Dr. Erin Kramer Holmes
Professor at BYU- School of Family Life, and the College of Family Home and Social Sciences
-Different Jobs available (usually after a secondary degree) in the major working with children and non-profit organizations
-Is Marriage A Public or Private Institution?
-How can marriage influence others? How can my marriage influence society?
Are we too individualistic?

How is marriage private?
-We choose whom we marry
-Discipline wise-only we discipline our children
-Bond between two people
-Serve individual partners needs
-No-fault divorce negotiation

How is marriage public?
–Discipline wise-it takes a village to raise a child
-Tax wise
-Laws regarding age stating that have to be able to make the choice
Society reflects its smaller units- investment in families
Wendel Barry- writer, former English professor, and farmer
-Marriage is a bond between two people and it affects forbearers, children and neighbors
National Marriage Coalition states that marriage reflects how society functions
-Parents have the responsibility to socialize children
How do we influence our neighbors as a married couple?
-Create a bond with other cultures and our children with their children
-Through example
-Stress support
-New level of adulthood-new accountability to others
Marriage stabilizes the adult personality
-Responsibility with integrating your life
-Making a stronger piece of society
Depends on how we define community
-Can feel more connected as a mother
-Being married creates a less selfish person-more willing to reach out
-We are enhanced
Marriage statistics
-Cohabitation
-Rates up-in general, but among unwed parents as well
-Parents with children-Cohabitating
-White and Hispanic-50% and African American-22%
African Americans are more likely to be single parents
With Cohabitation vs. Married couples there are:
-Higher abuse rates
-Children appeared more like single parent children
Divorce
(more…)

Mariana spoke to us about fertility and a book she loves called “Taking Control of Your Fertility”

BY DON M. RUIZ

“How to Live Happier”

Agreement 1
Be Impeccable With Your Word - Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

Agreement 2
Don’t Take Anything Personally - Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

Agreement 3
Don’t Make Assumptions - Find the courage to ask questions and to express whta you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

Agreement 4 
Always Do Your Best - Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it wil be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgement, self-abuse and regret.