The Life Cycle Continues: Marriage and Parenthood

Kristina Deering, Amanda Jimenez,

Elizabeth Ronan, and Jaclyn Rothberg

Background Information

Marriage and Family Class at UF– College Seniors

– Required Prior to Graduation

– Today: Learn About the Responsibility that Comes with Marriage and Parenthood

Today’s Plan

Love Cups Why Marry? How to Live for Better or Worse Husbands and Wives What About Kids? Summary Scenarios Have Fun!

Introduction

Traditional U.S. Marriages Symbolize:– Love– Loyalty– Commitment

More than 68% of Marriages Fail Families are not as Stable Society is a Reflection of its People

Possible Graph: Marriage and Divorce Rates

Marriage

Commitment A promise or a pledge

– Marriage is ongoing

– Marriage is long-term Decision to commit in marriage means

spending the rest of your life with someone else

Should not be scared of commitment

Reasons for Marriage

Love- To regard with passionate and devoted

affection, as that of one sex for the other Desire to Leave Home

– An unhealthy home environment can influence a marriage decision

Reasons for Marriage

Pregnancy– Can occur before or after

engagement

– “Shotgun Wedding”

– May be a result of personal, familial, religious, or cultural preferences

Reasons for Marriage

Finance– The need for monetary security in life

– Benefits from government, insurance, etc. Fear of Loneliness

– Spinsters

– Growing old

– Fear of not finding someone else

Successful Marriages

Marital Adjustment– How well people adjust and adapt to

marriage and to each other Same Social Background and Values Communication Spousal Roles

Activity

Husbands and Wives

Conflicts in Marriage

Financial IssuesLoyalties to Friends and Family Intimacy and Sexual ProblemsChildrenJealousyHousework

Resolving Conflict

Positive Resolution Strategy– Compromise

– Understanding ImperfectionNegative Resolution Strategy

– Blaming

– Ignoring the Issue

Activity

The Best Resolution Is…

Parenthood

Bearing ChildrenPlanned Pregnancy

– Making a decision to get pregnant before the baby is conceived

Prior to Pregnancy Need to Discuss– Maturity– Financial stability– Social and Cultural

Unplanned Pregnancy

Discipline of ChildrenSetting Limits

– Clear set of Rules

Self-directed– Making correct decisions

about behavior when adults are not around to enforce rules

Guidelines

Instilling Values

Value– A principle, standard, or quality

considered worthwhile or desirable Set Positive Examples Teach Right from Wrong

Clueless: Parenthood Clip

Unconditional Love

Give AttentionProvide a Safe EnvironmentBe UnselfishListen

Final Thoughts

“All married couples should learn the art of battle as they should learn the art of making love. Good battle is objective and honest-never vicious or cruel. Good battle is healthy and constructive, and brings to a marriage the principal of equal partnership.” --Ann Landers

Any Questions?

The End