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Family Studies Mock Marriage Project PARTNER A: PARTNER B:

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Page 1: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

Family Studies

Mock

Marriage

Project

PARTNER A:

PARTNER B:

Page 2: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

2

Purpose

Mock Marriage Project

Student Workbook

To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real-

life situations.

Procedure

Over the next week choose a partner. This should be someone with whom you feel comfortable. The person

should be reliable and willing to help you complete the entire project. The person does not have to be in your

class period, but must be in one of my law classes. If you do not feel comfortable working with a peer, you may

work with your parents, grandparents, or some other established couple. In that case, you will interview them

for the answers to the questions in this packet. Your choice of “marriage partner” is a serious one. Remember

that you will be working with this partner over several weeks. No one is permitted to remain “single”.

Each activity is assigned a point value. Do not leave the project until the last minute; the comments which take

the longest to do account for most of the points. Since many of your partners are in different classes or at

home, no class time will be used to complete this project.

Activities Are You Right For Each Other?

• How Do You See Each Other?

• Partner Choice: How Compatible Are You?

• What Do You want In A Partner?

• Occupations

• Age For Marriage

• Marriage Agreement

• The Wedding Plans

• Moving Out

• Behavior In My Marriage Partner

• Attitudes Toward Differences

• Patterns In Early Marriage

• Nature Of Marriage

• Companions In Marriage

• Religion

• Finances-Your Budget? Monthly Expenses/Priorities

• Parenthood

• Cost of Parenthood

• Planning For Parenthood

• Resolving Conflict

• Conclusions

Page 3: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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“Marriage Certificate”

This certifies that

Age: Address:

Phone:

AND

Age: Address:

Phone:

Have agreed to work together in all exercises in connection with the preparation for marriage and have

agreed to bring mutual respect and understanding to this task - and are prepared to complete it for

better or worse, whatever their mark may be. It is their understanding that diligent completion of this

unit will bring increased understanding of the meaning and the importance of marriage, and enable

each to approach marriage in the future in a more mature and beneficial way.

Therefore:

For the duration of this unit we shall treat them as a couple and expect a mutual effort from them.

Signed Witness

Signed Witness

Date

Page 4: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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Are You Right For Each Other?

Name of Partner A: ______________________________ Name of Partner B: ____________________________ Answer the following questions as honestly as you can - by placing the letter under the appropriate column.

Partner A Partner B

1. I sometimes eat in bed A. Yes

B. No

2. A. I love shopping in bargain stores

B. I prefer small but classy stores

3. A. I like to try different foods from different places B. I stick to one or two basic cuisines

4. I enjoy spending an entire day doing nothing, even when I’m healthy:

A. Frequently B. Now and then

C. Once in a great while D. Never

5. A. I rarely forget the birthday of a close friend B. I rarely remember

6. If I am asked my weight, I usually: A. Tell the truth B. Lie a little

7. A. I like to discuss current events and other things I read about in the newspaper

B. I find that kind of talk boring

8. When I clean out closets, I dispose of unneeded clothes by:

A. Throwing them away B. Donating them to charity

C. Giving them to someone who I know can use them

9. A. I find it very difficult to apologize, even when I’m wrong

B. I can say I’m sorry when necessary

10. A. I love leftovers of most kinds B. I’ll eat some leftovers the next day, but after that, let them rot

C. I never eat leftovers.

12. A. I don’t mind doing extra work, if it’s necessary

B. I resent being asked to work extra hours.

Page 5: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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Partner A Partner B

13. A. If I couldn’t afford to serve good food and drinks, I’d throw an everybody bring something party

B. If I couldn’t do it all on my own, I’d prefer not to have a party

14. A. I enjoy being with my family for outings B. I’d choose a good friend over a relative

15. To me, sending holiday cards is A. A pleasure

B. A pain C. Something for you to do

16. When I die A. I’d like to be buried

B. I’d like to be cremated C. I really couldn’t care less

17. When it comes to T.V., I’d rather watch A. A game show

B. A Netflix show C. An old movie

18. If I’m going away for the weekend, I prefer A. To leave Friday night, so that Saturday I wake up already there

B. To leave early Saturday, so that I’ll have a fresh start

19. I’m walking downtown, I happen to glance at the sidewalk and discover a $50 bill.

I am most likely to A. Buy a treat for myself

B. Buy a gift for someone else C. Check with the police

21. People who frequently use four letter words have a vocabulary deficiency A. I agree

B. I disagree

22. A. I know exactly where my keys are at all times

B. My keys get lost a lot

23. Couples should

A. Live for today B. Save as much as possible

C. Budget wisely

24. The statement I agree with is

A. Only one partner should do the housework C. Both partners should share doing housework

Page 6: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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Partner A Partner B

25. When your children are ill A. The same parent should stay home with the child B. Either parent should stay home

Attention: Write a summary of how well-suited you feel you and your partner are in relation to general

values/interests. Do not omit this part; your reactions are what marks are based on.

A

B

Page 7: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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How Do You See Each Other? Partner B, circle the appropriate symbol which describes Partner A.

1 – Very 2 – Somewhat 3 – Hardly at all 4 – Not at all

Characteristics Evaluation of Partner A by Partner B

Tactful 1 2 3 4

Dominating 1 2 3 4

Easy-going 1 2 3 4

Confident 1 2 3 4

Selfish 1 2 3 4

Generous 1 2 3 4

Lazy 1 2 3 4

Self-satisfied 1 2 3 4

Energetic 1 2 3 4

Self-controlled 1 2 3 4

Indecisive 1 2 3 4

Cruel 1 2 3 4

Spiteful 1 2 3 4

Understanding 1 2 3 4

Emotional 1 2 3 4

Affectionate 1 2 3 4

Reliable 1 2 3 4

Childish 1 2 3 4

Self-centred 1 2 3 4

Ambitious 1 2 3 4

Tolerant 1 2 3 4

Shy 1 2 3 4

Mature 1 2 3 4

Responsible 1 2 3 4

Well-mannered 1 2 3 4

Considerate 1 2 3 4

Religious 1 2 3 4

Independent 1 2 3 4

Popular 1 2 3 4

Humorous 1 2 3 4

Honest 1 2 3 4

Discuss your results together.

Name: What do you think of your partner’s assessment of you?

Page 8: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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How Do You See Each Other? Partner A, circle the appropriate symbol which describes Partner B.

1 – Very 2 – Somewhat 3 – Hardly at all 4 – Not at all

Characteristics Evaluation of Partner B by Partner A

Tactful 1 2 3 4

Dominating 1 2 3 4

Easy-going 1 2 3 4

Confident 1 2 3 4

Selfish 1 2 3 4

Generous 1 2 3 4

Lazy 1 2 3 4

Self-satisfied 1 2 3 4

Energetic 1 2 3 4

Self-controlled 1 2 3 4

Indecisive 1 2 3 4

Cruel 1 2 3 4

Spiteful 1 2 3 4

Understanding 1 2 3 4

Emotional 1 2 3 4

Affectionate 1 2 3 4

Reliable 1 2 3 4

Childish 1 2 3 4

Self-centred 1 2 3 4

Ambitious 1 2 3 4

Tolerant 1 2 3 4

Shy 1 2 3 4

Mature 1 2 3 4

Responsible 1 2 3 4

Well-mannered 1 2 3 4

Considerate 1 2 3 4

Religious 1 2 3 4

Independent 1 2 3 4

Popular 1 2 3 4

Humorous 1 2 3 4

Honest 1 2 3 4

Discuss your results together.

Name: What do you think of your partner’s assessment of you?

Page 9: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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Partner Choice: How Compatible Are You?

Before you make a permanent commitment, there are things you should think about and discuss together.

This activity is optional and is intended for those who have decided they are in a long-term relationship.

Answer the following questions about your relationship.

You want to make the relationship permanent because you love your

partner and wish to spend the rest of your life with him/her.

Your parent(s) approve of the match.

You get along well with your partner’s family.

Does your partner get along well with his/her parent(s)?

Have you known your partner longer than one year?

Will you be financially able to live on your own?

Have you discussed money and finances?

Do you agree on your spending and use of credit?

Have you both had experience budgeting money?

Have you both had other girlfriends/boyfriends before now?

Have you spent much time just doing nothing together?

Are you both the same religion?

Is religion important to both of you to the same extent?

Do you share similar: hobbies

interests

goals

ethnic background

family background

YES NO

Is there less than 5 years difference in your ages?

Have you discussed having children?

How many YES answers were you able to give? (out of 20)

Are you reassured that your partner choice may be a good one?

Comment on your score:

Page 10: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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What Do You Want In A Partner? From the following list of characteristics, choose the top ten that you feel are important in a life partner. Number the traits from 1 to 10 (1 - most desirable, 10 - least desirable).

Partner A Partner B

Sense of Humour Sense of Humour

Independent Independent

Religious Religious

Considerate Considerate

Well Mannered Well Mannered

Well Educated Well Educated

Responsible Responsible

Mature Mature

Patient Patient

Ambitious Ambitious

Affectionate Affectionate

Understanding Understanding

Energetic Energetic

Generous Generous

Thoughtful Thoughtful

Confident Confident

Tactful Tactful

Good Looking Good Looking

Talkative Talkative

Popular Popular

Good Listener Good Listener

Intelligent Intelligent

Trustworthy (honest) Trustworthy (honest)

Athletic Athletic

Younger or Older Younger or Older

Explain why you made your top three choices:

Page 11: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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Occupations In this exercise, you and your partner must select a job or occupation you might

expect to have in your future. Be realistic in your expectations - select an occupation

that is in keeping with your abilities and aptitudes.

Partner A Occupation:

Type of Training Required: Number of Years Training Required:

Job Description:

Approximate Starting Salary:

Describe effects this occupation might have on married life. eg. long hours, shift work, travel, and danger.

Partner B Occupation:

Type of Training Required: Number of Years Training Required:

Job Description:

Approximate Starting Salary:

Describe effects this occupation might have on married life. eg. long hours, shift work, travel, and danger.

Page 12: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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Age For Marriage

Present date:

Your current age: Partner A: Partner B:

For the following questions, project yourself into the future.

How old will you be when you are ready to start your career.

Partner A: Partner B:

How many years would you like to work before you decide to get married?

Partner A: Partner B:

How old would you like to be when you get married?

Partner A:

Partner B:

Why do you feel this is a good age to marry?

Partner A

Partner B

Page 13: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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Marriage Agreement

Work on this activity together. Fill in the blanks after coming to an agreement on each.

This is a list of items some couples use to decide on various aspects of what their marriage will entail.

Name: What will Partner A’s last name be:

What will Partner B’s last name be:

Household Chores (Answer Partner A, B or We)

preparing meals kitchen dusting

loading dishwasher sweeping

vacuuming cleaning

cleaning bathroom cleaning floors

ironing making bed

household repairs laundry

snow removal yard work

grocery shopping car maintenance

other cleaning kitchen

Bank Accounts:

Joint accounts Yes No

Personal Allowances Yes No

Who pays the bills, balances account?

Living Accommodations: Where do you wish to live?

Partner A

Partner B

What type of housing do you expect to live in during the first year of marriage?

Vehicles: Do you expect to own two vehicles? Yes

Type: Partner A Car

No

Partner B Car:

Cost: Cost:

Entertainment: Eating:

How many times each week will you go out for entertainment?

Weekly Budget ____________

Education:

Do either of you expect to attend school after marriage?

Religion:

Whose religion will you follow? Partner A’s

Partner B’s

Both

Will one of you change to the other’s religion?

Page 14: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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Children:

When

How Many?

Spacing:

Would either of you stay home to raise children?

Yes

No

Who?

Birth Mother is entitled to maternity leave.

Either one can also take parental leave.

Who will it be?

Birth Control:

Whose responsibility? A’s

B’s

Proposed methods:

Education Goals for your children: (public school, private school, home school, etc) Be specific and explain why.

When you and your partner disagree about something related to your children, explain how you will resolve your

disagreement:

Page 15: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

The Wedding Plans

This activity allows you to explore the type and

cost of the wedding you might like to have.

Type of Wedding:

Do you wish a traditional or non-traditional wedding

?

What is the approximate budget amount you wish

to allot to wedding costs? _________________

Who will pay wedding costs?

___________________________________________________

Number of guests: _______________

Together, make decisions and write a brief, general description of your wedding including time of year, type

of location, kind of ceremony, wedding party attire, flowers, color schemes, reception, menu, music, unique

traditions or customs, cultural influences, honeymoon, etc.

Page 16: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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Moving In Together

Before you start, estimate the cost of you and your partner moving out on your own: $_______________

Below are lists of items usually found in the various rooms of an apartment. Beside each item place an

estimated amount it would cost to buy the item. Then go online or look in flyers and catalogues to find an

accurate cost for the items.

Kitchen estimate actual estimate actual

table & chairs cooking utensils

stove, refrigerator can opener

microwave oven measuring equipment

toaster mixing bowls

coffeemaker/teapot cutting knives

kettle dishes

electric beater cutlery

blender glasses

frying pans garbage can

pots other

baking pans

Living Room

sofa end tables

chair(s) lamps

T.V. book shelves

DVD/PVR other

audio other

Bedroom:

bed TV

dresser(s) linens, pillows

night tables other

lamps

Sub totals: Carry sub totals to

next page.

Page 17: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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Bathroom estimate actual estimate actual

towels shower curtain

bathmat garbage can

other toilet paper

Miscellaneous Cleaning Supplies

iron/ironing board other

vacuum cleaner other

broom/dust pan other

wet mop and pail other

Media Connections

internet set-up personal computer

cable TV printer

cell phone 1 other

cell phone 2 other

Subtotal this page:

Subtotal previous page

Total:

Compare your estimate expenses to the actual: estimate dollars

actual cost dollars

cost difference dollars

Compare the actual costs to how much you have to spend. What is the difference?

What method will you use to purchase the items you need?

cash from savings credit buy as you can afford them .

Do you both agree on the purchase plan? Partner A

Partner B

Discuss your degree of similarity in taste in furniture, household items (styles, color schemes)

Page 18: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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Behavior In My Marriage Partner

Below is a list of behavioral characteristics in a lifelong partner which would disturb some

persons. Circle the proper letters to indicate the extent to which you think each of the items

would bother you.

Q = quite bothered S = somewhat bothered N = not bothered

How would you feel if your life partner:

Partner A Partner B

Q S N 1. Displayed poor table manners in public Q S N

Q S N 2. forgot your birthday/anniversary Q S N

Q S N 3. yelled at the children Q S N

Q S N 4. dressed poorly Q S N

Q S N 5. put on lots of weight Q S N

Q S N 6. had little interest in church or religion Q S N

Q S N 7. was rude to your family Q S N

Q S N 8. did not appreciate the things you can do Q S N

Q S N 9. does not like holding hands in public Q S N

Q S N 10. used poor grammar Q S N

Q S N 11. left clothes, things lying around Q S N

Q S N 12. exaggerated the truth Q S N

Q S N 13. was a picky eater Q S N

Q S N 14. enjoyed drinking Q S N

Q S N 15. lacked a sense of humor Q S N

Q S N 16. clammed up when angry Q S N

Q S N 17. was easily hurt Q S N

Q S N 18. told bad jokes often Q S N

Q S N 19. wanted considerable personal privacy Q S N

Q S N 20. kept things to him/herself Q S N

Q S N 21. was extravagant with money Q S N

Q S N 22. had little occupational ambition Q S N

Q S N 23. lacked personal hygiene Q S N

Q S N 24. cheated on you Q S N

Q S N 25. used foul language Q S N

Reflection:

What general types of things seem to bother you the most?

Partner A

Partner B

Page 19: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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Attitudes Toward Differences Which of the following differences would you be willing to accept in

a marriage partner?

Circle: W = Willing D = Don’t know U = Unwilling

Partner A Partner B

W D U 1. partner is 3 or more years older W D U

W D U 2. our religions differ W D U

W D U 3. partner is two or more inches taller W D U

W D U 4. different basic values about money W D U

W D U 5. different family background, (wealth) W D U

W D U 6. different family background,(culture, traditions) W D U

W D U 7. different color, nationality W D U

W D U 8. partner has considerable more education W D U

W D U 9. different attitudes about gender roles W D U

W D U 10. difference in intelligence W D U

W D U 11. differences in attitudes about child rearing practices W D U

Reflection:

What does this mean for marriage compatibility? How will you overcome differences?

(both must write a short paragraph)

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 20: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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Patterns In Early Marriage

Circle: D = Dislike L = Like for the following statements:

Partner A Partner B

L D 1. All major decisions are thoroughly discussed L D

L D 2. Mealtime is a time for discussion L D

L D 3. Business problems get discussed with the whole family L D

L D 4. Either partner can drive each other’s cars L D

L D 5. Either partner manages the finances L D

L D 6. Either partner takes care of all the business matters L D

L D 7. Your partner is careless with spills and marks on furniture L D

L D 8. Your home is open to your friends L D

L D 9. Birthdays are celebrated without fail L D

L D 10. Family members have lots of individual pursuits L D

L D 11. Either partner takes care of things inside the home L D

L D 12. Either partners is able to spend evenings with respective friends L D

L D 13. Individuals are free to spend money as they wish L D

L D 14. Close family ties are kept on both sides L D

L D 15. You live very close to family L D

L D 16. You live very close to Partner A’s best friends L D

L D 17. You live very close to Partner B’s best friends L D

L D 18. Only one partner works – the other raises the children L D

Reflection:

Do you see any trouble spots (disagreements in answers) ahead in your marriage?

Partner A

Partner B

Page 21: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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Nature Of Marriage

The statements below include common attitudes and concepts about marriage.

Circle: A = Agree D = Disagree

Partner A Partner B

A D 1. The purpose of marriage is for the individual happiness of the partners. A D

A successful and happy marriage relationship has to be given care andA D 2.

attention. A D

A D 3. Attaining economic security is a wholly unsatisfactory motive for marriage. A D

If two people are really in love, they will be able to work out any maritalA D 4.

difficulties. A D

A D 5. Before they decide to marry, every couple should see a good counselor. A D

A D 6. Parents should have more voice in the mate selection activities of children. A D

Marriages would work out better if the roles of the partners were more sharplyA D 7.

defined. A D

A D 8. Family control is the role of one partner. A D

If, after marriage, one finds someone they love more, they should seekA D 9.

happiness with that person. A D

A D 10. A marriage without children would be unsatisfactory. A D

A D 11. Working at marriage takes the romance out of it. A D

A D 12. In a certain sense, when two people marry, they marry each other’s families. A D

A D 13. Young people today take marriage much too casually. A D

A D 14. “Good friends first” makes for a happy and successful marriage. A D

A D 15. I do not tolerate prejudice. A D

Partner A: I agree with statement # because

I disagree with statement # because

Partner B: I agree with statement # because

I disagree with statement # ____ because

Page 22: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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Companions In Marriage

Marriage partners who are good friends know that companionship in marriage centers in mutual experiences.

Below are some suggestions of experiences which may be shared in marriage. Circle the letter which indicates

for each the importance you would give to doing together: M = much S = some L = little

Partner A Partner B

M S L 1. conversation about daily events M S L

M S L 2. participating in sports/ recreational activities M S L

M S L 3. vacationing M S L

M S L 4. frequent discussion about child raising M S L

M S L 5. studying or taking courses M S L

M S L 6. hobbies M S L

M S L 7. involvement in church activities M S L

M S L 8. watching T.V. M S L

M S L 9. interest in arts and music M S L

M S L 10. entertaining friends and relatives M S L

M S L 11. social activities - theatre, dance M S L

M S L 12. discussing ideas from reading books M S L

M S L 13. routine house maintenance M S L

M S L 14. home decorating/renovating M S L

M S L 15. establishing a name in the community M S L

M S L 16. talking about work M S L

M S L 17. working at your job M S L

M S L 18. making decisions about family finances M S L

M S L 19. buying Christmas presents, writing cards M S L

M S L 20. going grocery shopping M S L

M S L 21. making meals and cleaning up M S L

M S L 22. conversation about daily events M S L

Comment on two that mean the most to you.

Page 23: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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Religion

How important to you is regular religious observance? Partner A Partner B

a. very important

b. important

c. some importance

d. no importance

When married, will you want to attend religious services?

a. weekly

b. bi-weekly

c. occasionally

d. rarely

e. never

Would you strive to attend religious services as a whole family?

a. yes

b. no

If you were married, would you want your children to follow:

a. my religion

b. my partner’s religion

c. choose a new religion

d. let them pick a religion when older

e. prefer to keep religion out of their training

If you see yourself as not particularly religious, what decision will you make regarding the religious ceremony?

a. church wedding

b. minister come to the house

c. no formality

d. go to a justice of the peace

e. create our own ceremony and vows

Write a short paragraph explaining both your views on the subject of religion.

Page 24: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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Finances - Your Budget

Estimate your yearly income based on your years of job

experience. This budget is based on your first year of marriage

using your estimated wage for that year.

Step 1: Your Yearly Gross Salary

Partner A ( )

Partner B ( )

Combined Gross Salary

Step 2: Calculate Yearly Net Salary (use an average 30% reduction from gross salary) to get your take

home pay.

Yearly Net Salary

How to calculate: Yearly net income = gross salary minus – 30 %

Show your calculation.

Partner A ( )

Partner B ( )

Combined Net Yearly Salary

Combined Monthly Net Income (Net Yearly Income divided by 12) =

Page 25: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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Expenses

Try to estimate approximate yearly costs for the following:

(Visit web sites, check with parents etc.)

1. Car Insurance

2. Annual Vacation

3. Gifts (holidays, birthdays, donations including Christmas)

4. Driver’s License (for both)

5. Membership Fees (eg. Fitness, Costco, Netflix)

6. Dental (insurance and payments)

7. Optical (insurance and payments)

8. Prescription Medication (insurance and payments)

9. Other yearly costs a. Loans (student, car)

b. Other

Yearly Total: Monthly Average: Divide yearly by 12

Try to estimate approximate monthly costs for the following:

1. Household groceries

2. Eating Out (restaurants, fast food, snacks, coffee)

3. Corner Store

4. Housing (rent, mortgage, condo fees)

5. Parking (home)

6. Utilities (hydro, water)

7. House/Tenant insurance

8. Media Connections (phone, cell phone, internet, cable)

9. Entertainment (sports, concerts)

10. Media (music, apps, games, movies, rentals)

11. Clothing (purchases, maintenance, dry cleaning)

12. Gasoline/Bus Fare

13. Car maintenance

14. Parking (public, work)

15. Personal grooming (toiletries, cosmetics, hairdresser)

16. Personal items (non-prescription pharmacy)

17. Tobacco/alcohol

18. Reading materials (books, newspapers, magazines)

Total estimated monthly costs

Total Monthly Expenses (Add monthly average above to total of this section)

Monthly Net Income from Page 24

Amount you are able to realistically save per month or shortfall

(Monthly Net Income - Total Monthly Expenses (+/-ve)

Page 26: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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Priorities

Each of you must make a list of priorities (in order of spending) on which to spend your savings.

Partner A Partner B

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

6. 6.

7. 7.

8. 8.

9. 9.

10. 10.

Now make a combined list (in order of priority). You have to compromise. Sign the bottom to indicate you both

agree on the joint plan.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10. Partner A Signature: ___________________________

Partner B Signature: ____________________________

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Parenthood

Being a parent is a 24-hour job and will have a huge effect on your other roles as

spouse, worker, friend and companion.

Have you decided to have children?

If you answer was no go to question # 2.

If your answer was YES answer the following questions:

1. a) How many children?

b) How far apart?

c) How old should you be when the first child is born?

d) How many years after marriage?

e) Suggest names you both like for the number you wish to have:

Parenting Decisions: Place your initials beside the parenting obligations you would be willing to fulfill:

Parenting classes: Getting up in the night:

Reading parenting books: Chauffeur to school:

Feeding the infant: Toilet training:

Bathing the infant: Playing:

Diapering: Reading to:

Comforting: Disciplining:

Dressing: Determining family rules:

Caring for a sick infant: Teaching right and wrong:

Bedtime: Teaching religion:

2. Explain why it is important to you to have children or not to have children.

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Cost of Parenthood

The cost of raising a child to the age of 18

is approximately $233,610.00.

Write a short paragraph to explain your hopes and dreams

for your children that will involve high costs.

To what medical/financial extent will you go to have

your own biological children?

How will your life be different if you DO NOT/ARE NOT ABLE TO have children?

Page 29: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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Planning for Parenthood

Write short descriptions about your plans for the following aspects of parenting:

Describe what the baby’s room will look like.

Theme/plans for decorating a baby’s room.

Who will stay home with the newborn? Maternity leave? Paternity leave? For how long? Full-time or part-

time? Who will babysit if both parents return to work? Other aspects?

Page 30: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

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Resolving Conflict:

Project into the future. You have been married for several

years. Perhaps you have had a family. Answer the

following questions:

How do you act when you are angry with your partner?

Should you change this behavior?

Partner A:

Partner B:

How is your relationship with your partner’s parents?

Partner A

Partner B

If your relationship with your partner is not as “good as it used to be”, what would you suggest as a solution?

In a crisis situation, who is the stronger partner?

Page 31: Mock Marriage Project · Marriage Project Student Workbook To have students explore the “reality of marriage” by participating in mock situations which would imitate real- life

Conclusions 1. How did you feel about this project? Like/Dislike? Why?

2. What did you learn about your partner?

Partner A

Partner B

3. Do you think you have a realistic view of marriage? More than when you started this project?

Why or why not? _____ ___________________________________________________________________

4. What did the project make you think about, in terms of your relationship, that you haven’t thought about or

discussed before?

5. How might completing this project affect your thoughts or choices in the future?