Archive for ‘Marriage Resource Center’
April 20, 2013
As you and your spouse improve your conflict resolution skills, it sets the tone for the next generation. If you already have children don’t hide your minor conflicts from them. Let them see that you can disagree, work it out, and then reconcile.
Families and the Cities We Want
British Archbishop Vincent Nichols recently addressed the question “What kind of city do we want?” He pointed out that people make the city; moreover, the family “is the first school of citizenship, and loving, stable families are the vital building block of every city, as they are of any human society.”
April 19, 2013
(Especially for Empty Nesters) Where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday that…(Fill in the blank.) Your job as a parent may be over but you can still worry. Deal with the worry through prayer.
April 18, 2013
(Especially for Parents of Teens) You’re seldom right (in your teenager’s eyes). Stay tight with your spouse because you need each other to discern when to be flexible and when to hang tough. Remind each other you’re not crazy.
April 17, 2013
(Especially for Active Parents) The middle years of marriage can be swamped with complex childcare arrangements, overtime work, and little sleep. It’s tempting to want to give up. Spell each other. Simplify what you can. Love your kids but don’t let them boss you around.
Fear Itself
Fear for their children’s safety hits Josh and Stacey in a personal way. How can parents take reasonable precautions but not live in fear?
April 16, 2013
(Especially for newly marrieds) The early years are usually full of adjustments and new traditions. Are there any customs from your families of origin (such as how you celebrate Christmas or how you vacation) that you need to let go of?
Couples Benefit When Dad Is Involved with the Kids
A new study finds that marriages benefit when a husband relates well with his children and is involved with them. Their marriages also benefit when he participates in household chores. These are important ways husbands connect with their wives.
Teething and Taxes
Sara writes that her life as a stay-at-home mom has become like the movie “Groundhog Dog,” as she follows the same routine over and over. Is that such a bad thing?
April 15, 2013
(Reader’s Tip) Wake up each morning vowing to make the decision to love your spouse no matter what. When you feel anger or negativity, look at your spouse and remember your decision to love.
April 14, 2013
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?” (John 21:16) Sometimes married couples feel they have to fish for compliments or for those magic words, “I love you.” Can you be the first to say them to your beloved today? If you missed being first, try being the last.
April 13, 2013
How can you support your spouse or child if they want to change a bad habit? Say or write the goal out loud as a start. Join them in the process. Help them set a reward/consequence. Don’t rescue but be there to comfort if they don’t succeed – yet!
April 12, 2013
(Reader’s Tip) It’s important to remember your priorities in your marriage. Never sweat the small things that may get on your nerves about your partner.
Cave Refectory Road
The author writes,“I sense that there’s a deep stream of possibility in the monastic way that can help us in the 21st century to find new ways to live.” The monastic rhythm, he says, suggests that “most of our hurrying is unnecessary and perhaps even harmful.”
April 11, 2013
Remember your first real date? Can you recreate it in some way this week – go to the same place? the same movie? wear the same clothes? If you can’t remember your actual date, make up a fantasy one and talk about the way it might have gone down.
April 10, 2013
True love goes much deeper than physical attraction but there is also a very physical dimension to feeling loved. Share what you find especially attractive about your beloved’s body.
April 9, 2013
Many married couples’ lives are hectic. Take a rest break today. Yes, you may have responsibilities, but if you can’t find a time to rest today, commit to doing it some day this week. Rest in each other’s arms for a moment/an hour.
Finding Community
Stacey writes: “Joshua and I find that those relationships that are most dear, most life-giving and most enduring are with peers who are faithful and who push us to grow.” She explains in her latest blog post.
What Does the Rising Cohabitation Rate Mean for America?
New research studies show that many women are choosing cohabitation over marriage as their first union. What are the benefits and costs of delayed marriage?
Following Francis
Justin reflects on the example offered by Pope Francis and his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi. He discusses how meeting Gus’s needs has helped to lessen his attachment to material goods.
April 8, 2013
Is there an older married couple whom you admire? What one or two things have you learned from them?
April 7, 2013
Are you a “Doubting Thomas?” Sometimes we doubt our beloved’s good intentions; sometimes we doubt our own ability to live up to our commitments. Trust takes time and a track record. Have you earned your beloved’s trust? Not sure? Ask.
April 6, 2013
Politeness and good manners are not just for adults and job interviews. Teach your children basic courtesy, greetings, and not to interrupt. It can make everyone’s life at home less stressful. Model it with your spouse.
April 5, 2013
Chivalry and the art of politeness may seem out of vogue in favor of honesty and equality. A little romantic courtliness, however, can counter taking each other for granted. Just for fun, see who can “out-polite” the other.
April 4, 2013
(Reader’s Tip) If you want your marriage to be happy, whenever you’re wrong, admit it. Whenever you’re right, shut up.
