INTERFAITH PARENTING

Interfaith Parenting Program Goal Target Audience In completion of this support program for participants of all faiths, beliefs and religions, they will have the knowledge and resources to overcome interfaith differences. Additionally, relieving stress and gaining support from the educators and their peers. This program is for but not limited too, interfaith parents, soon to be parents, and interfaith couples seeking guidance before marriage.

Introduction Summarized Interfaith marriages and interfaith parenting provide unique experience for the family unit that may call for intervention. Due to the different beliefs of the couple, conflicts may arise during the identity development of their children. Interfaith families face tensions between upholding and relying on family cohesion and honoring religious freedom. Focusing on problems that may arise in their marriage.

Unit One: Identity Development of Children Unit Goal: Upon completion of this course, interfaith parents will collaborate with peers to promote their child’s identity development. Objective: Objective #1 Participants will select the definition of Erik Eriksons fifth stage of psychosocial development from a multiple choice document. Objective #2 Participants will identify six methods to promote their child’s healthy identity development

UNIT ONE: Identity Development of Children During this unit, individuals will collaborate with their peers by sharing personal experiences and offer suggestions concerning the six topics that promote healthy identity development. Participant will name six topics that promote healthy identity development through a worksheet Participants will define Erik Erikson’s fifth stage of psychosocial development through the a multiple choice quiz Participating in these activities will help the individuals build on their networking skills and instill a sense of community to further identity development

Unit Two: Maintaining Differentiation and Personal Authority Unit Goal: Participants will delve into key spiritual convictions and practices that are most prominent in their daily lives by identifying their core morals and tendencies. Objective: Participants will answer, review and analyze fifteen questions to aid them in stating their own personal opinions with their partner involving interfaith parenting, maintaining differentiation and personal authority in the relationship

UNIT TWO: Maintaining Differentiation and Personal Authority During this unit the individuals will learn and practice maintaining differentiation and personal authority within the relationship. In doing this, they will have increased and sustainable marriage satisfaction which will create a strong foundation for the childrearing process in an interfaith home. The couple will be separated and asked to fill out a questionnaire relating to raising a child with multiple faiths. The purpose of the couple being separated is to reduce the risk of them being influenced by the other so they are able to put down their own opinion, rather than an opinion favoring their partner. Once they complete the questionnaire they will convene with an educator present to discuss their views on the question, even if they are opposing views. The presence of the educator will help guide the couple and support them as they discuss and to help mediate and make sure ones opinions is not getting shut down, and that both are being heard and respected. This will help the couple have healthy constructive conversations.

Unit Three: Conflict of Interfaith Marriage Unit Goal: In completion of this session, participants will learn positive and effective ways they can communicate to their partner. Objective: Objective #1 Individuals will demonstrate the one most common form of spousal expression during conflict. Objective #2 Identify two personality traits between the couple in which they can begin to communicate effectively. Objective #3 Identify two occurring problems and then assess them swiftly to aid and avoid future problems.

UNIT THREE: Conflict of Interfaith Marriages During this unit individuals will learn how to positively and effectively communicate to their partner Participants will engage in three activities and write follow up reflection on the activity. Express emotions, and language communication Reflect and assess emotions and communication activity Participates in role play participating in these activities will help the individuals understand their partners point of view, and effectively learn to communicate their needs to their partner to maintain a stable interfaith relationship.

Program format This program will take place over a three week period, where once a week participants will meet for 3 hours at a time (6pm-9pm). Meetings will be located at the local community center. Hours are conveniently scheduled in the evening as to avoid conflicts with daytime work hours. Free childcare will also be provided to those who are in need of it. For each topic there will be specific activities, discussion and handouts. All materials needed for sessions will be provided for participants in order in ensure they will be able to participate to the best of their abilities. A short break will be provided during each session, where complimentary snacks and drinks will be provided.

Additional Resources Meeting Throughout Greater Cleveland Rabbi Melinda M. Mersack Shaker Hts, OH 44118 (216)-371-0446 Parents As Teachers, Educational and Support Program Manhattan KS 66502 (785)-587-2058.