Book is mine of information
MINING Families Rock, the world's first self-help book for mining families, offers professional advice and practical strategies for the growing number of mining workers.
The book was written by mining mum Alicia Ranford, psychologist Angie Willcocks and journalist Lainie Anderson and was created following the success of Mining Family Matter's 32-page Survival Guide for Mining Families.
Mining Family Matters co-founder Alicia Ranford said the book had been carefully compiled, not only to help people through any challenges they face as a result of their work choices, but also to help people feel good about those choices.
"The mining boom offers great opportunities for families, but after six moves in a decade and eight years of fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) I know it can also put intense pressure on couples trying to maintain a strong relationship and raise happy, healthy kids," she said.
The book features professional advice by a psychologist, personal anecdotes from mining family members, and a raft of simple tips for keeping relationships healthy and kids happy. It is also aimed at Australians hoping to tap into the mining boom, with timely advice on where to start when you want a job in mining and what to expect from life on a mine site.
Authors' tips
- Coping in the early days of FIFO/DIDO: we all cope differently when things get tough. Some need more contact; others prefer to withdraw.
- Beating the black day blues: black days are a bit like Mondayitis, only on a bigger scale. For some miners, it's the final day of their time off. For others it's the actual day of travel back to the mine site.
- Working away - helping children to cope: allow your children to talk about how they feel, and offer an extra cuddle when they're sad.
