Child Development
There are very few jobs that are as important as parenting a child.  Many parents have said they wished babies came with an instruction book.  Book stores are full of books about what to do to be a good parent and have your child develop to their full potential.  ISU Extension has resources on the basics of parenting and child development. 

For information on child care visit - http://www.extension.iastate.edu/homefamily/children/childcare/

For information on child development visit http://www.extension.iastate.edu/homefamily/children/development/

For information on health and safety visit http://www.extension.iastate.edu/homefamily/children/development/

 For information on nutrition visit http://www.extension.iastate.edu/healthnutrition/nutrition/feeding/

Nutrition/Health
Many families find their hectic schedules leave little time for meal preparation.  ISU Extension has a way to help with getting nutritious food on the table for your family without it breaking the budget.  “Healthy Meals in a Hurry” is a publication that offers 14 main dish recipes and can be prepared ahead and frozen for use later.  For more information check out http://www.extension.iastate.edu/healthnutrition/healthy_meals.htm

Information on other nutrition topics is available at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/healthnutrition/nutrition/

Low income families will have a harder time getting nutritious meals on the table as food prices rise.  The Family Nutrition Program works with these families to strengthen communication, decision-making and problem solving skills through lessons on physical activity, planning meals and snacks within a budget, the importance of eating vegetables and fruits, whole grains, foods high in calcium, and protein.  These lessons can be done individually or in groups.  For more information contact the Warren County Extension Office at 515-961-6237 or the web site http://www.extension.iastate.edu/efnep/adult.htm   For every $1 spent to deliver nutrition education in Iowa, $8.03 is saved in future health care costs. 

Financial Management
A topic families often discuss is family finances.  Family earnings are being pulled in many directions when you consider every day living expenses with their wants and needs thrown in to the mix.  It is important for family members to communicate and make decisions together.  Some basic help is available at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/finances/ .  This site has information on several programs that could be offered in your area.

It is also important to get your children off to a good start when handling money.  This education should start early.  Check out this site for more information http://www.extension.iastate.edu/finances/personal/childrenmoney/

Acreage Living
When a person moves to an acreage in the country from town there are many new issues for them to deal with. Who pays for the fencing around the property? What maintenance is needed for a septic system? How do I prepare an area for a garden for the first time? Acreage living is an online searchable newsletter with topics of interest to an acreage owner. It can be found at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/acreage/ Take a look at the variety of information that is available.