The Lifeworks Group, Inc.

By Dwight Bain,  LMHC, NCC & Certified Coach      "Life should be easier this summer, so what am I doing wrong?"  Was the hectic plea of a stressed out mom I talked to recently. She was facing what millions of other moms go through. It’s the middle of the summer without set schedules or routines, yet it is still one of the most stressful times of the year. Ever wonder why extended family time away from school or work can lead to greater conflict and tension?       First, realize you are not in a Disney movie. Summertime is like any other season of the year. It has a different temperature pattern, but that doesn’t mean it will be any happier. In fact, if you are facing financial challenges it can be harder since there are increased childcare costs, summer camp tuition fees and more meals eaten in the car between events. The traditional school year isn’t easy, but it is predictable, and from a budget perspective is often less stressful than...

20 Strategies to build unity using healing topics designed to block political conflict. The holiday season can create loving connection between family members or be a time of conflict, arguments, rejection and hurt. Especially after the emotionally charged 2020 Presidential election left many family relationships strained or even shattered. How can you have a calm conversation with your relatives when there is so much political pressure and unrest? As host you must set the tone that your Thanksgiving table is about connection – not conflict. It is a time of unity not division. The conversation is about family relationships of the people who live at your house, not debate about who is elected to serve at the White House. Talking about personal life allows stress to go down because it allows for empathy and understanding about normal life challenges instead of national ones. Everyone is stressed and everyone needs more support to manage the pressure. The questions below a...