Episode Overview:In this episode, Laura welcomes Kimberly Best, a professional family mediator and former trauma nurse, to talk about one of the most stressful parts of caregiving: family conflict. Together, they explore practical ways to stay grounded, communicate effectively, and navigate emotionally charged situations with clarity and compassion.Whether you’re feeling stuck in a family disagreement or just want to avoid future tension, this episode is packed with tools to help you maintain your cool and preserve peace. Meet Kimberly Best:Kimberly Best is a trained family mediator and owner of Best Conflict Solutions. She specializes in conflict resolution within families, elder care, healthcare teams, and small organizations. Drawing from her experience as a trauma and ICU nurse, Kimberly brings both compassion and structure to emotionally complex situations. She is also the author of How to Live Forever: A Guide to Writing the Final Chapter of Your Life Story and is passionate about guiding people through meaningful, values-based conversations. Topics Discussed:What causes family conflict during caregivingTips to de-escalate and stay calm in tense momentsHow to approach emotionally charged conversationsThe role of mediation in dementia and elder careUnderstanding grief, guilt, and family dynamicsWhy boundaries are an act of care—for everyone involved⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):00:00 – Introduction and meeting Kimberly Best 01:38 – From ICU nurse to family mediator 04:44 – Common causes of conflict in caregiving 07:32 – The emotional landscape behind family disagreements 10:15 – Tips for staying grounded during family tension 14:08 – The difference between reacting and responding 16:42 – What transformative mediation really means 20:11 – How to begin difficult conversations with family 24:30 – Why “being right” can get in the way of resolution 28:19 – The role of grief and unspoken pain in conflict 31:47 – Setting boundaries and protecting your peace 35:04 – How to know when mediation might help 38:40 – Final encouragement and how to connect with Kimberly Key Takeaways:Family conflict is common in caregiving—but it’s not inevitableYou can learn to respond instead of react, even in high-stress momentsMediation creates space for healing, not just problem-solvingClear communication starts with emotional awarenessPeace doesn’t mean avoiding conflict—it means navigating it with intention Resources Mentioned:Best Conflict Solutions – Kimberly’s websiteBook: How to Live Forever: A Guide to Writing the Final Chapter of Your Life Story by Kimberly Best Connect with Kimberly Best:Website: bestconflictsolutions.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kimberlybestmediatorInstagram: @kimberly_a_bestFacebook: Best Conflict Solutions Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:Website:...