One Week to Save Your Marriage
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this series -- which focuses on marital relationships on the brink of collapse -- is meant for adults, not children. Couples talk about their problems frankly, often with anger, name-calling, and tears. Problems include lack of intimacy and romance, which leads to discussions about sex. Couples who are parents are challenged on the behavior they're modeling for their kids. The show can be difficult and even sad to watch at times, especially for kids who are trying to figure out their own relationships or are dealing with a divorce. Mature teens may be able to learn something from the conflict-resolution processes, but chances are they'll be more interested in the melodrama.
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What's the story?
Division of domestic chores, working too many hours at the office, financial pressures, lack of intimacy in the bedroom -- these are just some of the challenges discussed by the couples in ONE WEEK TO SAVE YOUR MARRIAGE, and it's up to renowned psychotherapist Dr. Robi Ludwig -- who has a bag of tricks, years of experience, and a mission -- to save these marriages on the brink of divorce. From a van parked outside, for seven days Ludwig watches each couple's interactions as they're filmed on video cameras stationed throughout their home. She sees and hears accusations, tears, and anger that are heart-wrenching to observe. Ludwig then challenges the couple with exercises and tasks to help them face their hidden resentments, develop healthy communication skills, and reignite the romance that is typically long-gone. Each episode concludes with a mock \"wedding\" in which Ludwig asks each couple if they want to save their marriage -- and, if so, gives them their rings back.
Is it any good?
One Week to Save Your Marriage is for adults only. It's about the pressures that adults face in marriage long after the honeymoon phase is over and covers topics that kids and teens haven't yet experienced on their own.
Many kid viewers may be familiar with divorce from their own experiences, but watching other people's name-calling, crying, shrieking arguments, and intimate discussions about lack of sex doesn't provide any useful lessons for kids and teens, no matter how their family is defined.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the challenges of all long-term relationships -- whether between spouses, roommates, or best friends. Why are clear communication and responsive listening so important in any relationship? How do the show's exercises help people communicate? Parents can also point out the different phases the couples on the show go through -- negotiation, compromise, and resolution.
TV details
- Premiere date: August 7, 2006
- Cast: Dr. Robi Ludwig
- Network: TLC
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: October 12, 2020
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