This Week's Program
Suviving Parenting
“[Becoming a parent] is a very exciting, momentous event that we expect to go on being lovely; but all kinds of new stressors pop into your relationship. In a little bit of time, you’re over the big bubble and you’re wondering what hit me!” —Carol Lindquist, Ph.D.
Carol Lindquist raises parenting issues that concern us but we sometimes don’t talk about: do you lose your temper with your kids? Are you always too tired for sex? Do you argue more since having children?—(And worry about that since you try to tell the kids that your arguments as a couple are not their fault.)
Listen - Transcript - Study Guide
Continue ReadingMy Turn
Just Sayin'
Emily Ralph
My dog, Chase, recently reached an amazing milestone in his journey: he is fully treadmill trained. With the crazy winter we had this year, he desperately needed his daily exercise and I desperately needed not to have to walk him in the snow when it’s eight degrees outside!
Continue ReadingThis Week's Resources
WEBSITES
Doctor Carol’s Happy Couple Handbook - Dr. Lindquist’s own website listing focused resources related to marriage and many issues facing couples.
Third Way Café - Links to numerous articles on Parenting and Marriage.
VIDEO
Emily Ralph videotaped her child—her “special needs” dog, Chase—walking on a treadmill. Chase only has three legs and was badly abused before Emily adopted him. Emily is the “Just Sayin’ My Turn speaker for Shaping Families.
BOOKS
The Happy Couple Handbook – Marriage: How to Survive Parenting by Carol Ummel Lindquist. A guide to help you make a smooth transition from partnership to parenthood while preserving intimacy. With check lists, tips and how-to’s in every chapter, the author reveals what you can do to protect and work through normal problems to make your marriage better. Independent Publishers (IBPA), 17.99. Also available as an e-book and audio download from her website.
Monday Marriage by Gerald and Marlene Kauffman. Presents a new approach to marriage. (Herald Press $9.99)
Lasting Marriage: The Owner’s Manual. A book by Shaping Families counselor Harvey Yoder based on the premise that relationships need at least as much care and maintenance as we give any other valued possession, such as a motor vehicle. Quirky cartoons on the topic of marriage by the late artist/actor Lee Eshleman. (Herald Press $11.95)
Related Resources
BOOKS
As for Me and My House: Crafting a Marriage to Last. By Walter Wangerin, Jr.
Six tasks of marriage—the most important being that of forgiveness—will give you the tools to nurture and maintain a strong marital relationship. (Nelson Books $14.99)
Parenting & Partnering With Purpose. By Natalie A. Francisco, also a Shaping Families “My Turn” speaker. The book focuses on forging good connections between parents and schools in raising children. (St. Paul Press $11.99)
WEBSITES
The coalition for Marriage, Families and Couples Education.
Marriage Savers: Preparing, Strengthening and Restoring Marriages
Recovery of Hope Recovery of Hope specializes in intensive weeks of marital therapy based on sound psychological and relational principles and spiritual values.
AUDIO
Third Way Media has produced radio spots on parenting issues, Parenting on the Edge. They won a Gracie Award in 2004 from American Women in Radio & Television. You can find the radio spots and scripts here. Encourage your local radio station to use the spots.
Burton's Blog
Hey, Babe, You Want to Go Out Tonight?
Burton Buller
Judging from my experience, regular dating is one of the keys to an extended and successful marriage. Carol Lundquist, the guest on this week’s Shaping Families radio program has it right.
Continue ReadingNext Week
A mother and daughter both lost their husbands in the space of nine days—killed in separate traffic accidents. Edith Shenk Kuhns and her daughter Rose Shenk both tell their stories on the next edition of Shaping Families. Rose had four young sons at the time. Their experiences will be helpful for others going through traumatic loss and journeying through grief.
Favorite Family Recipes
Cheese Grits Casserole
Updates
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