Mastering the Mysteries of Stepfamilies Success Story

Mastering the Mysteries of Stepfamilies (MMS) is a 24-hour course teaching the communication skills and stepfamily guidelines needed to build and maintain a successful, satisfying step-marriage and stepfamily. Why should couples in a stepfamily attend a program like MMS? The divorce rates for stepfamilies is upwards of 65%.  The main reason cited is because stepfamilies have significantly more stress than first families. Stepfamilies have to deal with multiple sets of expectations, stepparent/child relationships, compromising on traditions, and extremely sensitive boundaries in addition to normal marital strain.

Jim and Sheri are just one couple who have the opportunity to see their relationship and stepfamily transform with the help of MMS. This is the fourth marriage for both, whom have been married for ten years.

They have spent years struggling with the same problems many stepfamilies deal with: frustration with step-related issues, disillusioned with the marriage, and locked into their own positions on issues.  Over time, they built a wall of distance and distrust. Research indicates lack of empathy as one of the key factors in stepfamily failure.

Jim and Sheri recently participated in a Mastering the Mysteries of Stepfamilies class where they learned how to “become” their partner in order to think and feel the concerns and desires of the other partner. Empathy has brought about a softening in Jim and Sheri’s positions enabling them to work on solutions that seemed impossible at one time.  Learning and practicing better communication methods as well as recognizing some of the stepfamily guidelines that were being violated, brought renewed hope for the lifetime success of their marriage and family.

Jim states, “This is communication on steroids!” Sheri adds, “When I sense that Jim really gets me—hears and understands my needs—I relax…and feel a rush of love for him.  In addition, the skills I’ve learned have helped to improve my relationship with my step-children.”

Since learning and using communication skills and stepfamily guidelines, Jim and Sheri’s marriage is becoming the happy marriage they had always hoped for but did not know how to create.

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>> Mastering the Mysteries of Stepfamilies (MMS)

Post Your Marriage Classes – Boost Attendence at Your Program!

California Healthy Marriages Coalition (CHMC) launched a Marriage Class Finder feature on CaMarriage.com to help Californians easily find Marriage Education (ME) and Relationship Skills Training (RST) classes. 

 In its first month, nearly 9,000 visitors viewed CaMarriage.com, 237,000 hits were registered, and over 125 classes were posted on the site!

But these are just numbers.  The reason the Marriage Class Finder exists is to help singles, couples, and parents find and access ME classes to improve their relationships, their marriages, and their families.
 
People are finding the ME/RST classes they want and need at CaMarriage.com!  And spreading the word to others too!
 
This quote was posted by missmarjan1 at the ProjectWedding blog: “Hi ladies. My FI found this site and I thought I’d pass it along. It provides info on workshops held in CA that are intended to prepare engaged couples for a healthy marriage. (It also has info on workshops for married couples). www.CaMarriage.com“
 
Pastors, counselors, marriage educators, lay leaders, community intiative leaders are invited to list ME/RST classes on CaMarriage.com.  (On the homepage, look for the “MARRIAGE EDUCATORS: List your classes on CaMarriage.com!” link).  
 
Examples of ME/RST classes include:
 
-Encounter Retreats
-Small Groups going through a marriage or relationship series
-Weekend marriage retreat or conference for couples
-Stepfamily class using a curriculum or program (no support groups please)
-Premarital classes or workshops
-Classes for individuals or couples in a distressed marriage relationship
-Trainings for leaders in a marriage/relationship program (i.e. PREPARE/ENRICH)
-Relationship-skills classes for singles or high-schoolers
 
Some of the most-listed programs include: Mastering the Mysteries of Love, 10 Great Dates, Marriage Encounter, and Engaged Encounter.  The Marriage Class Finder is for standardized programs, research-backed programs, faith-based programs, and originally-designed programs.
 
Our only criteria is (1) the class is open to the entire community, (2) the course content focuses primarily on teaching couples and/or individuals skills to help their relationship and/or marriage thrive, and (3) the class occurs within California. 

It’s simple, easy, and free to list your ME/RST classes at CaMarriage.com 

Individuals and couples can find ME classes even easier!

CHMC made searching for classes even easier by swapping out the zip code search feature with a much easier to use Geographic Region dropdown box (search Southern California, Central California, Northern California - Inland, Northern California – Coastal, Entire State).  

The Stage of Relationship dropdown box has been expanded so it is easier for people to find the classes they want and need.  The stages include: Youth & Singles, Seriously Dating & Engaged, General Marriage Enrichment, Newly Married, New/Exectant Parents, Step Family, Empty Nesters, and Distressed Marriages.  

The Language dropdown box currently has English, Spanish, Korean and Other. 

With the simple click of the Search button – searchers are provided with a summary of classes that meet their specific criteria, as well as a customized Google Map that plots every class on the list.  For more specific details on the class, the searcher simply clicks on the title of the class for a description of the class, the location of the class, and registration details including cost, contact information to reserve a spot at the class. 

 So what are you waiting for?  Go list your ME/RST classes and join California’s fastest-growing clearinghouse of ME classes!