Parents

All Parents Content

Teachers and students in an early childhood education classroom.

Building Thriving Parent-Teacher Relationships

Childcare providers and educators spend countless hours watching children develop and grow. It is important for parents to build a strong reciprocal relationship with educators that helps support healthy learning and development.

SDSU Extension Early Childhood Field Specialist Audrey Rider reading a book to a group of four children.

Children

Nationally, more than 60 percent of households are dual income, resulting in an increased need for early childhood education programming.

Two young students viewing a laptop screen in a student lounge.

Screen Time in a Digital Age

The relationship between overall health and wellbeing in relation to screen time use is described as complex and dependent on a variety of factors, such as developmental periods, types of devices used, and demographic and contextual factors.

Dance video game on a monitor at the SDSU eSports lounge.

Do Active Video Games Count as Physical Activity for Kids?

Active video games, sometimes called exergames, are marketed as a way to turn screen time into physical activity time. These games can be a good option for increasing activity time in youth, but they have their limits.

Woman using a calculator

SDSU Extension offers many resources in finance, personal wellness

December 18, 2025

As we enter the holiday season, SDSU Extension wants to remind South Dakotans of the many resources available to help people in personal finance, health and wellness.

Child stacking blocks against an entertainment center in al living room.

Schema Play is Not Challenging When Understood

Schemas, or imaginative and repetitive play patterns, may seem challenging at first, but they help children make meaning of their world. By identifying and supporting schema behaviors, teachers and parents can turn frustration into growth and joy.

Mother and toddler doing a learning activity on a tablet computer.

Embracing Technology to Teach Early Literacy Skills

Research suggests that learning happens when children can use multiple senses, such as sight, sound, and touch. With technology, parents, caregivers, and educators can nurture reading skills in new, exciting ways!

Man reviewing insurance information with a social services agent.

SDSU Extension offers farm planning programs in Winner

October 15, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension will offer additional Whole Farm Planning workshops on Nov. 12 and 19, 2025, in Winner.

Teachers at a daycare instructing a group of children at various ages and stages.

Understanding Emotional Development

When kids are born, they are wired to feel emotions. It is important for adults to surround them with a caring and supportive environment to learn how to manage these emotions and have healthy relationships.

Mother holding two daughters outdoors in the countryside.

Outdoor Play is Educational

Getting kids outside to play and use their imagination is getting harder in our digital, screen-filled world. Using outdoor spaces and nature to create intentional learning opportunities is a great way to fulfill the need for kids to move and use their creative energy.