place, and if they are fulfilling all requirements mandated by state law.

Infants and toddlers need environments that are welcoming and responsive.

A combination of qualities and skills is required for children to be ready for school. These qualities and skills include social and emotional maturity, language skills, good health and physical well-being, problem-solving abilities, creative thinking skills and general knowledge about the world.

Literacy activities are an important part of any early childhood curriculum, stresses LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe, who says introducing children to literacy occurs in many ways.

Nutrition plays an important role in a child’s physical and mental growth, as well as his or her future health, stresses LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

It’s critical for child-care providers to choose wisely because the right toy can stimulate child development.

Building blocks can serve as a major foundation in helping children to learn important skills, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe. Gioe explains that child-care and early childhood educational programs most often arrange their classrooms into a series of "learning centers," and she says the area involving blocks is one of the most important.

Parents and grandparents often face the challenge of deciding what toys are appropriate for their children or grandchildren. The same thing is true of child-care providers seeking new toys for their child-care centers.

Caring for children can be an exciting and rewarding field, but it’s also a huge responsibility, so an LSU AgCenter child-care associate says there are many factors to consider before starting a child-care business.

To assist in making decisions about quality child care, parents can look for certain personal traits when selecting a caregiver for their child.

A look at how early care providers' education levels affect the overall quality of child care.

After the passage of federal welfare reform legislation in 1996, faculty from land-grant universities organized to conduct a study of the legislation’s impact on rural families. The project began in 1998 and runs through 2008. The intent was to provide policymakers and program directors with up-to-date information about the ability of rural, low-income families to be economically self sufficient. The objectives of this project are included in this publication. (PDF Format Only)

Teachers are an important influence on young children. The children in your classroom will learn by the example you set for them. This means that the ways you are respectful of others will influence the ways the children are respectful of others.

Teachers are an important influence on young children. The children in your class will learn by the example you set for them. If your children see you being responsible, they will want to act responsibly, too.

Young children are very impressionable, and teachers are an important influence on young children. One way you can help children learn to be fair is by example. If the children see you following rules, sharing, listening to others and not placing blame, they will be likely to follow your example.

Teachers are an important influence on young children. The children in your class will learn by the example you set for them. If your children see you acting in a caring way, they will want to act in a caring way, too.

Being a good citizen is something adults may do every day. Adults might practice good citizenship by: obeying traffic laws, paying taxes, helping a neighbor, volunteering or recycling. The children in your class will develop good citizenship habits by following your good citizenship practices.

Being a good citizen is something adults may do every day. Adults might practice good citizenship by: obeying traffic laws, paying taxes, helping a neighbor, volunteering or recycling. Your child will develop good citizenship habits by following your good citizenship practices.

You are the most important teacher your child will ever have. Your children will learn by the example you set for them. If your children see you acting in a caring way, they will want to act in a caring way, too.

Young children are very impressionable, and you are the most important teacher your child will ever have. One way you can help your child learn to be fair is by example. If your child sees you following rules, sharing with your family, listening to others and not placing blame, he or she will be likely to follow your example.

You are the most important teacher your child will ever have. Your children will learn by the example you set for them. If your children see you being responsible, they will want to act responsibly, too.

You are the most important teacher your child will ever have. Your children will learn by the example you set for them. This means that the ways that you are respectful of others will influence the ways your child is respectful of others.

Spending time in the landscape with children, especially young ones, requires adults to pay careful attention. Just as you would childproof an indoor room, it’s important to take safety precautions in the yard to keep young ones safe.

A characteristic of strong families is that they spend time together. While challenging, family members need to purposefully plan on ways to share good times and build strong bonds. Suggestions are provided on quality family activities.

Parents Preparing for $uccess Program is designed for parents of infants looking for more information on best recommended practices in parenting and resource management to help create an environment that will help their children to grow and thrive.

The LSU AgCenter’s “Be Child Care Aware!” educational program is designed to educate parents and child-care providers about quality childcare. This brochure is filled with tips about getting quality childcare for their children.

When you think about teaching your children to be trustworthy, you must remember that it does not happen overnight. Instead, it is something you should model for your children every day because teachers are an important influence on young children.

Early care and education programs should offer a multicultural curriculum.

A quality caregiver makes all the difference during the early years of a child’s development, so parents need to look for indications of quality when entrusting their children to others, says LSU AgCenter specialist Dr. Becky White.

Going back to school may mean sending your child to child care. This article tells you what to look for in choosing child care.

Hurricanes have brought crisis into the living rooms of all Americans. Once again, the trauma of such events has struck at the heart of America. Dealing with natural disasters is difficult enough for all to comprehend. The lives of all will be changed forever. It is incredibly more difficult when young people and children are involved and are the victims.

An increasing body of research shows that quality child-care and educational programs early in a child’s life has a profound impact on their development.

One of the indicators of quality child care is the educational level of caregivers. Unfortunately, Louisiana child caregivers rank as some of the least-educated providers in the nation, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

Responsibility often is difficult to develop in children. Youngsters must have some inherent sense of responsibility before the trait can be more fully developed.

Articles addressing various topics relating to health and nutrition for the elderly.

Series of articles covering various topics that address issues relating to people caring for themselves and their elderly loved ones.

“You got some bones to get some kicks.” “Backup your grill, you got the dragon.” “Boo, let’s go flossin.” Do these phrases seem like a foreign language? If you answered yes to this question, get the lowdown on teen lingo.

Holidays cause stress even under the best of circumstances. And many Louisiana families continue to have far from an ideal situation this Christmas season. Loss can trigger depression during the holidays. And many Louisiana families have experienced great loss because of the hurricanes, an illness or death in the family. Some have family members far away from home in Iraq or Afghanistan or have lost their jobs.

A variety of factors should be considered when parents are attempting to find quality child care for their children. While cost and convenience are important considerations, parents should also consider their children’s ages, abilities, interests and personalities. Beliefs and attitudes about education, training, child guidance, nutrition and health are also major considerations.

This guide discusses the common physical, mental, social and emotional characteristics for high school youth. Keep in mind that no two children develop according to the same schedule and the transitions are gradual. By accepting youth at their current developmental stage and offering challenging growth opportunities to help them make the transition into the next stage.

Many children and young adults sustained both physical and emotional injuries from tragedies associated with the recent storm and the days that followed. It’s important to help them cope with those issues, says LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Diane Sasser.

(Distributed 09/07/08) A child may continue to be fearful following a hurricane because of the uncertainty of the future. “A child can mix up real fear and make-believe fear. This is OK, and a parent or other care-giver can help in many ways,” says LSU AgCenter family and consumer sciences specialist Becky White.

Keeping the family operating smoothly, particularly during these trying times following hurricanes Katrina and Rita, requires a lot of effort. Each of us, though, can contribute to keep the family strong.

To help educators and caregivers help youth cope with the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the LSU AgCenter 4-H Youth Development program is reviewing and recommending curriculum materials that emphasize hands-on activities.

A large-scale tragedy like Hurricane Katrina can cause strong and deeply-felt reactions in children and adults. Emotional expressions by adults will influence the reactions of children and youth. Teachers can help children deal with their feelings by closely monitoring their own emotional situation and the children in their care as well as modeling healthy coping strategies.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have shown how strong Louisiana families can be. Parents and children faced with strains on time, money and emotions found ways to remain strong, healthy and happy.

Parents who depend on child-care centers need to know the policies of their center and to keep in mind that those policies are designed to keep disease outbreaks from spreading to all children.

Planning healthy menus to help ensure healthy children.

One way to ensure those things are happening is to plan a surprise visit to your child’s child-care center to observe the conditions. Here are a few things the LSU AgCenter expert says to consider looking for and inquiring about on such a visit.

Children need to spend time outdoors. This article discusses ways to asses the safety of playgrounds for young children.

Child-care environments play an important role in the healthy growth and development of infant and toddlers. Since infants and toddlers spend a large portion of their day in routines such as saying hello or good-bye, getting dressed, diapering, toileting and mealtime, the child-care environment should reflect these important shared learning times. The environment provided for infants and toddlers should be welcoming and responsive to both children and their families.

Biting is a common behavior for children who are one year to two years old – particularly children in group care.

Shopping for quality child care? There are things you can do to become a better consumer of quality child care and at the same time help your children by providing the very best in caregiving.

Directing a child-care program is exhausting, not to mention complicated, so it is paramount that a dedicated, knowledgeable person oversees these operations. This article will explore some of the many qualifications needed to be an effective child care center director.

Toddlers bite because it is a natural part of their growth and development. This article will look at some strategies parents and caregivers alike can implement to prevent biting behavior.

With more and more parents working and the need for child care increasing, parents need to plan carefully for quality child care for their children. You can do many things to become a better consumer of quality child care, according to LSU AgCenter specialist Dr. Becky White.

(Distributed July 2006) Choosing the right kind of child care is one of the most daunting tasks any parent will ever have to do. Countless emotions flood a new mother at the mere thought of letting someone else care for her tiny bundle of joy.

Many families who aren’t quite satisfied with their child care arrangements find August the right time to search for new options, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

Think you have fear of the unknown? Some of the most stressful times for children are moving from one classroom to another, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

Temper tantrums aren’t uncommon in young children. The key for adults is learning how to deal with them, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

Some 13 million children in the United States live in homes with limited access to a sufficient food supply. A new generation of research demonstrates a direct link between inadequate food supply and a poorer overall health status among U.S. children, according to LSU AgCenter food and nutrition expert Dr. Annrose Guarino.

Take advantage of the fact that this year Valentine’s Day occurs a couple of weeks before Mardi Gras and share your heart with others. That’s the advice of LSU AgCenter family resource management specialist Dr. Karen Overstreet.

(Distributed 11/13/07) What are your fondest memories of Thanksgiving? What do you want your children and grandchildren to remember – Traditions? Giving? Togetherness?

(Distributed 11/09/07) If your Thanksgiving is steeped in family traditions, the occasion can be a difficult one should circumstances change and those traditions are lost.

(Distributed 11/06/07) Thanksgiving offers families an opportunity to reflect on their many blessings. Youth, however, often take their blessings for granted. How can parents and educators teach young people an attitude of gratitude?

Four environmental rating scales are in use now: (1) Early Childhood Environment, (2) Infant and Toddler Environment, (3) Family Day Care Environment and (4) School-Age Care Environment. (PDF Format Only)

One of the most important decisions you have to make as a parent is choosing a child care program. This checklist can assist you in comparing child care options to make the best choice for you and your child. (PDF Format Only)

Use this state map to locate your contact for assistance or training. (PDF Format Only)

5 Things Parents Can Do to Ensure Quality Care for Their Child (PDF Format Ony)

Do you need help paying your child care? The Louisiana Department of Social Services’ Child Care Assistance Program administers services for families eligible for child care assistance in the state. Information on how to apply included. (PDF Format Only)

Finding just the right child care setting for your child can prove to be a difficult task. Being informed can help make your decision a little easier. (PDF Format Only)

A message board for childcare providers and families seeking childcare.

Tips for eating right and exercising for families.

One of the indicators of quality child care is the educational level of caregivers. Unfortunately, Louisiana child caregivers rank as some of the least-educated providers in the nation, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

Hurricane victims will be faced with the question this Thanksgiving, "What are you thankful for?" and some will find this question difficult to answer. The holiday will be a reminder of what’s been lost in floods and devastating winds.

Children's reactions to disaster depend on their age and maturity. Their responses also are affected by how close they are to the event, their level of exposure to it through TV and how they see their parents react.

Although children, as well as adults, cope with stress every day, disasters, such as floods, hurricanes and tornadoes, often are somewhat different.

Hundreds of organizations around the country will celebrate the Week of the Young Child April 3-9, 2005.

Child care may not be what comes to mind when you think of economic development or the state’s major industries, but a recent study by experts from two Louisiana universities shows significant contributions.

Child care is very expensive, but there is some tax relief available to help with that burden, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

The Louisiana Department of Social Services offers a variety of programs designed to help children and families – particularly in the area of ensuring quality child care is available.

Policies that exclude sick children from child-care centers may seem like a hassle to a working parent with a sick child, but those policies are put in place to protect other children, says LSU AgCenter expert Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed 06/01/01) Health is more than just the absence of illness, according to an LSU AgCenter family development authority. Mental and spiritual health account for much of our quality of life, says family development expert Raye Neely.