Marriage Preparation Programmes (MPP) - Beyond "I do" and I Do! I "M" Prepared (for minor couples)
Planning a wedding is an important task but it is even more critical to make plans for the longer lasting celebration that is marriage. Our marriage preparation programmes Beyond "I do" and "I Do! I 'M' Prepared" offer couples the opportunity to discuss topics such as child rearing, finances, life goals and to work out any issues that may surface as a result of different philosophies. The objective is to prepare couples for a healthy and enriching marriage and family life by equipping them with the necessary perspectives and skills in managing differences, making room for open communication and facilitating support for each another.
1.What is the difference between Beyond "I do" and I Do! I "M" Prepared?
Beyond "I do" contains specialised pre-marriage and enrichment programmes catering to marrying, re-marrying and married adult couples whereas "I Do! I 'M' Prepared" caters to minor couples where both parties are between 18 and 21. From 1 Sep 2011, it is mandatory that minor couples attend marriage preparation programmes before a marriage license can be issued. EMCC is one of the Ministry of Community, Youth and Sports (MCYS)-supported service providers for such programmes.
2. What are the benefits of EMCC's MPP?
EMCC's MPP helps couples to:
- Lay the foundation for their marriage, gain valuable insights into individual strengths and weaknesses and learn practical skills on topics ranging from sexual intimacy, financial management, conflict management to building relationship with in-laws.
- Identify their hopes and dreams for the future and to get into the habit of keeping the lines of communication open and effective.
- Shift from the engagement stage to being ready to build a successful marriage.
3. Why attend our MPP?
- Couples who have attended Beyond "I do" shared that the programme has helped them to be better prepared both mentally and emotionally for a life together.
- From a satisfied client: "Discovered things that we didn't realize that will affect us as a couple or actually further re-affirms us as couple; good time to refresh some things we know and should be doing more often." DC& MQ, Jun 2011
4. What do the programmes include?
- Beyond "I do" comprises 4 sessions (includes marital and personality inventory) + 1 post programme workshop, which are spread over 8 to 10 hours. " I Do! I "M" Prepared" comprises 4 sessions, including marital and personality inventory.
5. What are the topics covered?
Beyond "I do" covers:
- Family of origin
- Role relationship and Marital Expectations
- Personality Scales
- Communication and Conflict Management
- In-law Relationship
- Financial Planning & Management
- Sexual Intimacy and Family Panning
- Children and Parenting
"I Do! I 'M' Prepared" covers additional topics that includes:
- Understanding what marriage entails
- Understanding different stages of life
- Practical support and resources.
6. Are they a couple-only or group-based programmes?
- The programmes are highly customised for premarital couples. Hence, both couple-only and small group-based formats are available.
- For couples who cherish a high level of privacy, they can opt for a couple-only programme and need not wait for a group to form.
- Couples who favour a more interactive and engaging setting can choose the group programme which caters up to five couples per group session.
- Charges for couple-only and group programmes will vary accordingly.
Note: For "I Do! I 'M' Prepared", only the couple-only programme is available.
7. What is the uniqueness of the programmes?
- Materials are customised to the couples' needs whether the couple is planning their marriage (including mature couples aged 50 years & above), re-marriage (with or without children), enhancement of marriage or for minors.
- A very practical premarital programme.
- Enables couples to manage the pertinent issues at hand between them.
8. Who will conduct the programmes?
- Experienced therapists familiar with working with couples.
9. Any rebates / subsidies available?
- Couples who successfully complete the marriage preparation programme, Beyond "I do", can enjoy a $70 rebate.
- Couples who choose to attend "I Do! I 'M' Prepared" can enjoy a subsidy up to $350 from MCYS.
10. How do I register for the Beyond "I do"?
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