Smart Steps -
Stepfamilies are different from first families

• 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

Call to reserve a spot at our next workshop, 796-5116. Or ask about our presenters coming to your place or work or worship.

Funding for this project was provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Grant: 90FE0138.  Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.