Blended families...mid life...

We had a great visitor this week in class…Sister Williams. We learned a bit more about some of the challenges of a blended family. It was fun to hear from real life experience and to see such a happy ending! We also learned the factors that can lead to divorce and the risks. Brother Williams mentioned that in his experience about 70% of the people that had gotten a divorce wished they would have worked it out and stayed in the marriage. Things are not always greener! We then moved into the later years in life and what can come with mid-life. This is a bit close to home as I am considered in this very range. I don’t think it is as bad as the class made it seem. I almost left crying because getting old sounded so hard! That just brings me back to my theory…Things are usually harder thinking about them than just doing it! Great class! Loved learning more about family systems!

Parenting

We learned so many interesting parenting techniques this week. I have been applying some of what I learned in class at home and I really think they could be on to some great ideas. I think my favorite parenting idea this week is... to simply ask politely what I would like done be specific with my request and polite. Follow up when needed with "I" messages and firm direction. Although it seems really simple at times it is easier for me just to pick things up or overlook something until it may become an issue. I need to work on direct communication and follow up! I even enjoyed the video clips. To learn more and learn what type of parenting style you might have go to activeparenting.com