3/7: Today in our BRISE series, a family from Huchting shares their story. The last two posts focused on the scientific background of BRISE. But what does it mean for the families themselves? We visited a BRISE family in Huchting who explained what BRISE is all about and how the support helps them in their daily lives.
We wanted to learn more about BRISE for you – and visited a family participating in the program. In Huchting, we met mother Lea* and her son Julian* (2.5 years old). His older half-brother, nine-year-old Milan*, was also home; their father would be arriving soon. The family dog greeted us enthusiastically at the door. We were eager to hear what this family had to say about BRISE. They have been participating in BRISE, the Bremen initiative for strengthening early childhood development, since 2019 and will continue to receive support until 2025.
*Name changed by the editors
How did you become aware of BRISE?
"During the preliminary consultation for my due date at the Links der Weser hospital, BRISE flyers were available, and I thought to myself, that sounds quite interesting. I always find it exciting to participate in studies – especially when it's about my own child, its development, and the background information, that's fantastic."
Lea then contacted BRISE directly. "My pregnancy was already quite advanced. Unfortunately, I missed the first appointments as a result." The first appointment took place before the birth.
How do you explain to other parents what BRISE is?
“I would say it can be described as exploring childhood. Questions like ‘What is going on inside the small child?’ or ‘What influence do I, as a parent, actually have on the child?’ It’s also about looking at everyday things that you have seen modeled by your own grandparents or parents,” Lea explains.
The family receives compensation for each BRISE appointment. "It goes into Julian's piggy bank, so he'll have something to look forward to later," his mother says happily. They also get to choose a toy at each appointment, and the rooms are set up so that every visit is really enjoyable for them.
Do you talk to others about BRISE? If so, what about?
Lea talked to her friends about BRISE, and they all found the program very interesting. She told them that BRISE runs until the first year of school and also what happens at each appointment. "At every appointment, we discuss what the next step is. And now the appointments take place annually; the BRISE family mentors come to the house once, and then we go to the lab."
She also tells friends and acquaintances about the extensive questionnaire, which deals with the general situation and topics such as TV consumption, language development and Corona.
Is there a BRISE experience that you will still remember in three years?
“What really helped us was that we received support from the family midwife of Pro Kind . Especially in the first twelve weeks, when there are still so many questions, this helped us a lot and I will always remember that.”
Not only the practical help and support, but also the insightful, reflective conversations were very helpful for her: “Every time the midwife was here, we went through a worksheet from the NEST folder . ‘Where do some things come from?’ ‘What’s the reason for that?’ or ‘If I do this now, what effect might it have on my child?’ She also reflected on her own childhood. ‘I don’t think you get that kind of comprehensive reflection anywhere else.’”
Julian is her first child; she didn't experience this phase, between diapers and first words, with her nine-year-old stepson Milan. The holistic view of the family was therefore invaluable, Lea explains. The midwife was able to give her good advice on how to deal with her stepson in this new situation. "Our midwife didn't just look after the little one, but the whole family." "I never thought I'd need this support, but it was so good to have the midwife with us!"
A particularly beautiful moment was when Julian started talking to the midwife on his second birthday. She was also fascinated by a test at the BRISE laboratory, where a cookie was placed in front of her son and he was told, "You mustn't take it!" His mother, Lea, was familiar with this type of test, but was thrilled to see her son in such a situation and to witness how wonderfully he cooperated – and didn't touch the cookie.
What would your son say about BRISE if he could express it?
Lea asks her son if he remembers the midwife. Julian exclaims happily, "She's coming right now?!" Everyone laughs. "Julian thought the midwife was absolutely wonderful," says his mother Lea, adding that he was always happy when she was there. "It was always such a warm and friendly atmosphere!"
Julian proudly shows off the BRISE certificate from his EEG appointment. His mother knows it brings him positive memories. The boy points to a photo where you can even see the many sensors on his cap.
Are there things you do differently with children after experiencing BRISE compared to without this experience? Does their behavior change?
Lea is quite certain: Yes, a great deal. "Everything we discussed in detail, for example, how to respond more sensitively to situations where small children become defiant. It was simply a great help in social interaction – you listen to each other more, you talk more. Even when they are so small, they still understand almost everything."
Which parts of BRISE do you like best – and which do you dislike?
"What I remember most fondly is the support from the midwife, truly!" At the BRISE facility, there was always plenty of time to settle in, and my son always had something to eat, drink, and play with. "Everything was always very well organized, and the staff took their time. If something didn't go according to plan that day, it wasn't a big deal," she describes the process. "You just felt well cared for there."
The mother occasionally sees the questionnaires as a necessary evil. "Sometimes you think, ugh, another question, and it's the same old thing again… – but that's just how questionnaires are," she sighs with a laugh. "Besides, I've actually learned something new every time, which has been valuable."
"And they handled the whole situation with Corona really well! We were always in contact with the midwife and then talked via video call, that worked well," Lea recalls.
Do you believe there are any reasons not to use BRISE?
The midwife typically stays with the BRISE families for around two years, and there are also very intensive discussions with the family support workers. "Perhaps it's more difficult for people who don't want to let anyone get so close. Or they might feel uncomfortable when these people are in their home." Lea can imagine that this could be one reason why families don't want to participate in BRISE.
Would you recommend BRISE to other parents or pregnant friends?
“I already have!” Lea says immediately. Looking warmly at her son, she adds with a smile, “You can never learn enough about you.” An acquaintance, with whom she shared the same midwife, is now also participating in BRISE – and had just as great an experience.
Thank you so much for the conversation and for allowing us to visit you in Huchting!
Lea* and her son live in Huchting, in the south of Bremen, and have been participating in BRISE since 2019. The family will continue to be followed until 2025. (*Name changed by the editors)
