Asking your partner to attend a relationship education workshop might suggest that you think something is wrong or that you're not happy in your relationship, even if that is not the case. Marriage and relationship education is a fantastic support for couples who are looking to improve an already good relationship or couples who may be struggling with an on-going issue. This tip sheet can help you start your discussion about marriage education with your partner. (Author abstract modified)
Transitions are a part of life. These natural transitions may involve children growing up and moving away, the loss of a parent, or retirement. Individuals respond differently to mid-life transitions based on gender, background and family support. While a mild level of anxiety is common, some find the changes more difficult than others. This tip sheet provides advice for how to navigate mid-life transitions while sustaining, and potentially strengthening, your marriage. (Author abstract modified)
Culture influences marriage and it is helpful for practitioners to understand this influence in order to offer culturally relevant marriage education services. Although Asian Americans make up a relatively small portion of the U.S. population (4.4 percent, Census, 2002), they are highly represented in interracial marriages. Other common characteristics in Asian American households include high rates of marriage, and a larger portion of households are family households. Although the Asian American population is diverse, representing at least 16 different countries and multiple languages, there…
This brief offers recommendations for working with faith-based organizations to support State or local Healthy Marriage Initiatives. It explains that faith communities can offer a solid base of volunteers who are invested and passionate and who can be empowered and equipped to carry on the sustained work of healthy marriage programs. Recommendations are then discussed and include: remember to value places of faith because of the key role they play in strengthening marriages; find a representative within the organization to help you navigate its politics; engage key religious leaders as early…
One way to strengthen Hispanic families and give hope to our society is to promote healthy relationships among couples and make marriage a priority. It is very important to develop a campaign in which the male figure in Hispanic families is motivated to engage in his relationship with his wife and children. Hispanic men need to understand (and be convinced) that they are not just providers, but their involvement is vital to the education and well-being of their children's lives. The following tips were compiled by a program dedicated to serving low-income and migrant working families in…
Parents talk to their kids about all kinds of difficult topics. There are commercials about our kids' brains on drugs, the importance of reading to our kids, and even about staying in school. But we rarely see or hear anything about one of the most important building blocks in our society: healthy marriage. Marriage is something many of us take for granted, but don't really understand. This tip sheet offers ways parents can give their children the tools to enjoy healthy and happy relationships. (Author abstract modified)
Extra-marital affairs don't "just happen." Engaging in an affair can have devastating consequences that affect your life forever. There are clear steps and choices that lead into an affair. By following the tips provided here you can "affair proof" your marriage and prevent infidelity before it begins. (Author abstract modified)
This tip sheet will help you locate a healthy marriage or relationship education program in your area. (Author abstract)
This brief explains three important concepts that should be considered when an individual is deciding whether or not he or she is ready for marriage. Individuals are urged to understand what marriage is really about, examine the motivation to marry, and know a partner well. Questions are listed for individuals to explore in determining their readiness. 9 references.
It is exciting to get married. Marriage offers the opportunity to create a new family and new traditions. However, getting married when there are children involved can bring with it a new set of challenges and anxieties about making your relationship work successfully for a lifetime. Stepfamilies are very common, but creating one can be challenging. In the United States, more than 1,300 stepfamilies are formed every day. It is a great responsibility to model healthy relationships for your children, and now is the perfect time to show them your best stuff! This tip sheet is designed to help…
