"It takes a village to raise a child," goes an old African proverb. Conveniently, Bremen is not just a village, but a whole city.
I've repeatedly observed that for some issues, seeking advice, help, and support seems to be quite fashionable, while for others it's not. But why is that? When is asking for help perceived as right and natural, and when is it seen as a failure?
Let's take two examples:
These two examples illustrate that help and support are viewed differently, and accepting them can be seen as "cool" or "embarrassing." I often tell myself in certain situations, "I can handle this on my own" or "I don't need help." I therefore view seeking and accepting help negatively because I believe it implies, "I'm not functioning properly, I'm stupider or weaker than others.".
Accepting support is a first step towards strength
Living together without help and support from others—and by that I also mean professional help—is unimaginable and so much more difficult! The labels "cool" or "embarrassing" should be completely irrelevant to all of us. Accepting support is a first step towards strength, no matter what it is. Because help makes you strong! Through it, I've learned that sometimes just doing small things differently can initiate big changes. Good changes that improve life and how we live together.
That's why I want to encourage you to accept support and help and simply try it out and see what changes. This might give you the chance to see problems become smaller and easier, solutions emerge, or the pressure to always be productive lessen.
Use your villages!
The saying "it takes a village to raise a child" is such a wonderful example because it shows that only through positive cooperation can we overcome our own obstacles. Bremen, with its many districts, made up of diverse little "villages." Family, friends, and neighbors, as well as family centers, mothers' and mothers' centers, parenting advice centers , and the many other local support services, can not only "raise a child" but also make everyday life easier and better for families. Try out this support!
At Familiennetz Bremen, you can receive groundbreaking advice, whether it's about healthy development, family relationships, everyday challenges, or the many other demands of life. On our website, you'll find offers and events from over 900 organizations in Bremen that make up your local community.