Recently on the Today Show, Brad Pitt briefly discussed his family, including long-time girlfriend Angelina Jolie and their six adoptive children. When asked if he planned to marry Angie, he said if they determine it would benefit their children, they would do so. Following is some evidence that could change the mind of people wondering if long-term cohabitation is as good a choice as marriage for families with children. Hopefully, most Americans aren't modeling their lives after Hollywood celebrities, but cohabitation is becoming more common, so the issue is worth discussing. Marriage is not just a financial decision
08/05/2011
Child Marriage in the 21st Century
Stereotyping a social malaise such as child marriage comes with the preset notion that this menace is limited to a few third world countries. After a bit of research on the subject I was astonished to discover that this form of child abuse is a global phenomenon and not restricted to countries like India and Bangladesh. However the practice of child marriage has declined in recent decades and remains common in the rural areas and amongst the most poverty stricken. In countries like India, a village has it own rural government (Panchayat) and understandably all social, economic and religious decisions are sanctioned by the village elders. In this dynamic social set up modern concepts of social change stand no chance. The law on the other hand is not completely silent on the subject, but on the contrary is very specific when it covers the child's right to protection from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parents, guardian, or any other person. So why does this law quiver when statisticians go trigger happy conjuringIn families with limited resources, child marriage is often considered a way to provide for a daughter's future, However what is not understood is that their education and well being is an investment in the future of our social fabric. So how you can help prevent child marriageThe international government humanitarian aid group UNICEF is working hard to provide education and support to girls and boys around the world so that they are able to take a stand against being forced into child marriage. The primary objective of me writing this blog was to. . child marriage. 1) Spread awareness, especially in the developed world where a child's security and happiness are considered paramount in the quest for a healthy adult life2) Draw attention to the rampant abuse of little girls and boys who in certain cases are younger than 8 years of age3) Refer to global statistics which very clearly highlight the fact that it is the poor countries who seem to be the obvious victims of this social malaise and that is primarily due to a lack of education. married too young 4) Shortage of developed world funding which can help emancipate these children of a lesser God and lastly. . . 5) Weak economic sanctions against countries that turn a nelsons eye to this problem6) Bridge the mental gap between the aware and the un-effected7) Encourage the new generation readers to facilitate social debate on this taboo subject thus opening minds and hearts to the evils that this brings to the very fabric of social change8) Awaken media attention to this form of social subjugation9) Call upon international corporates to sponsor or adopt backward villages where this evil prosper under a veiled fabric10) 'Power to the people' where citizens from the affected countries make the mandate/ballot count and hold politicians responsible. I rest my case as I now slip into a very melancholic mood. . . restless and disturbed at the very thought that there are still thousands of children losing their right to child-hood.
How Julia Child Taught Me the Secret of an Intimate Marriage
Last night I saw the delightful movie, 'Julie and Julia. ' It was an inspirational film, based on two women who followed their passions and lived out dreams beyond their expectations. But that is not what compelled me to write on this sunny Saturday morning. No. It was Julia Child's marriage to her husband Paul, that so intrigued me. They had the warmest, most loving, relationship. They really had the 'secret' to an intimate marriage. In fact, I was so impressed, I encouraged my 19 year old daughter to see the movie, if for no other reason than to observe the relationship between Julia Child and her husband. So what made their marriage so unique What did they know that we don'tThey lovingly encouraged each other, privately and publicly, and often with a good dose of humor. They also believed the best of the other, and that set in motion a relationship so sweet, so tender that they were each a far better person for it. And their marriage was one we all dream of. Examples of Encouragement in Julia Child's Intimate Marriage:1) Julia and husband Paul are having dinner in a restaurant (where they live in Paris) and she's trying to decide what to do with her days. First she considers learning to make hats. You can see Paul doesn't think it's the best idea but rather than put her down, he asks, "What do you really like to do" She responds, "Eat" and he leans in "And you're so good at it! " to which she agrees and they both start laughing hysterically. 2) They are having a Valentine dinner with friends and Julia is telling about when she and Paul met, she was only a file clerk but "Paul designed all the secret war rooms. Why, he single-handedly won the war. " After Paul heartily agrees, he raises his glass of wine to her, "Julia, you are the butter to my bread and the breath to my life. I love you. "3) After eight years of working on her cookbook, Julia Child receives a final rejection letter from the publisher. Of course she is devastated and Paul snuggles with her and comforts her, "Your book is a masterpiece. It will change the world. " . And of course it does go on to change the world of cooking. What would happen in our relationship, if we chose to encourage our spouse Believe the best in them It's a decision we can make today. Never mind if we don't feel that they are encouraging us. It has to start somewhere and since we know that the only person we can change is ourselves
Establishing Paternity For Children Born During a Marriage But Not of the Marriage
From time to time, clients come into our office with the following scenario: "I have been married to my husband for 5 years. We have no children together. Our relationship has been up and down, and we were separated for about 3 months last year. During that time, I had a relationship with another man and I became pregnant. I was not sexually active with my husband at the time. However, my husband and I reconciled so I ended it with the other man. My husband believes that our son is his own. I have not told my husband about the other man. Now, we are having problems again and I have filed for divorce. I want to legally establish who the father of my son is and I want to tell my husband the truth about our son. What can I do"As a divorce attorney, my response is: First of all, your husband is presumed to be the father under Texas Family Code (TFC)
Eating Disorders My Childs Anorexia Has Turned Our Marriage Upside Down
When your child is diagnosed with an eating disorder your life gets turned upside down. Your relationship with your spouse changes in ways you never could have imagined. How does your relationship with your spouse change We all know that with each child you have, there is less time and energy for your spouse. What about when one of your children develops anorexiaFor one thing you are both thrown into circumstances that you have no idea how to deal with. You both may have opinions about how this happened, how serious it is, and what you should do about it if anything. An eating disorder can divide parents almost quicker than a physician can say the words. If there is already conflict or some division in the marriage, the eating disorder can serve as one more wedge in your relationship. Parents are often compelled for the sake of their child to change their work schedules which can cause stress. Sometimes employers are sympathetic and flexible and sometimes they are not. How employers react to your requests for change will impact your spouse and your marriage. You're employer's response may also impact your financial situation. You may have to take cuts in pay or work fewer hours which will bring in less money. When you need money the most, you may have less to help pay for your child's medical and emotional expenses. This brings added stress to an already difficult and frightening situation. What if you disagree about how serious this eating disorder is One parent can feel terrified and adamant about seeking help
How to Keep Your Marriage Alive After Having Children
One of the greatest joys in a marriage is becoming a parent. A child is a wonderful gift from God that brings joy as well as new stresses into the couple's life. If you allow it, children can put a strain on your marriage and come between the husband and wife. The key phrase here is "if you allow it" so don't let this be you. Here are 5 things you can do to keep your marriage alive after having children:1. Realize that children come into your marriage. You don't join your child's life
Should You Have A Child Before Or After Marriage
When it comes to this topic, there are many things to consider. Here are some of them:1. The first year is the most importantThe first year of marriage is crucial for the future. If in this period everything goes right, the chances that your marriage would end are limited. It means you could have a child who will not be affected by divorce, a new parent, two homes, etc. 2. Marriage because of a childThere are many couples that get married because she got pregnant and they want to make things right. It can be a mistake nowadays, people change and single mothers are numerous. A couple can have a child even if they are not married. Anyway a free union is frequent and more practical. 3. child marriage What partners wantIt is very important for partners to talk, to tell their wishes, dreams and eventually create a vision of the future. They have to establish priorities and analyze if they can raise a child, if they can afford it. Any child needs a loving environment and a comfortable living. If future parents live in a rented flat and have little money, it is difficult for them to pay all the bills and they should not think of having a baby. A child is a great responsibility and not a toy that can be put some place when you get bored. As a conclusion, signing a marriage certificate is not important when raising a child. A couple should think about offering their baby security, comfort, a loving home and a good education. For more information, simply visit http://www. lookingforbuddies. com/.
Eating Disorders My Childs Anorexia Has Turned Our Marriage Upside Down
When your child is diagnosed with an eating disorder your life gets turned upside down. Your relationship with your spouse changes in ways you never could have imagined. How does your relationship with your spouse change We all know that with each child you have, there is less time and energy for your spouse. What about when one of your children develops anorexiaFor one thing you are both thrown into circumstances that you have no idea how to deal with. You both may have opinions about how this happened, how serious it is, and what you should do about it if anything. An eating disorder can divide parents almost quicker than a physician can say the words. If there is already conflict or some division in the marriage, the eating disorder can serve as one more wedge in your relationship. Parents are often compelled for the sake of their child to change their work schedules which can cause stress. Sometimes employers are sympathetic and flexible and sometimes they are not. How employers react to your requests for change will impact your spouse and your marriage. You're employer's response may also impact your financial situation. You may have to take cuts in pay or work fewer hours which will bring in less money. When you need money the most, you may have less to help pay for your child's medical and emotional expenses. This brings added stress to an already difficult and frightening situation. What if you disagree about how serious this eating disorder is One parent can feel terrified and adamant about seeking help
Child Marriage
We must apply common sense and logic to all situations in our lives. Adults have the responsibility to care for children. Adults include parents. . . as well as judges with the State Legislatures. For any adult, including judges, to consider English common-law marriage for twelve-year-old girls and fourteen-year-old boys is insane. These English laws are hundreds of years old, proven antiquated, and illogical. A twelve-year-old girl may at times want to satisfy her sexual desires, but a twelve year old is an undeveloped person. Adult perverts exploit her and put her into a life-long situation that she cannot mentally or emotionally understand. In marriage, sexual intercourse is expected. Sexual intercourse is ignorant sex for any twelve years old and no child should have sex with an adult pervert she is forced to marry. All mentally stable adults have the responsibility to guide children and protect them. Children cannot defend themselves, properly care for themselves, or be expected to make wise decisions. Life can be so wonderful and very beautiful for children and young people. . married too young . if adult humans in our earth's society don't screw it up. I challenge everyone to just look around their own small environment, their own city, their own state, and of course at the sad world situation. Every day throughout the world millions of children are mistreated. They are used as child soldiers to make ignorant warlords feel important. The industrial nations support countries like China that uses child-slave labor to produce the incredibly cheap merchandise they sale. America criticizes Mexico and China for its child labor laws, yet supports their child slave labor by trading with them. Child prostitution and the international child sex slavery is a multibillion dollar Mafia business, but the Mafia is allowed to stay in business. There are some pervert State Legislatures who want to consider antiquated English common-law marriages for twelve year old children. When will we stop this criminalityChildren need to be learning, playing, and having good times free from adult responsibility and mistreatment. Childhood flies by so quickly. We must allow children the opportunity to enjoy their childhood by protecting them. Parents, all citizens, and every single individual associated in any way with organized religions have a full time job solving social problems such as eliminating hunger on earth, protecting children, and preventing wars. They also have a responsibility to protect children by insuring effective sex education and by encouraging the logical and accepted alternative to sexual intercourse. (c) Gene Hudgens.
Systematic Investment Plan - SIP - An Investment Mantra for Growth of Your Wealth
child marriage You might have heard of the saying "Little drops of water fills the empty ocean". Just like the small and little drops of water can fill the entire empty ocean in the long run, so do is the purpose of Systematic Investment Plan (SIP). A systematic investment plan or SIP (as it is more commonly known) is a way to invest in mutual funds with small sums of money on regularly basis typically monthly or quarterly, over a longer period of time. These small and regular investments will help in growth of your wealth in the long run and you will surely reap the benefits of the fruits that you have planted by doing systematic investments of your hard-earned money in mutual funds. The idea of SIP is to set apart a sum every month or quarter, and use that to buy units of a particular mutual fund, regardless of its price. People like such a system because it helps them save regularly and build up an investment. These investments are done to achieve our future financial goals like buying a house, child's education, child's marriage, retirement planning etc. As not all of us are born with a silver spoon in our mouth, each one of us still has a desire to be rich. We always want our hard-earned money to grow at a pace that not only fulfills our financial goals and needs but also helps us to improve our standard of living from good to better. Thus it is very much essential for all of us to do the proper systematic investment planning of our available financial resources in such a way that we can generate the maximum possible returns out of them with minimal risks. For this, you can either plan investments by yourself, or consult an expert generally a financial planner who helps in doing your investments wisely along with continuous monitoring of the performance of your portfolio so that you do not miss the best opportunities available in terms of investing and also do not take undue risk on your portfolio. A financial planner will help you in giving meaning to your investments by inclining them with your financial goals. By this way you would know where you are going and it will become easier for you to chart out an appropriate pathway towards the relevant destination point. Systematic Investment Planing covers the entire gamut of financial plannings you would need to do in life like Child's Marriage Planning, Retirement Planning, Child's Education Planning etc. Child's Education and Marriage Planning:-We as human beings don't have any stronger aspiration than giving the best of everything to our children. It is every parents dream to provide the best of everything to his child. All of us dream of making our kid a star. And to accomplish this dream we are ready to do whatever it takes. The biggest challenge lies in converting this dream into reality. Out of all the dreams, a sound education would undoubtedly be at the top of the list. Every parent wishes to make their child a Doctor or an Engineer or a MBA or something else when he/she grows up. To realize this dream, setting aside money for the kid's education is a top priority for parents. However, it now costs more to bring a smile on child's face than it once did to educate his father. Quality education comes with an expensive price tag, and you need to invest today in order to gift your precious one the education he deserves tomorrow. With every passing year the cost of child's education is increasing beyond our imagination. Apart from course fees there are also other expenses involved which are normally ignored. The reason one should start planning for his/her child's education from early on are:-Rising Costs of Education
Interest rates on fixed income securities have fallenSo it's a dual dilemma for parents because on one side education costs have gone up like anything and on the other hand the returns on fixed income securities have come down. Hence there is a need for prudent financial planning for children's education. With education costs rising with every passing year, the parent can't be sure whether they will be able to meet cost of their child's education 10, 15 or 20 years down the line from their savings and income at that point of time. Child's Marriage Planning:-In a country like India with myriad customs and traditions, marriages are lifetime events and could come at considerable cost, as it is every parents wish to make this special event memorable and grand. With the rising income levels, lifestyle
Interest rates on fixed income securities have fallenSo it's a dual dilemma for parents because on one side education costs have gone up like anything and on the other hand the returns on fixed income securities have come down. Hence there is a need for prudent financial planning for children's education. With education costs rising with every passing year, the parent can't be sure whether they will be able to meet cost of their child's education 10, 15 or 20 years down the line from their savings and income at that point of time. Child's Marriage Planning:-In a country like India with myriad customs and traditions, marriages are lifetime events and could come at considerable cost, as it is every parents wish to make this special event memorable and grand. With the rising income levels, lifestyle
