Helping Students Adjust to School Phone Policies

Wisconsin schools are preparing to implement new or revised student cell phone policies under Wisconsin Act 42 for the 2026-27 school year. In response, UW-Madison Division of Extension is offering the Wisconsin School Phone Bans Webinar Series, a three-part series for school leaders, educators, and families. Each session is designed for each of these specific […]

Keep Your Financial Information Safe After a Disaster

In the aftermath of a natural disaster (or disaster of any kind), things can be chaotic. ATMs may not be working, phone lines and internet might be down and businesses that you need to contact may not be staffed. It’s important to think ahead about how you will keep your money and your personal financial […]

Finding Balance: Smart Screen Habits for Little Learners

Helping young children build healthy habits around screens can feel overwhelming, especially when technology is part of everyday life. While some screen time can be educational and fun, children under age five learn best through simple play, real-world experiences, and back-and-forth interactions with the people around them. Too much screen use can crowd out these […]

Strong Feelings

We all want our children to be happy. However, we know that children are sometimes going to feel scared, sad, or really mad about something. That’s normal. The strong emotions of kids can be difficult to understand and even harder to deal with as parents. Strong Feelings is a 6-part series designed to help adults […]

Planning AHEAD for End-of-Life Decisions

End-of-life planning is one of the most significant gifts you can give your loved ones. It is all about thinking ahead for what’s to come and communicating your final wishes with those you leave behind. It involves serious thought about who you want to make decisions on your behalf, who should inherit your possessions, and […]

Tax Credits for Wisconsin Families

Low and moderate income Wisconsin residents can take advantage of a variety of tax credits. These credits can bring thousands of extra dollars to individuals and families, but an estimated 20% of people who are eligible for these tax credits do not claim them every year. These credits include the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit […]

Parenting Future Readers

Learning to read is one of those goals that all parents share for their children, and well it should be. Early reading ability is one of the key predictors of how children will succeed in their later schooling and life. And while schools and child care programs can have a big effect on the development […]

In Care Of: Postcard Sized Portrayals of Caregiving in Wisconsin Exhibition

Feeling invisible as a family caregiver? Caring for loved ones can be difficult and beautiful. This exhibition amplifies caregiver voices, offering a glimpse into the emotional landscape of family caregiving — and reminding caregivers they are not alone. In Care Of: Postcard-Sized Portrayals of Caregiving in Wisconsin — the popular and moving exhibition from the […]

How to Prepare for the Holidays Without Feeling Like Scrooge

Inflation, widespread tariffs and the price uncertainty of items seem to be on everyone’s minds lately. Stress levels are high due to the impact that inflation has on groceries, fuel, heating costs and credit card interest rates. This depressing news is making people feel that they have little control of their finances. As we enter […]

Is Your Child Ready to Stay at Home Alone?

When can I start to let my child stay home alone? How old should my child be? How long can I leave my child home alone? If you’ve been thinking about these questions since the new school year started, you are not alone. Many parents ask these questions when their child seems too old for […]