Marriage and Family Life Unit 8: Facing Divorce

Objective 1: Identify common factors that contribute to problems in a marriage. Addictions Clashing lifestyles Cultural differences Disagreement about whether to have children Disagreement about how to raise children Financial problems and disagreements about spending habits Infidelity Poor communication skills

Objective 1: Identify common factors that contribute to problems in a marriage. Significant age difference Unrealistic expectations of married life Unrealistic role expectations Lack of: – Appreciation – Respect – Self-esteem – Similar beliefs and values – Trust – Maturity

Objective 4: Determine what impact divorce can have on children and other family members. Not making feelings clear or not expressing yourself Not listening to your partner Ignoring and avoiding problems Poor timing when bringing up a serious or controversial subject Making false assumptions or jumping to conclusions Misinterpretation of body language or statements

Objective 3: Distinguish among responses to problems in a marriage. Marriage counseling Legal separation Annulment Desertion Divorce

Objective 4: Identify sources of communication problems in a marriage. Positive A partner may feel relief and show increased self-esteem Relationships with a former spouse may improve Children may feel relief A divorce may provide a new beginning

Objective 4: Identify sources of communication problems in a marriage. Negative Relationships between former spouses may deteriorate Visitation for non-custodial parents may cause friction within the family Parents may encourage the children to choose sides Loss of status in the community may occur after a divorce Emotional reactions can range from anger to loneliness and severe depression Financial distress for both partners may occur

Objective 5: Determine what impact divorce can have on careers. Divorce may create a need for a non-working spouse to find a paying job outside the home Divorce may free a non-custodial parent to put more time and energy into a career Divorce may put an added strain on the custodial parent Depression can affect some partners after a divorce Attending court dates can also require time away from work

Objective 6: Express views about divorce.

Objective 7: Identify potential challenges in remarriages and stepparenting. Emotional Challenges Adjustment Challenges Relationship Challenges

Objective 8: Explore personal attitudes about divorce, remarriage and stepparenting.