1. Topics
  2. Youth, families and health

Parenting

Photo Credit: WavebreakMediaMicro - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)
Description:

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)

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

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

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

Browse all resources

Latest news

4-H family creates worry monsters to spread kindness for kids in need

What began as a bedtime comfort grew into a 1,000-monster act of compassion.

Grace Xue | Oct 14, 2025 | News story

Child care supply continues to improve in many Oregon counties, report finds

Public investment helps reduce child care deserts across much of the state.

Michelle Klampe | Aug 5, 2025 | News story

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

All news

Nurturing resilience: Interactions are the heart of resilience

One way to nurture resilience in young children is to practice “Serve and Return.” When a child expresses themselves, respond by joining them in an activity and offering encouragement.

This practice helps children feel safe and valued.

Learn more

Photo: USDA Food & Nutrition Service (Cropped from original)

Featured resources

Bed bugs in the classroom

What do you do if you find a bed bug in school? This fact sheet for educators and families covers prevention, identification and best practices for treating an infestation.

Dawn H. Gouge, Tim Stock | Feb 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Trauma-Informed Toolkit

Trauma-Informed Toolkit supports and complements educators’ knowledge and skillset in implementing trauma-informed approaches in educational settings.

Yasmeen Hossain | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative (OPEC)

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

Jul 2022 | Online resource

Parenting resources

Safe Kids Worldwide: Home Safety

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.

Oct 2022 | Online resource

Oregon's Legal Guide for Grandparents and Other Older Relatives Raising Children

Publication includes legal advice for grandparents and other older relatives raising children. Includes local resources. Revised in 2016.

Jan 2016 | Online resource

American Red Cross Training Services

Sign up for CPR, AED and First Aid training and certification through the American Red Cross.

Nov 2022 | Online resource

Explore more resources

Meet Our Experts

Celeste Janssen
4-H Positive Youth Development Research Coordinator
Megan Pratt
Megan Pratt
Associate Professor of Practice
Shauna Tominey
Parenting Education Specialist
See All Parenting Experts
Ask Extension

Have a question? Ask Extension!

Ask Extension is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

Ask us a question

Dietary suggestions for ADHD and Autism?

Q: 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 ...

A: View answer | View all featured questions

See More Questions