Parenting

OSU Extension provides parenting support through research-based education, resources and community programs that strengthen family relationships and child development. We help parents and caregivers build skills, confidence and connection at every stage of a child’s life.

cartoon image of girl washing her hands with mask on

Graphic from High Speed Hand Washing poster

High Speed Hand Washing

Reduce the odds of getting sick in 30 seconds. To help your kiddos avoid getting sick this cold season, check out this fun and easy High Speed Hand Washing method. All you need is a sink, soap and some practice! Available in English and Spanish!

Poster and Video

Latest Resources

Assistive Technology in Action (PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment) (in English)

This video series (4-6 minutes per video) highlights specific examples of how assistive technology can support students with exceptional needs.

Nov 2024 | Online resource

Books to help explain racism and protests to your kids (in English)

This New York Times article highlights the importance of initiating and maintaining conversations about racism and protests with children, offering guidance for parents on how to discuss these topics in an age-appropriate and constructive manner.

Oct 2024 | Online resource

Childhood Food Insecurity - Professional & Continuing Education (in English)

Childhood Food Insecurity is a free online course developed in partnership with the Childhood Hunger Initiative of Oregon covering various topics associated with child health and wellness. The course covers food access and choices, the relationship between food insecurity and health and development, along with intervention strategies in circumstances of childhood hunger. Healthcare professionals seeking continuing medical education can earn valuable CME credit by taking an optional exam following the five online modules.

Anne Hoisington | Jan 2024 | Online resource

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Connecting the Generations: Visits with Grandchildren

By Kimberly DeHart Sally Bowman and Alexis J. Walker

This publication focuses on how to be prepared for visits from grandchildren without their parents--including making children feel at home, hazard-proofing, resting before their arrival, creating a private area for older grandchildren, having activities on hand, and setting expectations.

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Photo Credit: Prostock-studio - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Latest News

Caregivers have a new resource for trauma-informed nutrition and feeding

Practical guidance helps families support kids healing from stressful life experiences.

Chris Branam | May 19, 2022 | News story

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Parenting resources

Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative (OPEC) (in English): OPEC is a partnership between four of Oregon’s largest foundations and OSU College of Health and the Extension Family and Community Health (FCH) program. OPEC supports grantees through funding, evaluation, technical assistance, and professional development led by FCH faculty. OPEC supports: - Delivery of high-quality parenting education programs - Coordinated efforts to strengthen regional parenting education systems - Developing and strengthening collaborative regional parenting education Hubs
Safe Kids Worldwide: Home Safety (in English): This page lists common safety risks for children in the home and prevention tips. There are a collection of resources for each risk factor including infographics, videos, checklists and more.
Oregon's Legal Guide for Grandparents and Other Older Relatives Raising Children (in English): Publication includes legal advice for grandparents and other older relatives raising children. Includes local resources. Revised in 2016.
American Red Cross Training Services (in English): Sign up for CPR, AED and First Aid training and certification through the American Red Cross.

Nuture resilience

Nurturing resilience in children and families

In collaboration with OSU College of Health faculty, FCH developed a series of publications focusing on how early educators can nurture resilience through daily interactions with children and their families and how community members can further aid those efforts.

Feb 2022 | Collection

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Nutrition and healthy eating

Environmental education (PreK-12)

Healthy homes

Family emergency preparedness

Physical activity

Youth education resources

Meet Our Experts

Celeste Janssen

4-H Positive Youth Development Research Coordinator

Shauna Tominey

Parenting Education Specialist

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“Pregúntale a Extensión” es una forma de obtener respuestas del Servicio de Extensión de Oregon State University. Contamos con expertos en familia y salud, desarrollo comunitario, alimentación y agricultura, temas costeros, silvicultura, programas para jóvenes y jardinería.

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Dietary suggestions for ADHD and Autism?

P: I have a client who is newly a single parent and knows very little about nutrition and cooking but wants to learn. He has two children, one with ADHD and one on the Autism spectrum. We discussed the possibility of ...

R: View answer | View all featured questions

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