Blended Family Workshop


	Blended Family Workshop *Designing a Successful Remarriage: Blending a Family* Carri and Gordon Taylor are seasoned stepfamily professionals. They have been a stepcouple for over 22 years. They brought five children to the marriage. They have 10 grandchildren between them and are raising Carri’s oldest biological granddaughter who is 17 and has been with them since birth. With biblically-based information, the Taylor’s present practical guidelines for facing the inevitable challenges of stepfamily life. If you are in a stepfamily, considering remarriage, divorced with children, or a professional who counsels stepfamilies, this conference offers critical information and guidance to overcome the stresses that threaten to divide and separate the stepfamily.
Saturday, May 3, 2008 • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. • room 226-228 Breakfast & lunch provided Register online—No Cost to attend Breakfast & registration begin at 8:30 a.m. Workshop Agenda 8:30–9:00 • Registration 9:00–9:45 • Introduction: Apples & Oranges First marriages are “apples” – subsequent marriages are “oranges.” In this presentation basic fundamental differences between the two are explored. 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 three reasons for re-divorce are also presented. 9:45-10:30 • Bio-Force Meet the Weakest Link 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. 10:30–10:45 • Break 10:45–11:45 • Step-Discipline The parenting problems presented here are universal to stepfamilies where one or both bring children. Learning the important principles of stepparenting & discipline (what works & what doesn't) will enhance the chance for remarriage success & couple satisfaction. 11:45–12:30 • Lunch 12:30-1:45 • Money & Stuff Every marriage has to handle money & stuff. With a remarriage this is amplified and underlies all other stepfamily problems. It is the #2 reason for the break up of second or subsequent marriages and one of the least discussed areas before any marriage takes place. This time we come with assets, debts, children, lack of trust (we got burned), as well as different styles of spending and saving. Different models of financial management, along with the Taylor's personal experiences are presented. 1:45–2:00 • Break 2:00–3:15 • What About Us One of the major questions stepcouples ask is, “What about us?” Not only the stepfamily but the couple relationship also forms backwards. The issues facing the developing remarried couple relationship can be confusing & emotionally charged. Among the concepts presented are “primary and foundational,” “reclaiming the territory” & the “tasks of remarriage.” 3:15-4:00 • Evaluations / Questions & Answers