Cheri Burcham

CHERI BURCHAM Family Life Educator Anyone that knows me knows that I am passionate about trying to save the monarch butterfly.

Illinois Extension Educator Tessa Hobbs-Curley recently posted this article on the Family Files Blog and it is super timely right now and an important topic to explore. Tessa says: It is July of 2024, and we are in the trenches of political debate for President of the United States. People are passionate about their political perspectives, which is good; however, ideally, it is important to communicate respectfully, whether at home or out and about with others. No one should ever leave who they are, but we are obligated to contribute to the greater good, so showing respect for one another must be essential. According to associate professor Rachel Wahl, University of Virginia states that “For Democracy, Talking is more important than agreeing.

"Studies have indicated that children whose parents and/or other significant adults share in their formal education tend to do better in school."

"Felationship distress has been linked to partners’ and their children’s mental and physical health problems."

Anyone that knows me knows that I am passionate about trying to save the monarch butterfly. Their population continues to decline and some of the reasons are preventable. One of them is mowing. I have shared this article before (maybe more than once) and would like to share it again. This article was written by Illinois Extension Educator Christopher Enroth and is so very important in monarch conservation. Christopher says: There is something about mowing that is so satisfying. What is it? The smell of cut grass? Taming an unruly landscape? To me, it is measurable progress. It seems so often that modern jobs give few tangible results. So much of our work is in the digital ether. After a full day’s work, I leave the office switching off my computer, and all my toiling vanishes with the click of a mouse. At home, I seek tasks of visual permanence by working with my hands, cleaning, and of course mowing. The desire to mow often expands beyond the yard as many landowners also mow road banks and ditches. However, the constant routine of mowing is harming the monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus. Milkweed is the only plant that monarch caterpillars eat. Milkweed loss is one of the major causes of declining monarch populations.

"Parents and caregivers play a critical role in nurturing the mental well-being of children and teens."

As the end of summer draws near and schools supplies pop up in local stores, parents and kids alike start focusing on the new school year. While the new year brings a level of excitement and anticipation, parents wonder on how to make the new school year successful for their children. This article by Illinois Extension County Director Karla Belzer explains how to do this:

"Freezers are being stocked with more than just ice cream; sorbet, sherbet, gelato, frozen yogurt and even Greek frozen yogurt are competing with ice cream’s hungry audience"

Within the United States, one-third of married couples are distressed, and almost half of the first marriages and more than half of unmarried cohabiting relationships end in divorce or separation. Additionally, relationship distress has been linked to partners’ and their children’s mental and physical health problems. Maintaining a strong relationship with your spouse or romantic partner can be a challenge. And when you need help, getting trustworthy, effective relationship support can be just as challenging. Relationship education can help you build the life you deserve.

"Awe has a positive impact on our immune system, specifically our cytokine system. This is where our body fights off sickness and helps heal wounds."