Back-to-School and Marriage Education
August is here, and your Texas A&M AgriLife Hopkins County Extension Office is buzzing with activity! Other than the Back-to-School Fair, County 4-H Achievement Banquet, “Certified Judges’ Training for Fairs, Festivals, and Events” which will all take place in August, I want to remind everyone that on August 25, the last Twogether in Texas Marriage Education workshop for 2018 will be held.
Twogether in Texas is a state-recognized marriage education program. This workshop is provided three times every year – February, May, and August. The workshop provides engaged couples, married couples, or seriously dating couples with sound advice and useful information on building a strong marriage foundation. Through videos, group and couple interaction, and hands-on activities, couples learn ways to improve communication, resolve conflict, and effectively manage resources of time and money. Here is a brief synopsis of the segments provided in the workshop:
- Marriage Expectations: Have you discussed who will do the cleaning, cooking, gathering the trash, grocery shopping, mowing, car care, bill paying, etc.? This session takes a look at expectations that individuals bring to the marriage, whether spoken or unspoken. How many, if any, children do you want to have? How will childcare be handled? This and much more are covered in this important segment.
- Communication: You have probably heard about books written on the different ways men and women communicate…and it’s true! This fun segment will help couples understand how each person communicates. Neither way is wrong – just different! We’ll also take a look at the importance of making sure that what you are communicating is completely understood. Different words have different meanings in a relationship. We’ll particularly look at the words “fine” and “nothing.” The comical video sketch hits the nail on the head when it comes to how easily misunderstandings can get in the way!
- Conflict Resolution: This is perhaps is the most important segment of the day. Conflict is inevitable, but how couples handle the conflict makes all the difference. We’ll go through a process using a hypothetical conflict, and allow couples to work their way through it, while both discuss what they can do to solve the problem. Once we realize how both parties contribute to the problem, the solution is also found by both of the working together for a solution.
- Money Management: Often times, couples state that money is the number one source of conflict. Actually, control is the problem. We’ll explore money management in a way that is simple, yet very effective. Couples need to realize that small leaks can sink a mighty ship. Small money leaks here and there can leave a feeling of concern. Couples will explore income versus expenses and find a way to manage their resources to the fullest. The bean game adds fun to this segment – how many beans will you have left, if any?
- Goals and Dreams: This is my favorite segment! All couples need to have dreams and goals. Do you know what you want your marriage to look like 5, 15, 25 years or more down the road? What are the goals your relationship, your family, your career? We’ll hear from couples who have been together for years, and learn the secret of their success.
If this sounds like something you would like to attend, please call our office. As of this writing, three couples are signed up, but we have room for more! Here are the details again:
– When: Saturday, August 25
– Where: Hopkins County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs
– Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
– Cost: no charge! Even better is the fact that engaged couples will receive a certificate to save $60 (the state portion) when applying for a marriage license at the County Clerk’s office.
– Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Please call 903-885-3443 to sign up so adequate preparations can be made.
Cooking Well with Diabetes
If you would like information on recognizing carbohydrate foods, reducing sodium and fat in the diet, increasing fiber, and celebrating with diabetes, you might be interested in attending this 4-lesson series, scheduled for September. Watch for details coming soon, but you can add these dates to your calendar: Mondays and Thursdays, September 10, 13, 17, and 20. Two times are being offered to accommodate everybody’s schedules – 1:30, repeated at 6:00 p.m. Classes will be held at the Hopkins County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office. Cost is $25 for the entire series. Please call 903-885-3443 if you have questions or would like to sign up.
Closing Thought
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. – Albert Schweitzer
Johanna Hicks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Family & Consumer Sciences
1200-B W. Houston
P.O.Box 518
Sulphur springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443 – phone
903-439-4909 – Fax
[email protected]
