AToolbox to renovate your relationship

Many men tell us that they didn’t see the problems in their relationship before it was too late. These guys wish they had done maintenance work on their love lives, before things deteriorated too far.

There are 13 project tools in the DIY toolbox:

•  Working together?
•  Avoiding misunderstandings
• Sharpen up your listening
• Resolving conflict
• When the roof blows off! Anger and frustration
• Who has the power? Abuse and violence
• Self-maintenance
• Renovate your sex life
• Love
• Valuing differences
• Appreciation
• When trust breaks down
• Children – planning for the extension.

Each tool comes with key points and checklists of things to consider and do, expressed in plain and practical language. The booklet also includes reactions and thoughts from men about their relationships, and other sources of helpful information. Dr Bickerdike said a call to action in the form of a renovation manual had a lot to offer men who were aware of the strains and gaps in their intimate relationships, but were unable to find good ways to help repair them. “This booklet, with its emphasis on ‘teamwork’, ‘anti corrosion treatment’ and ‘regular maintenance’, can go some of the way towards that.”

 To obtain a copy of the booklet, click on the following link to download it from the website: Renovate your relationship: a manual for men (pdf).

On Being a Dad

This booklet offers advice to fathers so that they can better balance their busy lives and be there for their children. It covers such topics as:

• learning to be a dad
• balancing work and family commitments
•  working smarter
•  what "being there" for your children means
• parenting
• traditional versus non-traditional fathering
• making the most of the time you have with your children
• books and other resources on fathering
• leisure time and activities.

Download the On being a dad Booklet (pdf)

Contact us if you would like to discuss issues around being a father or your relationship or any of the multitude of issues that can impact on the life of a man at home or work or play.