Extension Update from Megan Burda: Being a 4-H Parent & Summer Workshops

Being a 4-H Parent

Thank you for enrolling your youth in the nation’s largest youth development organization. 4-H is a very rewarding program not only for your youth, but for your whole family. 4-H is what is referred to as a family affair organization. This means the youth and the adults learn from each other by trying new things, meeting new friends, and having fun together as a whole family. The greater the parent or guardian involvement, the greater and stronger the 4-H program will be. The following is a list of tips for being a 4-H parent or guardian as adapted from the 4-H Leader Training Series developed in New Jersey, to help maximize your effectiveness as a caring and supportive 4-H adult.

DO’S:

• DO take time to learn about 4-H, what it stands for, and how it operates
• DO advise your son or daughter in selecting 4-H projects. Help them select a project they are interested in, have the ability to accomplish, and one for which you can help furnish needed materials, facilities, financing, and guidance.
• DO keep in mind that the most important goal of 4-H is personal growth of the individual.
• DO help your youth see the progress they have made and knowledge they have gained and not just focus only on the end result. Give them encouragement when your 4-H’er succeeds and even more when he/she fails. Judging events are all about learning, not the awards. Whatever ratings are given or scores received, help your child to see progress made, things that have been learned, goals that have been reached and areas to focus on in the future.
• DO volunteer your hobbies and talents to 4-H leaders and 4-H youth.
• DO keep informed of 4-H deadlines, activities, and events by taking the time to read the monthly newsletters, emails, facebook posts, or whatever method of communication between your local Extension Office is with the families. 
• DO help youth members by guiding and supporting them, not by doing their project for them so they can develop their own life skills. This may include some bumps and bruises along the way, but in the end the 4-H member will be better off if he/she knows that the 4-H project was his/her own work!
• DO ASK QUESTIONS! 4-H has its own culture and language, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.

DON’TS

• DON’T do your child’s projects for them, even though you may be able to do it faster, better, simpler, and with much less mess. Remember 4-H is Learning By Doing.
• DON’T discourage a child’s enthusiasm by providing too much corrective influence or criticism.
• DON’T let the desire to win overpower your child’s ability to learn. Do keep in mind that the 4-H experience should be an educational one.
• DON’T schedule family outings which constantly conflict with your child’s 4-H schedule.
• DON’T view your child as an extension of yourself. Don’t view his/her success or failure as a reflection of your ability or worth.
• DON’T assume your child is always right.
• DON’T be disrespectful to the judges when your child didn’t get the award or color of ribbon you thought they should have received.  Remember, the judge’s opinion is just one person’s opinion.

Remember that 4-H is learning by doing. The most important thing for a parent or guardian to do for a 4-H youth is support and encouragement. There is no failure in 4-H just learning from mistakes. Be a supportive parent and help your child and 4-H leader to “Make the Best Better!”

This article comes from a series of resources developed by Nebraska Extension, 4-H Youth Development Professionals. Learn more about 4-H at 4h.unl.edu.

Source:  Tessa Hain, Extension Assistant in Antelope County

Upcoming Events

Summer Workshops

Summer workshops are open to all youth. You do not need to be enrolled in 4-H to participate. Check out the workshop schedule and find registration info on our website at york.unl.edu.

Palette of Fun with Acrylics

Monday, June 6, 1 -3 p.m. (ages 8-12)

Monday, June 6, 3 – 5 p.m. (ages 5-7)

Wednesday, June 8, 1-3 p.m. (ages 13 and up)

Dragon Fly Studios, York

Fee:  $25, includes all materials

Heidi Chapman, owner of Dragonfly Studios will teach students the basic techniques and design principles needed to create a beautiful ready to hang canvas artwork.    Participants will leave this workshop with a least one 4-H project ready to enter at the York County Fair.

Full of Beans

Tuesday, June 7, 9:00-Noon

York County 4-H building, York

Fee:  $5.00, includes all materials

Age:  8 and older

2016 is the “Year of the pulse”!  Come learn about pulses (dry beans) and create art displays with the theme of “4-H” using different types of dry beans.  We will also cook with pulses making soup, salad, dip, and even brownies and then eat what we make!   Limit 20 participants.

Instructor: Jenny Rees

Future Coders

(choose one session)

Thursday, June 9, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, June 23, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, July 7, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Kilgore Memorial Library, York

NO CHARGE

Age: 8 – 11

Don’t just play on your computer or phone, learn how to program it!   At this 2 hour workshop youth will learn the basics of coding through fun and interactive activities.  They will even get to create their own Flappy Bird game.  Each session is limited to 10 participants and you may only participate in one session. 

Instructor: Tanya Crawford