5/7: In our BRISE series, we meet another family participating in BRISE. They live in Tenever, and we're curious to hear about their experiences.
In Tenever, we meet Keanu* (almost 3), his little sister Ella* (3 months), and their mother Denise* (21). The three of them are already waiting for us, along with Denise's mother. The apartment is beautifully bright, the sun shining on everyone's faces. Keanu is still eating; it's lunchtime. Katja* accompanies her daughter in her daily life and on the BRISE trail.
* Names changed by the editors
How did you become aware of BRISE?
"Through the family midwife from Pro Kind, who visited us regularly in the first year after Keanu's birth. She recommended BRISE to us and we found the whole thing quite interesting. The focus is on the children – we liked that and thought: Let's join in!"
How do you explain to other parents what BRISE is?
"Hmmm, that's difficult. I always say that it's a study from the University of Bremen that looks at how children develop at different ages, so what developmental stage the child is at. There are examinations and interviews that take place every three or four months.".
Thorsten Macha is a family support worker at BRISE and accompanies us. He conducts the interviews and then evaluates the questionnaires. The questions include, among others, "How is the child developing?", "What is the new situation with a child like?", "What does the daily routine look like?", "Are there moments when the mother feels overwhelmed?". We've known Mr. Macha for quite some time now
Do you talk to others about BRISE? If so, what about?
"Yes, if we say we have a BRISE appointment and someone asks what it is and what we do there, we tell them about it. We've even taken two mothers to BRISE. We ourselves were referred to the "Opstapje" program through BRISE. We're participating in that now, too. And we'll certainly be happy to take part in other activities as well."
Is there a BRISE experience that you will still remember in three years?
"Yes, I think so: Firstly, the EEG. Keanu didn't like it at all at first, but the people from the university and Mr. Macha put so much effort into working with the little guy and built such a great relationship with him that he ended up handling it really well. Secondly, the wonderful cooperation among the staff and with us, the families! There was a fantastic relationship with the team and with Mr. Macha. We also had some really good conversations with Mr. Macha."
Anything else?
“We’re being supported – and that’s the great thing. For example, Keanu doesn’t speak very well for his age, and very little at that. So, two weeks ago, I made an appointment with Mr. Macha, and we talked to him about it. And now we’ve applied for early intervention services for him. And he’ll be receiving them starting in December. That was really helpful!”
What would the children say about BRISE if they could express it?
"Because we see it positively, I'm sure they would see it positively too. But exactly... I have no idea." She laughs
How would you describe a BRISE appointment?
"The BRISE event is a real treat. Everything is organized, from the taxi ride to the university and back, to being greeted and asked if we'd like something to eat or drink. There's a playroom for the children, which we think is fantastic. The children never get bored there – and Keanu is a real whirlwind, so it was perfect for him."
Ella is now also participating in BRISE. Were there any differences among the children?
“Yes, we are now noticing the differences between the two. Ella, for example, started rolling over much earlier, Keanu very late. And Denise, as a mother, now has much more experience with her second child.”
Are there things you do differently with children after having experience with BRISE compared to not having this experience?
"Yes, I think so. The tips you get there alone are valuable. The questionnaire tells you what children should or must be able to do at a certain age. You simply shift your focus. If you're inexperienced, especially with your first child, it provides important guidance. Your perspective on children simply changes through participating in BRISE."
Does anything change in behavior?
"That babies sit up at around six months and start crawling at eight months... we might have just waited. But thanks to BRISE, we knew much more and encouraged him more, for example, putting him on the floor more often and demonstrating more – and that definitely made a difference. You become more of a role model for the child."
Which parts of BRISE do you like best – and which do you dislike?
"The personal contact – that was especially great! And quite honestly, I couldn't say anything negative about BRISE! There's always someone to contact. And if there's any problem, we can call them and ask if there's anything that could support us in the situation.".
Keanu is very active, and Mr. Macha recommended parent-child gymnastics and the programs at the OTe Center, which were great. He also mentioned that parents can get good advice, for example at a parenting consultation, if their child, like Keanu, is particularly active or has trouble accepting "no."
Would you recommend BRISE to other parents or pregnant friends?
"Absolutely! We're thrilled and can learn so much about our child's development, like we're currently getting through the 'Opstapje' program. This kind of support is really helpful for parents, especially first-time parents. You're grateful for every tip. After all, there's no instruction manual for a child!"
Denise* and her two children are participating in BRISE in Tenever. Grandmother Katja* often accompanies them when BRISE events are scheduled for the family. (*Name changed by the editors)
