An educational workshop which explores areas that make remarriage successful logo
New Beginnings
A remarriage preparation program
This program is for couples where one or both partners have had a previous marriage or a long term relationship and are planning to remarry.
Who is this program for What will you achieve Benefits of this program Facilitator Manual Participant Workbook Pricing and Ordering About the Author  Family Life Education Services

Who is this program for?

New Beginnings is for people who want a successful remarriage and who do not want to suffer the pain they endured in their previous marriage or relationship.

Remarriage preparation is different than regular marriage preparation in that previously married persons come into their new relationship with both a family of origin history and a marriage history. Both these histories have an impact on the new relationship. It is important to learn from past experiences in order to set priorities for a healthy relationship.
 



 
 

What will you achieve?
They will learn:
  1. to share and resolve unidentified issues from their previous relationship and family of origin
  2. to clarify their priorities and commitment in their couple relationship
  3. to identify some issues in stepfamilies
  4. to understand the influences of their spirituality and express appreciation for their relationship
  5. to identify legal concerns and develop a financial plan
  6. to gain new understanding of intimacy and sexuality
  7. to seek a new understanding about negotiating and resolving conflict


The New Beginnings Program identifies resources for the couple which are useful in helping the future growth of the couple relationship.
 




The benefits of the program
Participants testify that:

"We have special needs, thank you for understanding."

"This has been an exciting experience for me."

"The facilitator understood and respected our feelings which was very comforting."

"This has been a great day!"

"I would recommend this program to a friend entering a remarriage."





Participant Workbook
The workbook includes a brief introduction to each topic followed by the exercises.

If the couple does not have a facilitator to lead the program, they can purchase two workbooks, one for each person and put the time aside to do the exercises and share their insights. If they find that they have any unresolved issues they are encouraged to seek professional assistance.

In the group program, participants are each given a workbook and will follow the facilitators introduction to the exercises. The workbook is a valuable future resource.





Facilitators Manual
The facilitators manual is a resource for educators who wish to assist couples to prepare for their remarriage.

It provides a ten hour program which can be held in a group setting or with individual couples. The manual includes an introduction to topic areas and exercises to assist  couples in clarifying their issues and experiences.The facilitators manual outlines how to get started, and how to advertise.

Confidentiality is expected by all course participants and facilitators.


 

Links to Related Sites

Marriage Resources Marriage related news, books and web resources
Society Vertical Portal  







About the Author
The author, Ann Chidwick, has over 30 years experience as a family life educator. She graduated from university in Nursing and lived in Kenya where she taught family health to young women. She returned to Canada with her four children and became involved in family life education, writing and leading a variety of parenting programs. She has written and facilitated couple programs since 1980, including a manual and workbook called Gay Male and Lesbian Partner Program. Ann has been happily married to Paul for over forty five years.

New Beginnings facilitators manual and participant workbook, first published in 1994 and revised in 2002, are a result of the needs expressed by previously married couples who wanted or were required to take marriage preparation. These couples did not find that the regular preparation offered answered their needs. These couples were asked to help to design a suitable program and over five years developed and modified this program. Ann is grateful to remarried and remarrying couples for their support in writing this program.
 





Ordering
  For further information or to order,  call or e-mail:

PRICES:
New Beginnings: Remarriage Facilitators Manual (includes one Participant Workbook) $60
New Beginnings: Remarriage Participant Workbook $12

 

Handling and Postage:

Postage Canada

$12

Postage USA

$13

World Please call

 

In Canada add 5% GST

Ann Chidwick Family Life Education Services
40 Northumberland St., #302,
Guelph, ON  N1H 3A5, Canada
Phone +1 519 837 1061   
Fax.    +1 519 837 3106

E-mail:ann@chidwick.ca
If you have any suggestions about this page, please e-mail ann@chidwick.ca