Blog Post | 12 May, 2022
Some topics are hard to raise with your family, no matter how close you are.
If your parents are approaching retirement age, you may be concerned about what they have planned for their future. Maybe you want to make sure they’ll be financially secure, or that you’re abiding by their wishes when the time comes.
But it can be hard asking your parents about their plans when you haven’t always seen eye-to-eye in the past, or you look to them for guidance.
Often, starting the conversation about what they have planned for their future can seem so overwhelming, it’s easier to... Read more
Blog Post | 16 March, 2021
They say there are two things guaranteed in life: death and taxes. Ironically enough, death and money are two of the most taboo topics in many cultures. This may be why some people are reluctant to ask their ageing parents about their will and estate plans.
Maybe you’re worried you’ll seem greedy or nosy, or perhaps you simply don’t want to think about your parents passing.
But as uncomfortable as it might be, it’s an important conversation to have to ensure their final wishes are respected – and no one is left confused and scrambling when the time comes.
We hope these tips help make it a... Read more
Blog Post | 24 June, 2021
Death is a part of life we all learn about at some point. The passing of a loved one can be a scary and uncertain time for everyone – especially children.
Whether it’s sudden or expected, it’s never easy to talk about death, and it can be hard to know where to start when breaking the news to kids.
We hope this advice helps you have this tough conversation with your child.
Use simple language
Use age-appropriate and clear language when talking about death. Using complicated metaphors or vague phrases like “no longer with us” and “in a better place” can be confusing for kids.
Keep it... Read more
Blog Post | 11 November, 2021
Does your mate seem a bit off lately?
No one likes to see someone they care about struggle, but it can be hard to know how to help. Learning how to recognise the signs a friend might be depressed is a great place to start.
Research shows one in six Australians is currently experiencing depression or anxiety – or both.
Asking your mates about their mental health can help remove the stigma and support them through a tough time. Because let’s face it – with the busyness of everyday life and the craziness... Read more
Blog Post | 11 September, 2023
Do you know your neighbours?
Having a positive relationship with your neighbours can increase security and provide access to resources and support when needed.
You don’t have to be best friends with your neighbours, but making an effort to meet them and develop mutual respect can make for a more peaceful and positive living environment.
Neighbourhood block parties or street parties are a great way to get to know your neighbours better and build a sense of community.
Here are some key steps to hosting a successful block party in your neighbourhood.
Choose a date with plenty of notice
It... Read more
Blog Post | 17 April, 2020
Sharing might be caring, but sharing a space with another person 24/7 can put a strain on even the strongest of partnerships.
Let’s acknowledge right now that anyone who still has a job, and can perform that job from the relative safety of their home, is really lucky.
In saying that, though, it’s normal to find it challenging – especially if you’ve never worked from home before. Add a partner, housemate, parent or friend to that situation and it can be a recipe for tough times.
It’s OK to find working from home with your partner hard.
No matter how much we like or love someone, being in... Read more
Blog Post | 30 August, 2023
Have you noticed repeating patterns in your relationships?
Maybe you feel insecure and seek a lot of validation from your partner? Or maybe you bolt at the first sign of emotional intimacy?
These behaviours can be signs of your attachment style.
Our attachment style starts taking shape from infancy based on how our primary caregivers (usually parents) meet our needs. This forms the foundations for how we perceive and act in relationships into adulthood.
Identifying your attachment style can help you understand your behaviour in relationships and how you relate to your partner. It can also... Read more
Blog Post | 06 June, 2011
In our modern society, life moves pretty fast. Going to the bank can be instantaneous at the click of a button. We have faster, more efficient cars so we can get to our destinations quicker. We can sit in our fast, efficient cars and order fast food. We can even talk and see people in real time, which may be on the other side of the globe on our mobile phones while waiting for our fast food, while sitting in our fast efficient car.
Being able to do things faster and get things done quickly has led to the pace of life increasing. As the pace of life has increased... Read more
Individual FAQ | 03 June, 2015
RAQ Family Dispute Practitioners (mediators) are trained to work with separated people.
Family Dispute Practitioners at RAQ use mediation because it offers a safe, confidential, respectful model for separated people who have unresolved disputes.
Some separated people need to settle their property and possessions.
Property settlements at RAQ venues may occur if no children are involved. At Family Relationship Centres , children must be involved.
Some separated people who are parents need to make plans about how children will be raised in separate households.
Some separated... Read more
Individual FAQ | 03 June, 2015
Some of our clients who find themselves in this situation invite their former partners into a Family Dispute Resolution process. This involves a screening process called an Intake and mediation if appropriate. At Family Relationship Centres a group information session will be offered as well and Child Consultants may be involved where appropriate and agreed. A service called FDR41 (Family Dispute Resolution for One) is offered at a select number of RAQ venues where trained mediators work with one person and the conflict they have.