BECOMING A SON/DAUGHTER-IN-LAW

BUILDING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS

1. How would you describe the relationship of your parents with their parents and
parents-in-law?

Would you like to have a similar kind of relationship once you are married?

2. What are some characteristics of your parents’ relationship to each other that you
most admire and desire for your marriage?

3. How can your parents best pray for you as you embark on your marriage?

4. If you will be living with your parents (or parents-in-law) what do you expect will
be the biggest challenges in adjusting to your marriage status?  How will you make
decisions and to what degree will your parents (parents-in-law) be involved in those
decisions?  Have you spent time discussing these kinds of things with them?

5. If you will be living independent from your parents, what expectations do they have
for your visiting them?  Would they like your visits to be spontaneous and by
invitation?  How often do you expect to be seeing them?

6. Please write out six hopes/dreams you have of your parents (in-laws) and your
relationship with them after you are married.

On a separate piece of paper compose a letter to your in-laws saying why you look
forward to becoming their son-in-law or daughter-in-law.  Put that in an envelope and
bring it with you to the meeting you will share with them.
 BECOMING A PARENT-IN-LAW
BUILDING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS

1. How would you describe your relationship with your parents after you were
married?

Would you like to have a similar kind of relationship with your children after they
marry?

2. What would you see as some major needs of your soon to be married son or
daughter?  How do you perceive you will relate to them in meeting those needs?

3. How can your son or daughter best pray for you as you make the transition of
adjusting to his or her marriage?

4. If your children will be living with you what do you expect will be the biggest
challenges in adjusting to them as a married couple?  How will you want to be
involved in the decisions they are making?  Have you spent time discussing these
kinds of things with them?

5. If they will be living independent from you, what expectations do you have for their
visiting you?  Would you like your visits to be spontaneous and by invitation?  How
often do you expect to be seeing them?

6. Please write out six hopes/dreams you have for the new couple as they are married.

Please take another piece of paper and together compose a letter describing why you
are looking forward to your son or daughter's fiancé becoming your son-in-law or
daughter-in-law.  Put that letter in an envelope and bring it with you to the meeting
you will have with them and their pastor/counsellor.