Cohabitation on the Rise Worldwide -- at the Expense of Marriage

The frequency of cohabitation -- non-married couples living together -- has increased worldwide in recent decades, including a 10-fold increase in the United States since 1960. Divorce rates are declining while cohabitation rates continue to rise. (More)

I want you to know that I am absolutely convinced that there is no more important work done anywhere in this world than the work that is done within the walls of our individual homes. I am the mother of 13 children and, as such, I understand the vital role mothers play in a healthy society. The great author C. S. Lewis, said, "The homemaker has the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose only--and that is to support this ultimate career." My hat goes off to all valiant, hard-working, dedicated makers of homes! (More)

Film recommendatio: "We are all excited to see John Schneider in the upcoming Hallmark Channel film, YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND. A young couple are a little nervous as they prepare to take in their nephew, Bobby Graham, after the death of his parents. Having no experience raising children, they worry that they are not up to the task--and things get off to bit of a rocky start. The CAMIE organization.

Cooking For Boys: Tropical Slush!

"When good communication occurs between a mother and child, it will influence the child's ability to regulate his or herself later on in life, leading to healthy outcomes such as increased attentiveness and more emotionally competent children."

"Chinese Parents are more prone to scold and criticize their child in an attempt to control and correct the young child's behavior - especially when pressuring them in accademic pursuits. U.S. parents, on the other hand, grant more autonomy when regulatig their children's behavior and academic performance.
The authoritive parenting style is not harmful in any culture. In fact, it actually has a positive outcome. "

Marriage is a big decision that results in qualities such as personal commitment, personal bond, sacred promise, financial partnership, sexual union, family making bond and legal contract.
90 percent of people nationally will marry sometime in their lives. Fifty-four percent of those weddings are first marriages. Five most frequent problems of first marriages:
1. Unrealistic expectations of mariage or spouse
2. Communication
3. Money management/finance
4. Decision making
5. Power struggles
Studies indicate that communication was the most damaging problem of first marriages. Couples need to prepare for marriage early with communication skills and sound problem-solving skills before they develop good relationships or the dating process.