Family Life

There is no one size fits all when it comes to families.

In today's hectic lives, families find themselves parenting children, helping teens cope with changing emotions, caring for extended family or community members, and working to strengthen personal relationships. Wearing all those hats can be stressful. Illinois Extension experts help you to handle life's ups and downs. Together, we'll build inclusive communities that support the well-being and quality of life you desire.

Upcoming Programs

Lessons for Living

Life's lessons never end. No matter our age, we are always learning. Illinois Extension, in cooperation with Illinois Home and Community Education Association, has advice centered around our core program Family | Food | Finance. Learn valuable life lessons and get relevant, easy-to-understand tips for living an inspiring, healthy, and enriching life in this free webinar series.

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Lessons at the Library

We're also proud to have partnered with the Cissna Park Community Library and Rantoul Public Library to serve as viewing sites for the webinar in their communities. Join your fellow community members and friends to participate in a variety of health-related webinars throughout the year! You might even make a new friend along the way.

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Springtime Science Community Seminar Series

Get research-based information on complex health issues in this free online series, where experts from the University of Illinois offer holistic solutions to address health challenges. Springtime Science 2024 is a collaboration between Illinois Extension and Interdisciplinary Health Sciences.

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Thinking. Learning. Caring.

Gain research-based insights with these four dynamic sessions presented by University of Illinois Extension educators that will provide useful information to help caregivers offer quality service to their clients. Support personal resilience, gain knowledge, and develop strategies to meet the needs of older adults in long-term care settings.

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Aging

Aging is part of living. Do it well. What you do today influences your future. Learn how to take care of yourself now to embrace aging and grow gracefully, successfully, and with increased longevity. Be physically and mentally ready to embrace aging with open arms.

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Brain Health

Keep your brain young with simple strategies. As we age, our brains change. Lifestyle choices now can keep your brain healthy so you can enjoy the things you love to do. The earlier you start, the better your chances for happiness and health in your later years.

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Caregiving

Help to begin your caregiving journey. Caregivers provide care for dependent adults for various reasons and in different ways. No one anticipates what it takes to provide care for others, but one thing is certain – caregivers do not have to experience the journey alone.

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Farm Stress Management

It's time to listen. It's time to help. Agricultural work includes several unique stressors, such as impacts of weather conditions and events, financial concerns about commodity prices, loan interest rates, managing the farm business, long work hours, working with heavy machinery, and, at times, working closely with family.

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A couple smiling at each other. One of them is on a bed and the other is crouching beside it.

Healthy Relationships

Reducing family conflict and arguments. We all want supportive, loving relationships with our family, but sometimes reality tells a different story. Relationships with family members will shape our lives for better or for worse.

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Living Well

The best is yet to come. Explore ways to make life more enjoyable. Illinois Extension can help you focus on the things that matter most while you discard the things that are weighing you down.

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Mental and Emotional Health

Stress Management - Manage your stress for better living. If left unmanaged, stress can negatively impact our physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, work, and many other things in our lives.
Substance Use and Misuse - Substance Use and Your Child. You want your child to have a bright future. To help with that, here are five strategies for talking about alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs. Be informed about talking about drug use.

Family Relationships and Dynamics

Parenting - Positive parenting is the foundation your child needs to grow. Parenting is a process that prepares your child for independence. No one is perfect, but daily actions will help you be the person your child wants and needs you to be.
Strong Couples - Maintaining a strong relationship with your spouse or romantic partner can be a challenge. And when you need help, getting trustworthy, effective relationship support can be just as challenging. Relationship education can help you build the life you deserve.
Tips for Families - Find helpful tips for any situation that you and your family might face.

Have a question about a specific topic that we don't have listed above?

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Family Files Blog

In today's hectic lives, families find themselves raising children, caring for elders, and working. Read these timely resources for wellness across the lifespan.

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Sign Up for Our Newsletters!

Family Finances Newsletter

The Family Finances Newsletter is a free monthly newsletter to share the latest Family Life events in Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion Counties.

Around The Table

A free quarterly newsletter designed just for you to share knowledge, tips, and information from educators across the state who focus on improving lives in families, finances, food, and health.

Quarterly Companion

Quarterly Companion is a free newsletter you can sign up for and receive every three months. Download, print, and share this free resource as outreach to support your community. The Winter 2024 edition is out now! You can also find our previous editions online!

Breakroom Buzz

Breakroom Buzz is a free newsletter you can sign up to receive monthly geared towards workplaces, businesses, schools, etc. Download, print, and share this free resource as outreach to improve the health of your community.