Image My "Less Than Perfect" Family Monday Today's parents are under more pressure than ever — and the push for a "perfect family" may be doing more harm than good. Perfectionism affects not just parents, but children's mental health too. Discover the personal, social, and digital forces driving this mindset, and get practical steps to break free from the perfect family trap. Read more
Image Grandfamilies: When Grandparents Step Up to Raise Grandchildren April 19, 2026 Over 2.7 million children in the U.S. are being raised full-time by grandparents or older relatives. Grandparent caregivers face unique challenges — financial strain, isolation, and legal complexity — often with little time to prepare. UA employees can access free consultations, counseling, and legal resources through Life & Work Connections. Learn how to find support. Read more
Image Navigating Caregiving Transitions: Your HR Benefits Can Help April 16, 2026 When Jennifer's father had his first stroke, everything changed overnight. Caregiving doesn't stay static—it shifts through distinct phases from awareness to crisis to end-of-life care, each requiring different support. University of Arizona employees can access Family Medical Leave, Healthcare FSAs, Employee Assistance Counseling, and specialized caregiving consultations to navigate each transition. Discover how Jennifer used these benefits to manage her father's care while maintaining her career. Read more
Image Focusing on Finance Now Versus Later March 17, 2026 Financial health, like physical health, requires consistent attention at every stage. CJ Olsen from Fidelity and Sabrina McGurr from CAPTRUST share expert insights on building strong financial habits, from automating savings to conducting annual check-ups. As a UA employee, you have access to personalized guidance to optimize your financial wellness. Learn the small actions that can dramatically impact your long-term success. Read more
Image Children, Chores, and Allowance March 17, 2026 Should children be paid for doing chores or receive an allowance? While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, experts agree that chores and allowances are valuable tools for teaching responsibility and money management. The key is finding the right balance for your family's beliefs and your child's age and abilities. Learn practical tips for assigning chores and granting allowances that will set your child up for lifelong success. Read more
Image Recognizing the Caregiver Within: How Self-Identification Opens Doors to University Support March 17, 2026 Nationally, 63 million Americans are caregivers, yet only 19% identify as such. At the University of Arizona, thousands of employees provide major care without accessing support. If you schedule appointments, navigate insurance, coordinate care teams, or manage family health crises alongside work, you're not "just helping"—you're caregiving. Recognition unlocks HR benefits and support resources. Read more
Image Sleep and Nutrition for Caregivers: Breaking the Exhaustion Cycle Feb. 17, 2026 Skipping meals, surviving on coffee, falling asleep exhausted only to wake at 2 AM—sound familiar? Up to 76% of family caregivers struggle with poor sleep quality, trapped in a vicious cycle where irregular eating disrupts sleep and exhaustion makes healthy eating impossible. When caregivers get fewer than 4-5 hours of sleep, their impairment mirrors being legally intoxicated, affecting medication management and driving safety. Discover realistic strategies to break this dangerous cycle and sustain long-term caregiving. Read more
Image Nutrition Month: Discover the Power of Nutrition Feb. 16, 2026 The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans are raising eyebrows among nutrition experts. While National Nutrition Month 2026 focuses on "Discover the Power of Nutrition," the updated guidelines prioritize protein and red meat while minimizing carbohydrates—despite fiber's proven benefits for heart health and cancer prevention. The vague "real food" messaging stigmatizes canned and frozen produce that many families rely on. Learn what nutrition experts want you to know about eating well in 2026. Read more
Image How can I encourage my family to be physically active? Jan. 22, 2026 Looking for ways to get your family moving together? Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily, but it doesn't have to happen all at once—short walks, active chores, and playtime all count toward this goal. Learn practical strategies for setting achievable family fitness goals, scheduling activity time that works for busy households, and discovering fun ways to move together, from dancing in the living room to training for a charity walk as a team. Read more
Image Heart Disease and Caregiving: A Two-Way Street We Need to Address Jan. 21, 2026 This American Heart Month, we need to talk about a hidden risk: family caregivers. Women providing nine or more hours weekly of care to an ill spouse face nearly twice the risk of developing coronary heart disease compared to non-caregivers. Between managing medications, monitoring symptoms, and navigating appointments, caregivers often neglect their own health—creating a troubling cycle where those caring for heart disease patients become at risk themselves. Learn how to protect your heart while caring for someone else's. Read more