Marriage Course - August 20, 2012

Day 4 - The Third and Fourth Seasons of Marriage - Autumn and Winter

Autumn
• season of richness and maturity-reaping
• the benefits of what has gone before
• marriage more established having weathered tough times
• may be teenagers in the house
• emotionally the most exhausting stage of parenting
• the greatest need is to support and encourage each other

Winter
• empty-nest stage for many
• probably fewer demands with an opportunity for more time together
• can be the most exciting stage of marriage
• the greatest needs are shared interests and good communication

Question:Reflect on what you've heard so far. If you are in one of these seasons, talk together about the pressures you've worked through until now in your relationship, and the pressures you're currently facing. If you’re not here yet, what do you think it will be like?

From Series: Marriage | More Messages from Marriage Course | Download Audio

From Series: "Marriage"

Study Guide

More Messages Associated With "Family"...

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Show an interest

  • involves effort and generosity
  • listen to what appeals to your child(ren)

Avoid shutting them down

  • value their ideas
  • allow them to express negative feelings such as disappointments, embarrassments, sadness, anxiety, and anger.

Reflect back

  • repeat back to your child what you think he or she is saying
  • reflect back to your child some of his or her words, but not in parrot fashion, as that can be annoying
  • concentrate on reflecting back the feelings you think your child is trying to express, e.g. it sounds like you feel upset or frustrated or sad?
  • reflective listening will help your child(ren) to frame their own feelings

Complete the attached worksheet.

 

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