Let's Start At The Very Beginning.

Inspite of our very best intentions, we never did make it to Salzburg whilst on holiday in Austria this year. I wanted to be able to tell my brothers I had done the Sound of Music tour! Alas, no. Other things prevailed.

I was put in mind of a song from that film recently when I had to give a short presentation on the work of ‘X plus Y’. What do you say in less than 15 minutes to Church people who wish to support and encourage family life in their community?

Simple really. Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start. Begin with new parents, because this is the stage at which relationships are most vulnerable early on. The joys and pressure of new baby are many and varied. Unfortunately some couples don’t survive this stage. But most do, gladly.

Secondly. Take care in the middle. When we become familiar with each other, presume we know each other, have clearly defined roles and routines, this is the phase when we can quietly and unintentionally drift apart. It is worth paying close attention to our relationship during these sometimes routine, monochrone days, even by simply agreeing to spending 15 minutes each day connecting with each other by talking and listening.

‘X plus Y’ - resources designed to help couples on the way.