Learning Natural Family PlanningThere are two ways to learn to use natural family planning. You can learn NFP through a home-study course, or through a natural family planning class. Let's take a closer look at these options...
Home Study CourseA home study course is a nice option for many people. Home study is a great option if you live in an area where there aren't NFP classes. Some people prefer the home study option, because they feel uncomfortable in a classroom environment. Whatever the reason - you have a choice.
The Couple to Couple League offers a home study course. Their kit includes everything you'll need to get started.
Another way to learn NFP would be to just purchase "The Art of Natural Family Planning" book by John and Sheila Kippley. This is the same book used in the home study course and in the classes. It's pretty thick - but I think it is a fabulous resource. The book has information (and sample exercises) for beginners, as well as chapters on more advanced topics. I really like the sample charts and exercises. My copy is well worn - and I have referred back to it whenever I have questions about the rules.
Read
more about "The Art of Natural Family Planning" book.
I recently saw a copy of this book at my local public library. It's probably available at your library too. If you're really looking to save money - you could borrow a copy from your local library to start.
Not sure if you want to do the home-study course or just get the book? Read
more about using a home study course to learn NFP.
NFP ClassesThe most common way that people learn to use natural family planning is through classes.
The Couple to Couple League offers classes all across the country through local teaching couples. Learn more about
taking a class to learn NFP.
The couples who teach the classes do so on a volunteer basis - they are not paid to teach - they do it because they want to help other couples learn NFP.
A Mix of Both Home Study & ClassesI purchased a copy of "The Art of Natural Family Planning" about a year before I got serious about using NFP. At the time, my husband and I were still just dating (and waiting) - so there was no pressing need to learn NFP. In general, I prefer to do home study courses, but my husband enjoys going to classes. When we were ready to learn natural family planning, we decided to find a local teaching couple. We found a class series that would be complete before our wedding day. We were able to learn NFP during our engagement - and use it for our marriage :) Even though I normally prefer home study - I'm glad we attended the classes. Our teaching couple was so friendly! They had a way of explaining concepts of NFP in basic terms that really helped us understand it better. It was extremely helpful to have someone with NFP experience there to look at my charts and help us interpret the rules. Although, I think the greatest benefit to attending a series of classes was that it kept us on track to learn NFP. With a home study course, it can be easy to 'put it off' until you have time. With all of the wedding planning - it would have been all too easy for us to put off spending time studying NFP. With the classes - there was a built in deadline. :)
It's Your ChoiceYou can learn to use natural family planning through a home study course, or through classes. In the end - it's a matter of your preference.
|
