The second part in a 3-part series, this brief explains effective strategies for active listening between couples. The strategies include: use body language that signals that you are listening intently to your partner; after the speaker has communicated their point, pause to reflect on what has been said and replay in your own words what you believe the speaker tried to communicate; do not use restating your partner's communication as an opportunity to further state your point or voice a disagreement; and convey that you understand what has been communicated. A list of additional resources is…
The third part in a 3-part series, this brief explains common communication mistakes couples make including: criticism, sarcasm and cynicism, mounting a counter attack when feeling defensive, and engaging in the silent treatment. For each communication foul, an example is provided to illustrate the offending behavior and strategies are recommended for more effective communication. A list of additional resources is provided.
This fact sheet explores some common features of emotional cheating and offer strategies to avoid emotional cheating. It begins by defining emotional cheating as an intimacy between two people who are in a committed relationship to other persons and does not immediately include a physical relationship. Strategies for avoiding emotional cheating are then explained and include: save emotionally intimate conversation for your partner; set rules and expectations for your platonic friendship; be careful of online relationships and office relationships; and do not discuss intimate details about…
With over 100,000 military members currently deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, many military couples continue to face the prospect of additional deployments. Keeping your marriage strong while you are apart takes dedication, patience, trust and commitment. The following tips can help you work towards building and strengthening your own healthy marriage. (Author abstract)
Brief
This fact sheet explains the reasons married couples sometimes have difficulty communicating, urges couples to realize that a positive attitude and a win-win mentality will help, and recommends couples take a break from a discussion if communication becomes too difficult. Ground rules for communicating a message are then discussed and include: pick the right time, begin a conversation in a positive, non-threatening way; speak for yourself; be short and to the point; avoid making assumptions; stop, pause, and listen; and move on once you are sure your message has been understood.
Brief
Good communication is one of the most critical parenting skills. Teenagers struggle with autonomy and attachment throughout adolescence. This tip sheet provides guidelines for effective communication with teenagers. It explains that parents can develop an atmosphere for communication by co-creating a foundation of trust and openness.
This information sheet provides tips on how fathers can not only build relationships with their children but also build their self confidence through consistent, positive communication and encouragement. The sheet also contains a list of topics for further discussion as well as recommendations for books and movies.
In 2005, approximately 520,000 children were removed from their homes and placed in foster care. More than half of these children were removed from their homes because of an incidence of abuse or neglect. Approximately 80 percent of these children had noncustodial fathers, and roughly 54 percent had no contact with their father in the past year. This fact sheets discusses the importance and implications of foster care for fathers and children. (Author abstract)