• Stepfamilies have to juggle visitation schedules - first families don't.
• Stepfamilies have to share children on holidays, birthdays and other special family occasions - first families don't.
• Stepfamilies have family members who live with at least two sets of house rules - first families don't.
• Stepfamilies hear "You can't tell me what to do. You're not my mom/dad!" - first families don't.

This research-based, educational program curriculum is for remarried or partnering couples and their children, and focuses on building couple and family strength.

Workshop Overview
Smart Steps is a program that is 12 hours, offered in 2-hour sessions once a week over 6 weeks. Adults and children, ages 8 - 14 living in the stepfamily, attend each session. Adults and children work separately and then come together the last 20 minutes of each session.

• Session 1:
  Families Today
• Session 2:
  Changes in You and Your Family
• Session 3:
  Where Are You Coming From?
• Session 4:
  Adults: Strengthening the Couple - Relationship
  Children: Managing Conflict
• Session 5:
  Connections
• Session 6:
  Adults: Building Strong Family Relationships
  Children: What Have We Learned?
  Survivor Challenge

For more information on marriage programs in Jackson County, contact:

Contact:  Marriage Matters Jackson (517) 796-5116
Email:  info@marriagemattersjackson.com

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

Smart Steps For Step Families

Site: Lincoln School
        154 W. Clark St.
        Jackson, MI 49203

Instructor: Bob Pletcher
           
Contact: Andrea Van Camp
Marriage Matters Jackson
(517) 796-5116 
email:  avancamp@uwjackson.org      

Or:     

Bob Pletcher
Community Action Agency
(517) 740-7289 
email:  bpletcher@caajlh.org    

Date/Time:
Wednesdays, January 23rd thru February 27th, 6-8p.m