LifeWorks' Relationship Practical Tips and Strategies

For more information, details and tips, please contact LifeWorks on 8650 6200 or email lifeworks@lifeworks.com.au and discover more about our relationship education programs and counselling services.

• Ten Tips for a Better Relationship
• Affairs and Infidelity
• Creating a Work-Family Balance
• Top Five Fatherhood Tips
• Information for Parents - Asperger's Syndrome
• Smart Separation Strategies
  
  

 

Ten Tips for a Better Relationship.

1. Believe in your ability to create a healthy relationship.

2. Plan regular time together as a couple.

3. Become clear about your needs and expectations - develop an awareness of where these come from.

4. Be prepared to say what you want in your relationship.

5. Be prepared to listen carefully to your partner.

6. Make room in your relationship for differences and value these differences.

7. Let your partner know when you appreciate him/her.

8. Develop a team approach.

9. Know the difference between fair and dirty fighting.

10. Be curious about your partner.

 

Download a PDF Copy of LifeWorks' Ten Tips for a Better Relationship.

 

Affairs and Infidelity 

What is an affair? Why do partners 'cheat'? Can a relationship survive infidelity? 

This information sheet discusses the six main 'types' of affairs and provides strategies on how couples can rebuild their relationship after infidelity.

Download a copy of LifeWorks Information Sheet on Affairs and Infidelity

 

Work-Family Balance

Is your personal and professional life in balance? Read through our suggestions on how to recalibrate and stay in balance. Download the PDF Tip Sheet - Work-Family Balance.

 

 

Top Five Fatherhood Tips.

1. Remember you are the parent.

2. How you father is a choice.

3. Firmness and gentle kindness go well together.

4. Fathering is a long term investment.

5. Children can learn to love as they are loved.

 

Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger’s Disorder, sometimes referred to Asperger’s Syndrome, is generally first detected in childhood. It is often considered to be a similar disorder to autism, though is generally viewed as far less severe. There are lots of ways in which parents, family members and friends can support children with Aspergerís Disorder, and these are outlined in this tip sheet.

 

Download Tip Sheet: How to Support a Child with Asperger's Syndrome

 

Smart Separation Strategies

1. Be kind to yourself. There is nothing to be gained by trying to establish who is to blame for the relationship ending or apportioning blame, even though you feel like itís important now. 

2. Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs. You will need every brain cell you can muster to safely and successfully handle the time ahead. Pain is not alcohol soluble so donít try to self-medicate using alcohol or illegal drugs. Try to deal with the pain by exercising, talking to friends or a counsellor. NEVER GO NEAR YOUR FORMER PARTNER UNDER THE INFUENCE OF ANY SUBSTANCE.

3. Get enough sleep. Increase your exercise, reduce your caffeine intake to ensure that you get at least 6 hours sleep per night. Make an appointment with your GP if this doesnít work. 

4. Have a positive child focus. Let the children know that you are there for them, be on time for access, plan some fun activities and DO NOT GIVE CHILDREN the responsibility of relaying messages to the other parent.

5. Help your child to have love and respect for both parents. Avoid putdowns and talking negatively when the children can hear. Children want to love both their parents. Sometimes you will need to give the children encouragement, support, and permission to have a relationship with the other parent. 

6. Stay out of conflict with the other parent. When discussing challenging parenting issues: 

a)  Take time out to cool down and do some processing.

b)  Check that that it is an acceptable time to talk and, if not, make a time. Change-over time is usually not a good time to have a productive conversation. 

c)  Calmly and objectively describe the situation and how it is a problem for the child. 

d)  Raise issues respectfully and without blame.

e)  Respond to a parentís concern without defensiveness and arguments.

f)   Listen without interrupting.

g)  Try to negotiate a decision that will support positive outcomes for the children.

h)  Accept that different homes will have different rules