UF IFAS SMARTCouples

UF IFAS SMARTCouples Specific programs include marriage prep classes, youth relationship education, and parenting and family skills programs for stepparents and blended families.

Strengthening Marriages and Relationship Training from UF IFAS
Learn More or Sign Up Here for Free Relationship and Parenting Education Courses: https://smartcouples.ifas.ufl.edu/classes/ UF IFAS Strengthening Marriages and Relationships Training (SMART) Couples, a project of the University of Florida’s Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and UF-IFAS Extension, is a five-year projec

t working to strengthen marriages, relationships, and families among Florida residents across ethnicities and income levels. Through trained Extension agents and community partners, the project reaches out to married and remarried couples, engaged and dating couples, and youth to give them the knowledge and skills they need to improve their relationships and family functioning. Our services and resources address the social, emotional, and economic stability needs and well-being of individuals, couples, and youth, especially youth at risk, lower-income people, and veterans. The University of Florida welcomes your comments on our social media posts and encourages interaction among Gators around the world. We also encourage our community to foster respectful and vibrant online connections. Before you post, please consider the UF Core Values and review these UF Community Commenting Guidelines (“Guidelines”). We review all comments made and when necessary, we reserve the right to remove comments that are:

- Off-topic

- Made in violation of Florida or federal law

Comments made by outside users are the opinions of the authors, not of the university. By posting a comment on our social media pages, you agree to follow the University of Florida Community Commenting Guidelines, host social media channel Terms of Service, Florida and federal law, and UF regulations and policies – including but not limited to the university’s Acceptable Use of Computing Resources Policy. Your comments may be removed if they are in violation of these Guidelines.

The kids have flown the coop…now what? 🕊️ Adjusting to an “empty nest” can feel strange at first, but it’s also a chance...
04/07/2026

The kids have flown the coop…now what? 🕊️ Adjusting to an “empty nest” can feel strange at first, but it’s also a chance to reconnect with your partner, rediscover hobbies, and even enjoy a “second honeymoon” together. ✨

Feeling a little lost? Try new activities with your spouse, date again (yes, even at home!), take a free online SMART Couples relationship course together, or find a passion project to channel your energy. Small steps can make this transition exciting instead of overwhelming.

Want more tips on navigating this stage of life and keeping your relationship strong? Check out SMART Couples for free resources and research-backed classes! 💛

🔗 smartcouples.org

💍 Planning forever together? Make sure you’re setting a strong foundation before you say “I do.”Our free premarital work...
03/30/2026

💍 Planning forever together? Make sure you’re setting a strong foundation before you say “I do.”

Our free premarital workshop gives you the tools to build a thriving marriage,from handling money and resolving conflict to strengthening communication and planning for the future. 🌟

Don’t just plan a wedding, plan a lifetime. ✨
👉 Sign up today at www.smartcouples.org

The way we talk to kids matters more than we think. 💬Simple shifts like listening fully, using kind and clear language, ...
03/23/2026

The way we talk to kids matters more than we think. 💬

Simple shifts like listening fully, using kind and clear language, and responding to feelings instead of reacting to behavior, can lead to better cooperation and more confident kids.

This week’s article breaks down practical, real-life communication tips you can start using right away.

Read the full article and explore more free parenting and relationship resources at www.smartcouples.org

💬💸 Can you and your partner talk about money without it turning into stress?Money conversations can either build connect...
03/02/2026

💬💸 Can you and your partner talk about money without it turning into stress?

Money conversations can either build connection or create conflict. The good news? Communication is a skill you can learn.

Our 9 Important Communication Skills: Talking Money course is a free, online, self-paced class designed to help couples navigate finances with clarity and confidence.

In this course, you’ll learn:
🗣️ Healthy communication habits that strengthen relationships
🤝 Practical conflict resolution strategies
❤️ Real-world tools for managing everyday money conversations

From the 4 Don’ts of Communication to the 5 Dos of Effective Communication and 10 Rules for Constructive Conflict, this class gives you practical skills you can start using right away.

Stronger communication leads to stronger relationships. Start building both today at www.smartcouples.org 🌐💖

💔 When marriage hurts, what comes next?Even strong, loving couples go through painful seasons. Negative conflict cycles,...
02/24/2026

💔 When marriage hurts, what comes next?

Even strong, loving couples go through painful seasons. Negative conflict cycles, resentment, and distance can slowly take a toll, but they don’t have to define your relationship. Healing is possible.

This week’s article explores how to break destructive patterns, communicate more constructively, rebuild closeness, and move toward forgiveness. If your relationship feels stuck, discouraged, or strained, this is a hopeful and practical read.

Find encouragement, real-life examples, and tools for healing in the full article. Plus explore our free, research-based relationship resources and classes at www.smartcouples.org! 🌐💖

💘Happy Valentine’s Day! 💝It’s the final day of our 7 Days of Love campaign: Today is all about celebrating your connecti...
02/14/2026

💘Happy Valentine’s Day! 💝

It’s the final day of our 7 Days of Love campaign: Today is all about celebrating your connection. 🥂

Celebrate love in a way that feels meaningful to you:

💞 Have a cozy night in sharing favorite memories.

💌 Write a heartfelt letter expressing what you appreciate about your partner.

💪 Reflect on your personal growth and self-love over the past week.

Whether with a partner, friends, family, or yourself, take a moment to recognize and celebrate the love in your life. 💕

Keep the love going all year long! Explore our free SMART Couples courses and resources to strengthen your relationship skills: www.smartcouples.org 🌟

It’s Day 6 of 7 Days of Love! Today, we focus on gratitude and recognizing the good in your partner and in your relation...
02/13/2026

It’s Day 6 of 7 Days of Love! Today, we focus on gratitude and recognizing the good in your partner and in your relationship. 🥰

Try to share with your partner or yourself words of gratitude, appreciation and love.

🫂 “I’m grateful for how patient you are with me.”

🌞 “I appreciate your sense of humor, it really brightens my day.”

💖 Self-love: Journal three things you appreciate about yourself.

Expressing gratitude strengthens bonds and fosters positivity. Learn more about gratitude and relationship skills in our free SMART Couples courses: www.smartcouples.org 🌟

Day 5 of 7 Days of Love is all about fun! 🎈Shared experiences help couples feel connected and happy. 💞Do something toget...
02/12/2026

Day 5 of 7 Days of Love is all about fun! 🎈Shared experiences help couples feel connected and happy. 💞

Do something together you both enjoy today!

🎲 Play a board game or card game together.

💃 Go for a walk, dance to your favorite song, or cook a new recipe.

🧘 If solo: do an activity you love and notice how it energizes you.

Having fun together strengthens friendship, one of the keys to lasting love. Explore more relationship-building ideas in SMART Couples courses: www.smartcouples.org
💫

Welcome to Day 4 of 7 Days of Love! 💌Today we’re focusing on communication, a key ingredient for lasting connection.Try ...
02/11/2026

Welcome to Day 4 of 7 Days of Love! 💌Today we’re focusing on communication, a key ingredient for lasting connection.

Try a small daily check-in or ask your partner one meaningful question before bed.

💬“What’s one thing that made you happy today?”

🤝 “Is there anything I can do to make your day easier?”

🧠 Self-reflection: Take an online communication quiz and see what areas of communication you thrive in, and which ones you can practice!

Strong communication builds trust and closeness. 🥰 Discover more tools in free communication courses at www.smartcouples.org.


It’s Day 3 of 7 Days of Love! Today is all about small, intentional acts of kindness. 🌻Brighten your partner’s day with ...
02/10/2026

It’s Day 3 of 7 Days of Love! Today is all about small, intentional acts of kindness. 🌻

Brighten your partner’s day with a thoughtful gesture.

☕ Bring them their favorite coffee or snack.

💌 Leave a handwritten note in their bag or on the mirror.

🧼 Do a small chore they dislike doing.

💝 Self-love idea: Treat yourself to a little surprise; your favorite dessert or a cozy break with a book.

Thoughtful gestures show care and strengthen positivity in your relationship. Learn more in our free online courses: www.smartcouples.org
💛

Day 2 of 7 Days of Love is here! Today we’re taking a stroll down Memory Lane to celebrate your shared experiences. 💖Sha...
02/09/2026

Day 2 of 7 Days of Love is here! Today we’re taking a stroll down Memory Lane to celebrate your shared experiences. 💖

Share a favorite memory with your partner. It could be a date, a trip, or even a funny moment at home.

📸 Pull out old photos and talk about your favorite moments together.

💭Reminisce about your first date or your first big adventure as a couple.

🤔Journal or discuss memories on your own to reflect on growth and positive experiences.

Remembering happy moments strengthens emotional bonds. 💪 Explore relationships resources and free online classes at: www.smartcouples.org


Address

University Of Florida/IFAS Extension, Department Of Family, Youth And Community Sciences, 3028 McCarty Hall D
Gainesville, FL
32611

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when UF IFAS SMARTCouples posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to UF IFAS SMARTCouples:

Share