Human Sciences Extension and Outreach
Family Life
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Dawn Dunnegan
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As the holiday season quickly approaches, holiday stressors tend to sneak up as well, says Dawn Dunnegan, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. She offers tips for taking control of time and money commitments during the holidays.
Parents will not find the “summer slide” at their kids’ local playground in June, July and August. However, teachers often have to deal with it when their students return to the classroom next fall, says Dawn Dunnegan, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. However, summer vacation does not have to be a learning wasteland.
Although it may feel like summer has just begun, it is not too soon for families to begin preparing their children to head back to school. Following a routine during the summer can lead to back-to-school success, says Dawn Dunnegan, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will be offering five additional online “Question. Persuade. Refer.” programs beginning Tuesday, June 16. Agribusiness professionals, producers, sheriffs, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, veterans and military members can register to participate at no cost.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. ISU Extension and Outreach is offering weekly, online “Question. Persuade. Refer.” sessions. QPR is a suicide prevention program that teaches participants three steps to help save a life from suicide.
Parenting is a skill and good parenting may need to be taught, especially for those who might not have had an ideal role model when they were children. ISU Extension and Outreach is addressing this skills gap with “ACT Raising Safe Kids” education for parents.
Iowans can help prevent suicide by reducing stigma about seeking mental health services and recognizing that mental health treatment is healthcare, said Dawn Dunnegan, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Every year in September, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. This is also an opportunity to reduce the stigma that often surrounds the topic of suicide and mental health conditions, said Dawn Dunnegan, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.