Child Development

Recent research shows that our brains don’t finish developing until around age 25.¹ Children’s emotional, physical, mental, and social skills develop tremendously as they get older. Many developmental skills can be improved through physical activity. Find your child’s age below and try the corresponding activities with your child. These activities can help your child grow … Read More


Basketball

Basketball is a heart-pumping sport you can play year-round, whether on an indoor or outdoor court. Parks, schools, faith-based communities, and other locations near you may have a basketball court. Call in advance to see if the court has an open-use policy. Children who enjoy competitive play may love to give basketball a try! Younger … Read More


Screen Time Breaks

Today’s technology has made it easier than ever to learn and gather new information. It also helps connect us with our out-of-town friends and family. Many children today are introduced to screen time (watching TV, playing video games, using a computer, etc.) at a young age, but it’s important to be mindful of the potential … Read More


Snow Day Safety

Snow days are the eagerly anticipated breaks from school children get in the winter to sled, build snowmen, and drink hot chocolate. Despite the chilly weather, children can work up a sweat as they play in the snow, making it a great opportunity for fun physical activity. While many children love snow days, it’s important … Read More


Where Can You and Your Family be Active?

With the New Year upon us, it’s a great time to start thinking about making physical activity a regular part of your family’s life. It can get boring exercising at the same places day after day. Children especially need variety in their play to hold their interest. If you dig deep enough, you may be … Read More


Hide and Seek

Hide and Seek is a fun game for all ages. Toddlers can learn object permanence (the concept that objects are still there even if we can’t observe them with our senses), while teens may enjoy Hide and Seek for the challenge of finding the best place to hide. As with any physical activity, safety is … Read More


Family Bike Riding

Riding bikes is fun exercise, especially as a family. No matter what age, children can enjoy riding a bike. Toddlers and preschoolers can ride tricycles, and children who haven’t learned how to ride a two-wheel bike can ride a bike with training wheels. You can also ride bikes in all kinds of settings–the driveway, bike … Read More


Soccer

Did you know September is National Youth Soccer Month? Children of all ages can practice basic soccer skills, and school-aged children can join a local team. They may even enjoy playing a casual game with their friends and neighbors! Here are a few soccer fundamentals your children can practice. Children that are too young to … Read More


Baseball and Softball

Did you know September is Little League Month? Little League is an organization for youth baseball and softball. Baseball and softball are great sports for children of all ages to try, even if they’re not on an organized team. Younger children can learn basic physical skills such as running, catching, and throwing. Whether you simply … Read More


National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. While some weight gain as children get older is natural and expected as they grow, gaining too much weight can cause problems. Overweight and obese children are at greater risk for health problems as they grow older. Many factors can contribute to a child’s risk of becoming obese, … Read More


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Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

North Carolina State University
Agricultural and Human Sciences Department

Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES)

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