This tip card offers guidance to fatherhood practitioners who are facilitating groups. Participation in peer learning and support groups is a key ingredient of many fatherhoodprograms. When done effectively, group sessions can be the “glue” that keeps men involved in a wider program and leadsto powerful life changes for them and their families.
One of the first steps to fighting cancer is to understand that you are not alone. Many couples successfully cope with cancer together and allow their relationship to thrive. Life happens despite cancer; there is no "pause" button. However, by being prepared and proactive, cancer can actually bring a couple together as a team, even in the face of a terminal diagnosis. The following tips offer ways that couples can work together to battle the impact of cancer and maintain a healthy relationship. (Author abstract modified)
The Internet, along with mobile phones, has come to play a part in communications within intimate partner relationships. This Fact Sheet examines the use of online and mobile technology by teens and adults and how that technology is influencing how they communicate and interact with their romantic partners. It includes data on how many people are using the Internet to meet and find partners but also how the Internet and mobile technology can contribute to strains on relationships. (Author abstract)
A cancer diagnosis is a game changer on many levels for a couple. It affects not only the diagnosed partner but also the well partner as it has financial, family, and medical implications. Cancer often becomes a daily conversation and can have the potential to damage a couple's relationship. Life happens despite cancer; there is no "pause" button. By being prepared and proactive, the experience of cancer can actually bring a couple together as a team, even in the face of a terminal diagnosis. This Tip Sheet for marriage and relationship education (MRE) practitioners offers ways to encourage…
Substance abuse affects millions of families either directly or indirectly, and the abuse of both legal and illegal substances is a prominent concern for public health officials throughout the world. Many addicts who stop using point to the strength, persistence, and understanding they received from a spouse, family member or friend as a major reason for their recovery. The purpose of this Tip Sheet is to offer hope and practical suggestions for you as your partner is struggling with addiction. It is not meant to replace therapy or counseling. Like most other suggestions, keep in mind that…
Marriage, although it is considered a private matter in many respects, is a public health issue. There is a body of evidence that positively links marriage with physical and mental health. Furthermore, research suggests that child well-being is improved when the child's parents are married. In recent years, social service providers across the U.S. have begun offering relationship education services to young single people and couples to strengthen their relationships and teach skills that foster healthy relationships. There are opportunities for social service organizations to continue this…
Family priorities often must come second to military orders. When one spouse returns from deployment and begins the homecoming process, the couple may feel as if they are on an emotional rollercoaster. They may experience intense anticipation, anxiety, restlessness, impatience, and excitement. It is also typical to feel resentment, disappointment, frustration, and grief over losses of freedom or independence. It may take the couple several months to find a healthy balance in their relationship again after the deployment. Furthermore, it is common for military couples to deal with Post-…
Welcome home from your military deployment! For the next few months, you may feel as if you are on an emotional rollercoaster, full of both excitement and anxiety. You may also experience feelings of resentment, disappointment, and frustration. Don't worry--this emotional cycle is normal. The most important thing to keep in mind is that getting back into a positive routine with your spouse will take time. Things won't be like they were before the deployment--you both have grown and changed as a result of this challenge--but you can be an even stronger couple.After a deployment, it is common…
This factsheet explores the relationship between men's prenatal involvement and the quantity and quality of fathers' involvement with their children and partners following the birth. Research is cited that indicates men who are involved with their partners during pregnancy and around the time of birth are likely to exhibit higher levels and quality of involvement with their children following birth. In addition, prenatal involvement may hold benefits for fathers themselves. Studies suggest: fathers' prenatal involvement is significantly related to a higher quantity of involvement following…
This brief defines forgiveness and then explains the difficulties facilitators may encounter when teaching forgiveness in marriage and relationship (MRE) education classes. Strategies that can be shared with couples are listed and include: reflect on your mutual behaviors during the day and focus on actions that are life-giving and kind, spend little time reflecting on mistakes, learn to live without perfection, expect some pain in life, understand that there is little value in holding grudges, slow down the pace of making judgments, focus on your abilities, achievements, and goals as a…
