Parenting Resources

There are many websites with valuable information that can help parents from all walks of life through the many stages of child rearing. A description of the variety that can be found follows below.

Student - Parents at the University of Illinois Platform for identifying resources, locating policies, learning about programs and connecting to peers.

Just In Time Parenting:  Free, Non-commercial Monthly Email Newsletter for Parents—Birth to 5 Years

Are you looking for reliable information about parenting?  Just in Time Parenting is a free, monthly email newsletter timed to your child’s age.  You will get specific information as she grows and changes.  Parents have told us that knowing what to expect as their child changes each month is very helpful.  You can find answers to questions like:  What should I do about crying?  When do babies sleep through the night?  Should my child be crawling?  When should I start solid food?  The newsletter is commercial-free, no links to toys or products.  It was created by parenting experts and the University of Illinois and other universities.  Go here to subscribe or find out more: http://www.extension.org/pages/Just_In_Time_Parenting_eNewsletters

Grandparents Raising Children

Parenting Again, a newsletter from the University of Illinois Extension office, is focused on grandparents raising their grandchildren. The archives hold thiry-one past issues with helpful information on topics ranging from "What Grandparents Say about raising their Grandchildren", "I just want to be a Grandma", to "Finding the Support you Need".

The Illinois Department of Aging has a task force for "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in Illinois" to assist older adult caregivers in their efforts to provide quality care for their family's children. Starting Points for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren is a resource guide with information and services for Grandparent Caregivers.

Financial assistance may be available to Grandparents Raising Grandchildren through the State of Illinois "Child Only Grant" - TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families).

For other resources for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren from the State of Illinois, visit the IL Department of Aging website.

Teen Parenting

Providing Child Care for the Teen Parent has some basic guidelines for providing care for children of teen parents. Search for "teen parenting" when you get to the extension page.

• What special qualities are needed to care for children of teen parents?
• What's best for establishing connections with the family?
• What about the "should's" and "ought's"?
• How do I set limits?

Parenting Links

Parenting 24/7, a new University of Illinois Extension website, is geared toward meeting the needs of today's families while "raising children and managing family life". Information is easy to find segmented into the different stages of childhood for Infants (0 to 1 yr), Preschoolers (2 yrs to 5yrs), School Age (6 yrs to 12 yrs) and Teens (13 yrs to 18 yrs).

New parents can subscribe free to Web newsletters that will follow their child's development for the first three years of life. "They can access the first issue when the baby arrives, and they'll receive information applicable to each new stage in their child's life as the baby grows," said Ebata, a U of I associate professor of human and community development.

Child Care Aware

Child Care Aware is a national initiative to ensure that every parent has access to good information about finding quality child care and resources in their community. Toll free line (1-800-424-2246) can help parents find a Resource and Referral agency in a different state.

www.childcareaware.org

Children's Organizations

Children's Defense Fund
Children Now
Families and Work Institute
Kids Count--Annie E. Casey Foundation
Voices for Illinois Children

Family Life Resource Links

The Disney Family
Family Education
Illinois Early Learning
Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies
The National Parenting Information Center
Parenting 24/7
Bullying Awareness & Prevention 

What is Cyberbulling? An Overview for Students, Parents, and Teachers

Positive Parenting Online

Helping Children with Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy Group

Cerebral Palsy Guidance 

Home Schooling Resources

Parent's Guide to Homeschooling Children

Homeschool World Home Page
Jon's Homeschool Resource Page

Infant and Toddler Resources

The Infant Parent Institute
National Black Child Development Institute
Pampers Total Baby Care
Zero to Three- National Center for Infants, Toddlers, & Families

School-Age Care Resources

National Institute on Out-of School Time
National PTA
Wonder Wise Parent