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 Issues Loyalties to Friends and Family Intimacy and Sexual Problems Children Jealousy Housework

Resolving Conflict Positive Resolution Strategy –Compromise –Understanding Imperfection Negative Resolution Strategy –Blaming –Ignoring the Issue

Activity The Best Resolution Is…

Parenthood

Bearing Children Planned 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 Children Setting 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 Attention Provide a Safe Environment Be Unselfish Listen

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