Family

Outdoor Play Provides Rich Environment For Learning Children need to spend time outdoors. This article discusses ways to asses the safety of playgrounds for young children. [Image: small child swinging]Parents Can Help Kids Become More Active Television, movies, video games all increasingly vie for our children's time. But they rarely allow children the luxury of burning some of their pent-up energy. Parents can make a big difference in the amount of physical activity children experience. [Image: Mom's Time Out]Mom's Time Out We all have days when we feel anxious or “stressed out.” On days like that, it’s good for you to take some time out for yourself. Use these suggestions to de-stress. Parents as Partners As you and your child join the 4-H program, you’ll want to make the most of the experience. The success of your 4-H club and the kind of experience your child depends greatly upon your parental involvement. 4-H has so much to offer your child through educational programs, contests and special events. Through active participation in 4-H, your child will develop skills that will last a lifetime. Preparing Young Children for School Parents can help their children experience school success by fostering social and emotional maturity, language skills, creative thinking skills, good health, problem-solving abilities and a general knowledge of the world. Living Well Campaign - Parenting Want tips on parenting? Contact your parish office of the LSU AgCenter more...

Hazards and Threats

NOAA Extreme Weather 2008 Information Sheet A collection of phone numbers for Louisiana state agencies, parish emergency management and law enforcement offices in the southern parishes, and national disaster information centers. Have The Right Answers Before Storm; Take ‘Hurricane Quiz’ Now This game of 20 questions can help you determine whether you and your family will be prepared if a hurricane comes your way, according to LSU AgCenter experts. Disaster Wallet Card If an evacuation or other emergency separates family and friends, you’ll want to find each other. Fill out a card for each close friend and relative. Carry it with you wherever you go. [Image: Disaster Information Resources]Disaster Information Resources Series These publications are designed to help Louisiana residents recover from floods, storms, extended power outages and other stressful, dangerous events. more...

Home

Consumers - How to Use the Registry Step-by-Step instructions for property owners to use the Registry to find a licensed contractor working in their parish and to rate a contractor. LaHouse: Open House Schedule LaHouse has reopened its doors for free previews... How Do I Strengthen My Home for Wind? Wind is the most common and most costly cause of damage to light frame structures in the United States. There are things you can do, however, to reduce the potential damage from high winds. [Image: training center]Online Training Center We have begun and will continue to build upon this Online Training Center to assist the Louisiana and Gulf Region construction infrastructure with building science, best practices and building code-based information and continuing education. Guide for Consumers Use the Registry to find state licensed or registered service providers who wish to work in your parish and who offer the services you need. [Image: Flooded house]Flood Recovery Information From this page, you will be able to access information on a variety of issues related to flood recovery. more...

Personal Finance

Tips to Help You Get Out of Debt If your bills are piling up, you can't make all of your payments on time and you're thinking about paying one credit card balance with a cash advance from another, LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says it's time to organize your credit payments and develop a plan for reducing your bills. Bill-paying Responsibility Looms For Teens Leaving The Nest Independent spending decisions quickly become an everyday routine for college students, but that independence assumes a financial freedom that most young adults are not prepared to handle, according to LSU AgCenter family economics specialist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. Financial tips offered for marital harmony (Distributed 01/15/08) The church and reception hall are reserved, the dress is selected, the invitations are addressed, the photographer and caterer are ready. You might even have your new residence “ready-to-go.” Spouse’s poor credit score could lower yours (Distributed 01/15/08) You’ve taken good care all your adult life to pay bills on time and maintain a high credit score. You expect your high rating to continue after marriage, but it could drop if your new spouse has a low credit score. more...