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)
To explore the similarities and contrasts between poor and non-poor families, Child Trends analyzed data for more than 100,000 families from the 2003 National Survey of Children’s Health. Our results suggest that, although poor families experience socioeconomic disadvantages, these families may be enriched by the strengths found in their family routines and relationships. Specifically, we […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Distinguished scholars reported to the National Healthy Marriage Resource Center (NHMRC) on new working papers or recently published research that they believe has significance to the field of marriage and relationship education. Because the field of marriage education draws from a variety of disciplines, there is no single source easilyidentified as the resource for the […]
There is a strong correlation between family stability and the family’s social and economic well-being. Two-parent, married families are touted as the ideal environment for raising children. Research shows that stable, two parent married households are connected to various positive outcomes for child well-being. In addition, there are various positive psychological,emotional and economic outcomes for […]
Long distance relationships are more common than ever. Reasons for this include technological advancementsthat allow for communication without being face-to-face, the popularity of online dating, and a rise in work related travel and military deployment. Maintaining an intimate bond with your partner while many miles separate the two of you is a challenge. This tip […]
This guide provides practical strategies to help you recruit teens into your MRE services. Consider the following four tips: Know and be able to explain why teen marriage/relationship education matters Choose a setting and/or partnership Market your message Consider all your recruitment options (Author abstract)
Money can be the number one source of frustration in relationships. These frustrations ring true for couples regardless of the length of their courtship or the number of years they have been married. This Tip Sheet offers tips to help couples handle the financial strain that often accompanies a long-term relationship. (Author abstract)