09 Jan
  • By timcooper
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Operational Issues for Marriage Education Programs

For those who are new to workshop delivery, the logistics can demand equal time and preparation. A potential participant’s first impression of your program can be the deciding factor in their involvement. Regardless of how helpful your program may be; neglecting factors like comfort, convenience and environment can negatively impact perceptions of and participation in […]

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09 Jan
  • By timcooper
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Relationship Education for Unwed, Expectant Couples: Guidelines for Practitioners

Couples having a baby are an audience who benefit greatly from marriage/relationship education (MRE). Having a baby is an especially important opportunity for unmarried couples to assess their relationships. To keep unmarried couples involved in your MRE program, it is beneficial to respect that they are facing many difficult choices and that you are there […]

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09 Jan
  • By timcooper
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Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Marriage: What’s the Connection?

Marriage and relationship education (MRE) and responsible fatherhood (RF) programs share the goal of improving the lives of children by strengthening the interpersonal skills of their parents. The origins of these program areas are distinct: MRE began primarily as a way to prepare couples for marriage whereas RF was originally designed to prepare unmarried fathers […]

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09 Jan
  • By timcooper
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Training Marriage Education Practitioners

Marriage educators are the face of your marriage and relationship education program. Proper training is critical to your program’s success. These individuals must have the knowledge and skills to appropriately respond to questions about the curriculum, identify unhealthy (and potentially violent) relationships, set boundaries, and effectively facilitate and/or present information. This is no small task, […]

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09 Jan
  • By timcooper
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When an Incentive Isn’t an Incentive

An incentive, for purposes of this Tip Sheet, means a reward available for participating in a marriage education program. An incentive may have direct value, like a restaurant gift card, or may have an indirect value, like a certificate of completion for a free/reduced marriage license. Incentives can be for each couple, participant or just […]

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09 Jan
  • By timcooper
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Personal and Professional Boundaries for Marriage Educators

It only takes one visit to many marriage education classes to hear couples sing the praises of the program. Oftentimes, they’re engaged by the ability of the marriage educators to teach a compelling and healing message. But the boundary between the marriage educator and the participant has to remain clear in order for the program […]

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09 Jan
  • By timcooper
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First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage…Right? (How Do We Know If We’re Ready?)

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 […]

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09 Jan
  • By timcooper
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Getting Married (Again): Tips for Blending Families

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 […]

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