Understanding Current Family Learning Needs: Human Development and Relationships

• Kayla Hayes, Human Services, University of Delaware

• Gina Crist, Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition, University of Delaware

The University of Delaware’s Cooperative Extension program offers parent education through virtual fact sheets and printed newsletters on a variety of topics. However, it is unclear whether this information is relevant to parents or if the current delivery methods are effective. After reviewing the available fact sheets in the “Human Development” and “Family and Relationships” categories on Cooperative Extension’s website, some of the information was found to be outdated and lacking coverage of how social media impacts families. Additionally, an evaluation of outreach efforts for printed newsletters distributed in partnership with Just In Time Parenting (JITP) suggested that current strategies may not sufficiently engage parents in Delaware and are in need of updating.

Multiple strategies were implemented to address these issues. First, existing fact sheets in the “Human Development” and “Family and Relationships” categories were revised, and a new fact sheet titled “Social Media in Adolescence” was developed. Next, partners of JITP from other states/universities were contacted to identify effective outreach strategies, resulting in updates to the University of Delaware’s JITP website, and the creation of a new promotional flyer and postcard. Finally, a survey was conducted to gather direct input from parents about their learning needs.

The survey targeted parents of children ages 0-18 to identify the parent education topics that they would like to learn and their preferred ways to receive information. The most frequently selected education topics were increasing self-esteem, social media use, and decision making skills. The most preferred methods of receiving information were email and text messaging. These findings suggest that Cooperative Extension should prioritize these identified topics in their parent education efforts, and use email and text messaging to provide information to parents more effectively. This approach may enhance parent engagement and strengthen support for families in the community.