by Carri & Gordon Taylor
This eight-part DVD series includes an extensive Study Guide (PDF version only) with Scripture references and Biblical principles. The series is both educational and inspirational. In this series seasoned stepfamily professionals, Carri and Gordon Taylor, address and illustrate communication collisions, relationship development, discipline, money and "stuff", the stepcouple relationship, and stages of stepfamily development.
Designed for those in stepfamilies, considering remarriage, divorced with children, and professionals. Rich with stepcouples and stepkids sharing their experiences. "Ready-to-use" for workshops, conferences, and small groups.
Now includes a PDF Christian study guide with unlimited copies for group participants. No longer do you have to purchase printed study guides for each participant. Just make copies as needed.
Print your Study Guide here.
NOTE: Pre-printed study guides are no longer available. The printable PDF document is all that is available.
View a trailer by clicking on the Designing Dynamic Stepfamilies image.
Descriptions of each presentation:
"Introduction & Goals" (4 min)
Carri & Gordon briefly introduce themselves, others in the Series & tell the goal of the project.
"Lenses of Communication" (44 min)
The #1 skill in all relationships is communication – this is particularly true in the intense, committed relationship we call marriage. Carri developed "The Lenses" to show you the filters and layers that can cause communication collisions. You will hear the communication accidents & repairs from other couples as well as how to "cross the street" into another person's world.
"Apples & Oranges" (16 min)
First marriages are apples – subsequent marriages are oranges. In this presentation basic fundamental differences between the two will be explored that many people don't think about. The stepfamily forms backwards from the biological family. Without recognizing & preparing for these differences, the stepfamily – and those working with them – can get set up for major problems.
"The Bio-Force Meets the Weakest Link" (21 min)
The most unpredictable element in stepfamily formation is relationship development. This presentation explores & literally draws out, how individuals bond & relationships develop in the stepfamily. This is also contrasted with the biological family.
"Step-Discipline" (32 min)
The parenting problems presented here are universal to stepfamilies where one or both bring children. Learning the important principles of stepparenting & discipline will enhance the chance for remarriage success & couple satisfaction. Other couples share their failures & successes in handling discipline.
"Money & Stuff" (36 min)
Every marriage has to handle money & stuff. With a remarriage this is amplified because we've accumulated assets, debts & stuff. Different models of financial management – along with the struggles & victories of other couples – are presented.
"What About Us?" (17 min)
In Apples & Oranges the differences between first families and subsequent families and how stepfamilies form backwards were presented. Because the couple relationship also forms backwards, the issues facing the developing remarried couple relationship can be confusing & emotionally charged. Among the concepts presented are "reclaiming the territory" & the "tasks of remarriage."
"Stages of Stepfamily War Pt. 1" (45 min)
Many remarried couples are surprised to find the stepfamily jungle a confusing & sometimes dangerous place to hang out. How to survive (by identifying the emotional landmines) & win (by dealing with them productively) is presented. This is filled with the life experiences of stepcouples & stepkids as they relate their travels through "World Peace," "Diplomatic Breakdown," and "Battle Engagement" of the development cycle.
"Stages of Stepfamily War Pt. 2" (49 min)
The drama continues as the principles are outlined and illustrated by stepcouples & stepkids sharing their continuing journey through "Infrastructure Rebuilding" and land in the "Post War Era." "Stages..." is a must-see.
