When summer boredom sets in and kids start getting restless, it’s time to find something new for them to do or try. K-State Research and Extension has a series of publications, Suddenly in Charge, that family and consumer sciences agents created as a resource to help parents and caregivers. The series includes 11 publications. Tristen Cope, family and consumer sciences agent for the Chisholm Trail District, discusses the publications and activities to keep kids engaged this summer, such as backyard camping, DIY sidewalk chalk and making healthy summertime drinks and snacks.

Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more.

Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to ksrenews@ksu.edu.

K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.