by Carri & Gordon Taylor
Eight-part VHS or DVD series includes an extensive Study Guide with Scripture references and Biblical principles. Educational and inspirational. As seasoned stepfamily professionals, the Taylors present and illustrate communication collisions, relationship development, discipline, money and "stuff", the stepcouple relationship, and stages of stepfamily development.
Designed for those in stepfamilies, considering remarriage, divorced with children, and professionals. Rich with stepcouples and stepkids sharing their experiences. "Ready-to-use" for workshops, conferences, and small groups.
Descriptions of each presentation: "Introduction & Goals" (4 min) "Apples & Oranges" (16 min) "The Bio-Force Meets the Weakest Link" (21 min) "Step-Discipline" (32 min) "Money & Stuff" (36 min) "What About Us?" (17 min) "Stages of Stepfamily War Pt. 1" (45 min) "Stages of Stepfamily War Pt. 2" (49 min)
Carri & Gordon briefly introduce themselves, others in the Series & tell the goal of the project.
"Lenses of Communication" (44 min)
The
#1 skill in all relationships is communication – this is particularly
true in the intense, committed relationship we call marriage. Carri
developed "The Lenses" to show you the filters and layers that can
cause communication collisions. You will hear the communication
accidents & repairs from other couples as well as how to "cross the
street" into another person's world.
First
marriages are apples – subsequent marriages are oranges. In this
presentation basic fundamental differences between the two will be
explored that many people don't think about. The stepfamily forms
backwards from the biological family. Without recognizing &
preparing for these differences, the stepfamily – and those working
with them – can get set up for major problems.
The
most unpredictable element in stepfamily formation is relationship
development. This presentation explores & literally draws out, how
individuals bond & relationships develop in the stepfamily. This is
also contrasted with the biological family.
The
parenting problems presented here are universal to stepfamilies where
one or both bring children. Learning the important principles of
stepparenting & discipline will enhance the chance for remarriage
success & couple satisfaction. Other couples share their failures
& successes in handling discipline.
Every
marriage has to handle money & stuff. With a remarriage this is
amplified because we've accumulated assets, debts & stuff.
Different models of financial management – along with the struggles
& victories of other couples – are presented.
In
Apples & Oranges the differences between first families and
subsequent families and how stepfamilies form backwards were presented.
Because the couple relationship also forms backwards, the issues facing
the developing remarried couple relationship can be confusing &
emotionally charged. Among the concepts presented are "reclaiming the
territory" & the "tasks of remarriage."
Many
remarried couples are surprised to find the stepfamily jungle a
confusing & sometimes dangerous place to hang out. How to survive
(by identifying the emotional landmines) & win (by dealing with
them productively) is presented. This is filled with the life
experiences of stepcouples & stepkids as they relate their travels
through "World Peace," "Diplomatic Breakdown," and "Battle Engagement"
of the development cycle.
The
drama continues as the principles are outlined and illustrated by
stepcouples & stepkids sharing their continuing journey through
"Infrastructure Rebuilding" and land in the "Post War Era." "Stages..."
is a must-see.
