1. Changing Families

2. Family Changes 1.15 million couples divorce each year. Approximately 1 in 2 new marriages end in divorce. 3.7 million children in the U.S. live with grandparents. 1.4 million of those children do so without their own parents living with them. 25 % of all families are step families. 13% of all families are single parent. The average family moves about 12 times during their lives.

3. Impact of Change Change adds stress. Change may confuse parent roles. Some family members may respond by abusing drugs or alcohol. Children’s behavior may change. Communication problems may increase. Financial problems may result. Change may impact families in several ways:

4. Strategies For Coping With Change

5. A Family Support System.

6. Taking care of oneself.

7. Family Cooperation

8. Ten Commandments for an Enthusiastic Family Help each other be right - not wrong. Look for ways to make new ideas work - not for reasons they won’t. If in doubt - check it out! Don’t make negative assumptions about each other. Help each other win and take pride in each other’s victories. Speak positively about each other and about your family at every opportunity.

9. Ten Commandments for an Enthusiastic Family Maintain a positive mental attitude no matter what the circumstances. Act with initiative and courage as if it all depends on you. Do everything with enthusiasm - it’s contagious! Whatever you want - give it away. Have fun!!

10. Group Activity Case Studies

11. Summary