Separation and Divorce

    Well folks, this is the last week of the semester, which is SO happy, but also sad because I have really liked taking this class. I have also really enjoyed writing this blog. I have always really liked to write, but I've never really had the freedom to take a topic to where I wanted it to go in other courses. I have really enjoyed all that I have learned in class as I am preparing for marriage currently, this was a good time to take this course as I learned a lot about dating, courtship, engagement, marriage, and parenting. It's an exciting time in one's life, but also stressful. I'm really grateful that I got to participate in this class as it is all about real world things  and problems, and I can really apply what I've learned into my own life. 

    This last topic may be a little upsetting to end on, but it doesn't have to be. I think we're all aware that relationships are hard. Marriage and family can be hard at times. There's a lot of stressor that revolve around the family and unfortunately that can result in some really tough positions that may cause families or couples to separate. In class it was discussed that about 70% of couples say they could've saved their marriage and families. That is a large percentage. I think sometimes we get so impatient and focus on the negative that we forget there is light at the end of the tunnel and things can be resolved. Now, of course there may be extreme cases with abuse or affairs or things like that, but sometimes even those mistakes can be healed. I think it is important to be patient with your spouse. Try to hold on for as long as you can. Seek help before ending things too soon. Families are the most important thing in our Heavenly Father's plan, that's why a marriage is worth saving, to save the family unit as a whole. 

     I understand that sometimes a separation is for the best. If there is a lot of arguing, that's not good for the children to hear or listen to. In that case, if the partners are refusing to work together to make things better, then it may make sense in their case to separate. It may be best for the relationships and for the family. It takes about two years for men to remarry after a divorce. It takes women a bit longer just because they usually have the children for a longer periods of time and may take them a little bit longer time to heal. 

    Once a family has separated, it may be hard for the children to split their time between their parents houses. It may be difficult for the children because since their parents are together, each parent may have their own set of rules at their own homes that may differ from the other parents. That can make things a little difficult for the parents, too. They can try and work together to how to best raise their kids, but not living together just makes things a little difficult since they most likely have different views on things. 

    Another thing that can be a big change is when step parents come into play. Sometimes step-parents try to act like a fun aunt or uncle because they want to be liked by the kids so much. Other times they can be too strict because they want the kids to understand that they are a parent as well. It may cause some difficulty in the home. It normally takes about two years after a step parent has entered the family for things to become normal. However, there are families where the step-parent is just as much the child's parents as their birth parents. It just depends on both the child and step-parents relationship and allowance of one another. 

    Marriage and family can be a tricky thing sometimes, but it is the most important relationship we have here on earth. Don't take advantage of your family. Even though things may not be perfect, try your hardest to work on those relationships. If not, find a sense of family in close friends.